If you want an easy, crowd-pleasing recipe for entertaining, this Garlic and Herb Cheese Spread is a perfect choice.
This creamy spread combines cream cheese with fresh parsley, chives, garlic and finely grated Parmesan for a flavorful dip or spread that comes together in under 15 minutes.
If you enjoy store-bought garlic and herb spreads like Boursin, you’ll appreciate this economical homemade version. It’s great on an antipasto platter, with crackers or breadsticks, and also makes a quick sauce for pasta when loosened with a little cooking water.
Ingredients
- Cream cheese – 8 ounces (226 grams), softened to room temperature. Full-fat cream cheese gives the best texture and flavor.
- Whole milk – 2 tablespoons (30 ml). Optional: add just enough to reach your preferred consistency.
- Finely grated Parmesan (Parmigiano Reggiano) – ¼ cup. Freshly grated from a block yields the best flavor.
- Fresh parsley – ¼ cup, finely chopped.
- Chives – 1 tablespoon, chopped.
- Garlic – 1 clove, minced or crushed. Use a fresh firm clove for the brightest flavor.
- Salt and ground black pepper – about ¼ teaspoon each, or to taste.
Instructions
1. Cut the cream cheese into large chunks and place them in the bowl of a small food processor.
2. Process the cream cheese until smooth, about 30 seconds. If you prefer a soft spread, add a splash of milk and pulse to combine. Add a little more milk only if needed to reach the consistency you want.
3. Add the grated Parmesan, parsley, chives, minced garlic, salt and pepper. Process for 30 seconds to 1 minute until everything is well combined and the herbs are evenly distributed.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning. Scoop the spread into a serving bowl and chill for 20 minutes if you prefer a firmer texture. Serve immediately if you want a soft, dip-like consistency.
Hint: Use only as much milk as necessary — less milk for a firmer spread, more for a looser dip.
Substitutions
- Parmigiano Reggiano – Pecorino Romano can be used instead for a saltier, sheep’s-milk flavor.
- Garlic – if you don’t have fresh garlic, about ½ teaspoon of garlic powder will work, though fresh garlic is preferred.
- Herbs – swap parsley and chives for mint, dill or thyme if you want a different herbal profile.
Variations
- Spicy – add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne for heat.
- Dried herbs – if fresh herbs aren’t available, use 1 teaspoon each of dried dill, parsley, thyme or basil (reduce quantity since dried herbs are more concentrated).
- Decadent – replace the milk with a little unsalted butter or a splash of cream for a richer, silkier spread when serving immediately.
Equipment
A small food processor produces the creamiest result and evenly distributes the herbs and garlic. You can also use an electric hand mixer or mix by hand with a wooden spoon if necessary.
Storage
Keep the spread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. This spread also freezes well for up to one month; thaw in the refrigerator before serving. Note that freezing may slightly change the texture, so stirring after thawing helps restore smoothness.
Top tip
Allow the cream cheese to come to room temperature before processing so it blends to a silky texture. Finely chop the garlic and herbs so the flavors are evenly distributed. If you prefer a firmer spread, make it ahead and chill for at least 20 minutes to let it set and for the flavors to meld.
FAQ
How do I make Garlic and Herb Cheese Spread? Combine softened cream cheese in a food processor with a small amount of milk, grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, chives, minced garlic, salt and pepper. Process until smooth. Adjust milk and seasoning to taste.
What is Boursin? Boursin is a popular commercial garlic-and-herb cheese spread. This recipe reproduces that classic flavor at home with simple ingredients and is often fresher and more economical.
Is Philadelphia cheese the same as cream cheese? Yes. Philadelphia is a brand of cream cheese that’s commonly used as the base for spreads like this one.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with crusty bread, sliced semolina bread, grissini breadsticks, crackers or raw vegetables. For a simple pasta sauce, loosen the spread with a little reserved pasta water and toss through hot, al dente pasta for a quick, flavorful dish. A spoonful added to soups or stews will boost richness and herb flavor.
Herb Garlic Cheese Spread Recipe
This quick cheese spread uses cream cheese, garlic and a few fresh herbs to create an economical appetizer in less than 15 minutes.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 6 people | Author: Marcellina
Ingredients
- 8 ounces (226 g) cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) whole milk (optional)
- ¼ cup finely grated Parmesan (Parmigiano Reggiano)
- ¼ cup finely chopped parsley
- 1 tablespoon chopped chives
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- ¼ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper, or to taste
Instructions
- Cut cream cheese into chunks and place in a small food processor.
- Process until smooth, about 30 seconds.
- If a softer texture is desired, add a splash of milk and blend until you reach the preferred consistency.
- Add Parmesan, parsley, chives, garlic, salt and pepper; process until well combined.
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve immediately for a dip or chill for 20 minutes for a firmer spread.
- Serve with breadsticks, crusty bread or crackers.
Notes
- Bring cream cheese to cool room temperature for easier blending.
- Chop herbs and garlic finely for even distribution.
- Reduce milk for a firmer spread or omit it entirely.
- Chilling the spread helps the flavors develop and firms the texture.
Nutritional Estimate Per Serving
Calories: 155 kcal | Carbohydrates: 3 g | Protein: 4 g | Fat: 14 g | Saturated Fat: 8 g | Sodium: 292 mg
Nutritional information is an estimate and will vary based on brands and ingredient choices.