Creamy Cheese Spread (Printable)

Rich and smooth cheese spread with fresh chives and garlic, ideal for breads, crackers, or dips.

# What You'll Need:

→ Dairy

01 - 7 oz cream cheese, softened
02 - 3.5 oz mascarpone cheese
03 - 1.75 oz grated Parmesan cheese

→ Flavorings

04 - 1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely chopped
05 - 1 clove garlic, minced
06 - 1 teaspoon lemon juice
07 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
08 - Salt, to taste

# How to Make It:

01 - In a medium bowl, combine the cream cheese, mascarpone, and grated Parmesan.
02 - Mix with a spatula or hand mixer until smooth and creamy.
03 - Add the chives, minced garlic, lemon juice, black pepper, and a pinch of salt.
04 - Stir until all ingredients are well incorporated and the mixture is fluffy.
05 - Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
06 - Transfer to a serving bowl and chill for at least 30 minutes to enhance flavor.

# Expert Hacks:

01 -
  • It takes less than 10 minutes but tastes like you fussed over it for hours.
  • One batch feeds a crowd or becomes your secret afternoon snack.
  • It's the kind of thing people ask for the recipe for, then make it at home and think of you.
02 -
  • Cold cream cheese won't blend smoothly, no matter how hard you stir—always let it soften for 20 minutes at room temperature first.
  • Lemon juice isn't optional; it's the thing that makes this taste bright instead of one-note and rich in a heavy way.
03 -
  • Use a hand mixer if you have one—it aerates the cheeses and makes the spread fluffier than you can achieve by hand.
  • The real secret is tasting as you go and never being afraid to adjust the seasoning; what seems perfect in the bowl might taste different when spread on something else.

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