Description
This sun dried tomato cream cheese is a flavorful, easy-to-make spread perfect for jazzing up bagels, crackers, sandwiches, or vegetable dips. Made with just four simple ingredients—sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil, garlic, and whipped cream cheese—it’s a delicious and cost-effective alternative to store-bought flavored cream cheeses. Ready in minutes, this spread offers a vibrant combination of tangy, savory, and herbaceous notes that will elevate any snack or appetizer.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 5 whole sun-dried tomato pieces (oil-packed or dry-packed, rehydrated if dry)
- 10 fresh basil leaves
- 1 clove garlic, crushed
- 1 batch whipped cream cheese (about 8 ounces)
Instructions
- Chop the Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Basil: Finely dice the 5 sun-dried tomato pieces and 10 fresh basil leaves using a sharp knife. Transfer the chopped ingredients to a bowl to help them distribute evenly throughout the spread for maximum flavor in every bite.
- Combine Ingredients to Make the Spread: Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and basil to a medium bowl. Add the crushed garlic clove and the whipped cream cheese. Stir thoroughly with a spatula or wooden spoon until everything is evenly combined and the mixture is smooth. Let the spread sit for a few minutes to meld the flavors.
- Serve or Store the Spread: Serve immediately with bread, bagels, crackers, or vegetables. Alternatively, cover and refrigerate the spread in an airtight container for up to 5-7 days. For best flavor and spreadability, let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving if stored in the fridge.
Notes
- Use either oil-packed or dry-packed sun-dried tomatoes; if using dry-packed, rehydrate in warm water for 10-15 minutes and pat dry before chopping.
- Drain oil-packed tomatoes well to avoid an overly oily spread.
- Finely crush or mince the garlic to not overpower the spread with large chunks.
- Allow cream cheese to come to room temperature before mixing for smoothest texture.
- For a smoother consistency, pulse sun-dried tomatoes and basil briefly in a food processor before combining.
- Substitute roasted red peppers or oven-roasted fresh tomatoes if sun-dried tomatoes are unavailable.
- Fresh herbs are preferred, but dried basil (about 1 teaspoon) or other fresh herbs like oregano, thyme, or parsley can be used as alternatives.
- Regular cream cheese can be used instead of whipped cream cheese, but soften before mixing.
- Refrigerate in an airtight container and consume within one week.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: sun dried tomato cream cheese, cream cheese spread, easy appetizer, bagel spread, savory cream cheese, party dip, quick snack, flavored cream cheese
