Roasted Garlic Cheese Spread Recipe
Indulge in the creamy, savory flavors of this Roasted Garlic Cheese Spread from LoveWithRecipes.com—a perfect blend of roasted garlic and smooth cream cheese with a hint of chives, ideal for spreading on crackers, crusty bread, or as a dip. This delicious recipe combines easy-to-find ingredients with a simple roasting method that brings out the garlic’s natural sweetness, making it a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s hard to resist.
Ingredients & Nutritional Information
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Head of garlic | 1 | Fresh, with papery skin intact |
| Olive oil | 1 tbsp | For roasting garlic |
| Cream cheese | 1 cup | Softened for easy mixing |
| Unsalted butter | 1/4 cup | Softened; use salted butter if preferred and reduce salt |
| Salt | 1/2 tsp | Adjust to taste |
| Black pepper | 1/4 tsp | Freshly ground for best flavor |
| Fresh chives | 1 tbsp | Finely chopped, optional for garnish |
| Nutritional Information (Per Cup) |
|---|
| Calories |
| Fat |
| Saturated Fat |
| Cholesterol |
| Sodium |
| Carbohydrates |
| Fiber |
| Sugars |
| Protein |
Instructions
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Prepare Garlic for Roasting:
- Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). While the oven heats, take the head of garlic and carefully cut off the top third, exposing the tops of each clove without peeling away too much of the papery skin.
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Drizzle with Olive Oil:
- Place the garlic head, cut side up, in a small ovenproof dish such as a ramekin or a baking pan. Drizzle the exposed cloves generously with olive oil, ensuring they’re fully coated. The olive oil not only aids in roasting but also helps mellow out the garlic flavor, giving it a sweet, caramelized taste.
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Roast the Garlic:
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and slide it into the preheated oven. Roast the garlic for about 60–75 minutes, checking occasionally. When ready, the cloves should be soft, golden, and fragrant. Carefully remove from the oven and allow the garlic to cool for a few minutes until it’s comfortable to handle.
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Extract the Roasted Garlic Cloves:
- Once slightly cooled, squeeze each clove gently to release the roasted garlic pulp into a mini-food processor. This rich, soft garlic will be the base of your cheese spread, adding an intense, savory flavor.
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Blend Ingredients Until Smooth:
- To the processor, add the softened cream cheese, butter, salt, and black pepper. For a smooth and creamy texture, pulse the mixture until everything is well incorporated. If you prefer a more rustic texture, this step can be done by hand using a whisk or fork.
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Fold in Fresh Chives:
- For a touch of color and a hint of onion-like flavor, fold in finely chopped fresh chives. This step is optional, but it elevates the spread’s taste and adds a touch of freshness.
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Serve and Enjoy:
- Transfer the spread to a serving dish and let it soften slightly at room temperature. Serve with an assortment of crackers, crusty bread, or even vegetable sticks. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and allow it to come to room temperature before serving again for maximum flavor and spreadability.
This roasted garlic cheese spread recipe is a versatile and flavorful addition to any appetizer spread, and it’s sure to impress your guests with its rich and savory taste. Enjoy the elegance of roasted garlic and cream cheese in this easy, make-ahead recipe from LoveWithRecipes.com!
