A Taste of Summer

Preserving the harvest often means canning or drying, but this cheese spread offers a delicious way to enjoy fresh herbs well into the cooler months. By blending the vibrant flavors of chives, parsley, marjoram, basil, and lemon thyme with rich cream cheese and butter, you create a savory topping that elevates simple crackers or morning bagels. It captures the essence of the garden in a creamy, spreadable form that is perfect for entertaining or a quick snack.

This recipe is incredibly versatile and freezer friendly. You can prepare a large batch while your herb garden is at its peak and store it for later enjoyment. The combination of fresh greens and garlic mellows beautifully as it chills, creating a well rounded flavor profile. Whether served immediately after chilling or thawed and whipped again for a gathering, it brings a bright, savory note to the table.

Pair it with our Sesame Yeast Cracker Bread for a delicious appetizer or snack.

Yield: 1 1/4 Pounds Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 0 minutes Temperature: N/A

• 2 tablespoons fresh chives
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley
• 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh marjoram
• 1 tablespoon fresh basil
• 1 1/2 teaspoons fresh lemon thyme
• 1 clove garlic
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
• 8 tablespoons butter, softened

Instructions

1. Place the fresh chives, parsley, marjoram, basil, lemon thyme, and garlic into a food processor.
2. Pulse the herbs and garlic until they are finely chopped.
3. Add the freshly ground black pepper to the herb mixture.
4. Add the softened butter and softened cream cheese to the processor bowl.
5. Process the mixture until it is smooth and fully blended.
6. Transfer the spread to a container and chill in the refrigerator for several hours to allow the flavors to meld.
7. To freeze, place in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
8. If serving after freezing, thaw the spread in the refrigerator and reblend with an electric mixer before serving to restore its creamy texture.

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A Taste of Summer

A creamy, savory spread made with fresh chives, parsley, marjoram, basil, lemon thyme, and garlic. Perfect for bagels, crackers, or as a party appetizer. Freezer-friendly and easy to make.

Cuisine: American Courses: Condiment, Prep Ahead

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Prep Time 10 mins Total Time 10 mins Dietary:

G Gluten-Free K Keto L Low Carb P Primal V Vegetarian

Ingredients

Servings

• 2 tablespoons fresh chives
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley
• 1 ¹⁄₂ tablespoons fresh marjoram
• 1 tablespoon fresh basil
• 1 ¹⁄₂ teaspoons fresh lemon thyme
• 1 clove garlic
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 packages cream cheese, softened (8 ounce)
• 8 tablespoons butter, softened

Instructions

1. Place the fresh chives, parsley, marjoram, basil, lemon thyme, and garlic into a food processor.
2. Pulse the herbs and garlic until they are finely chopped.
3. Add the freshly ground black pepper to the herb mixture.
4. Add the softened butter and softened cream cheese to the processor bowl.
5. Process the mixture until it is smooth and fully blended.
6. Transfer the spread to a container and chill in the refrigerator for several hours to allow the flavors to meld.
7. To freeze, place in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
8. If serving after freezing, thaw the spread in the refrigerator and reblend with an electric mixer before serving to restore its creamy texture.

Keywords: herb cream cheese, garlic herb spread, homemade cheese spread, fresh herb recipes, garden harvest recipes, freezer friendly appetizers, savory cream cheese, chive and onion cream cheese substitute, cottagecore food