Garlic Cream Cheese Spread (Printable)

Smooth cream cheese blended with roasted garlic and a hint of chives for a flavorful topping.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Dairy

01 - 8 oz cream cheese, softened
02 - 1/4 cup sour cream

→ Garlic

03 - 1 large head garlic

→ Seasonings and Add-ins

04 - 2 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped (optional)
05 - 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
06 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

→ For Roasting Garlic

07 - 1 teaspoon olive oil

# How-To Steps:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F.
02 - Slice the top off the head of garlic to expose the cloves. Drizzle with olive oil and wrap in aluminum foil. Roast for 35 to 40 minutes until cloves are soft and caramelized. Let cool slightly.
03 - Squeeze the roasted garlic cloves from their skins into a mixing bowl. Mash with a fork until smooth.
04 - Add softened cream cheese, sour cream, salt, and pepper to the bowl. Whip with a hand mixer or vigorously by hand until smooth, light, and fluffy.
05 - Fold in chives if using. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired.
06 - Transfer to a serving bowl. Chill for at least 30 minutes for flavors to meld, or serve immediately.

# Expert Hints:

01 -
  • Mellow, sweet roasted garlic flavor that isn't overpowering.
  • Ultra-creamy texture achieved through simple whipping.
  • Highly versatile for use as a dip, spread, or condiment.
02 -
  • Ensure the garlic is roasted until completely soft and caramelized to avoid raw chunks.
  • Chilling the spread before serving allows the mellow garlic flavors to fully develop within the dairy base.
  • Always verify ingredient labels for dairy and cross-contamination if preparing for those with specific dietary sensitivities.
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