Description
A creamy and flavorful Veggie Cream Cheese spread packed with fresh vegetables and herbs, perfect for bagels, crackers, sandwiches, or as a healthy dip. This easy no-cook recipe combines cream cheese with celery, bell pepper, green onions, and parsley, enhanced with garlic and onion powders for a savory kick.
Ingredients
Scale
Base
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 tablespoon sour cream or Greek yogurt (optional for added tang)
Vegetables
- ½ cup finely chopped celery
- ¼ cup finely chopped red bell pepper
- ¼ cup finely chopped green onions (scallions)
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional, for extra freshness)
Instructions
- Combine Cream Cheese and Sour Cream: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and sour cream (if using). Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy, creating a perfect base for the veggies.
- Add Vegetables: Add the finely chopped celery, red bell pepper, green onions, and fresh parsley to the cream cheese mixture. Mix thoroughly until all the vegetables are evenly distributed throughout.
- Season the Mixture: Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and lemon juice (if using). Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning to your preference for optimal flavor.
- Chill the Spread: Transfer the veggie cream cheese to a serving dish or airtight container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This resting period allows the flavors to meld and intensify.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the creamy veggie spread with bagels, crackers, as a sandwich spread, or use it as a dip with fresh vegetables for a delicious snack or appetizer.
Notes
- For a tangier flavor, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
- Adjust the amount of garlic and onion powder to suit your taste.
- Allowing the spread to chill enhances the flavor blending.
- This spread can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Feel free to add other chopped vegetables like cucumbers or carrots for variety.
