Let's be honest. The best part of a bagel is usually the spread you put on it. This chive and onion cream cheese spread is sure to become one of your favorites for savory bagels.
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Why This Recipe
This simple cream cheese spread takes just a few minutes to put together with fresh ingredients and tastes so much better than storebought.
- Uses everyday ingredients that are easy to obtain
- Tastes best with fresh ingredients but can also use dried
- Easy to spread even after refrigeration
- Lots of other uses such as: on toast, as a veggie or chip dip, or on baked potatoes, a flavorful spread for wraps
This green onion and chive cream cheese spread will not only have you looking forward to breakfast, but is also nice to serve at brunch gatherings or parties.
Ingredients
This cream cheese spread recipe uses simple ingredients including:
- Cream cheese
- Onion powder
- Garlic powder
- Salt
- Sour cream
- Fresh green onion
- Fresh chives
See the recipe card at the bottom for quantities and directions.
Equipment
Here are my favorite kitchen items to make this onion and chive cream cheese spread.
- Chef's knife or Kitchen shears - I like to use kitchen shears for herbs as I then don't need to dirty a cutting board
- Cutting board if needed
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Spatula and/or mixer (makes things easier/faster to mix together)
- Mixing bowl
- Serving bowl - I originally got mine from Costco but these are the same bowls
- Spreader knife - good option for brunch gatherings
Substitutions, Additions, and Variations
- Cream cheese - I haven't tested it, but lower-fat cream cheese should be fine to use
- Onion and garlic powders - I like to use both powder and fresh as it really helps amp up the flavor, but you can just use fresh if desired (may not be easily digestible for everyone). Finely minced raw red onion or shallots and garlic can be used
- Sour cream - I haven't tested it but lower-fat sour cream should be fine to use. Same for Greek yogurt. To make a thinner consistency like for a dip, you can use milk, half and half, or cream instead. I'd start with a tablespoon and add more until your desired consistency
- Fresh green onion and chives - I do think fresh tastes best but when I haven't had them available I've used dried green onion and chives that was almost as tasty. If using frozen, make sure you thaw and drain them really well as it can otherwise make your spread watery
Instructions
This spread takes just a few minutes to mix together. It will be easiest with softened cream cheese and a mixer.
Step 1: Let cream cheese soften for 30 minutes to one hour.
Smart Savvy Tip: If you don't have time to let the cream cheese soften you can completely unwrap it and put it on/in a microwave-safe bowl/plate and microwave on high for 10 to 20 seconds depending on the power of your microwave.
Step 2: Place cream cheese, garlic and onion powders, salt, and sour cream in a medium bowl. Using a spatula or mixer (start on low and gradually increase to medium) mix all ingredients together until well mixed.
Step 3: Turn speed to low or fold in green onion and chives.
Step 4: The spread can be used immediately or covered and refrigerated until needed. Letting it sit in the fridge for a while will give the spread better flavor.
Enjoy on your favorite bagel. I especially love this green onion cheese spread on everything bagels.
It also makes for a nice dip. You may want to add more sour cream or about a tablespoon of milk to help thin it out if desired.
If serving at a gathering, I like to garnish with additional fresh chives and green onion so you can easily tell what the flavors are.
Storage
Refrigerate the spread in a covered air-tight container for up to 5 days. Immediately place leftovers back in the refrigerator as the more you leave it out, the faster it will spoil.
I like to store mine in these pint deli containers (smaller quantities available on Amazon).
I don't recommend freezing cream cheese spread as it risks getting both grainy and watery.
FAQ
What can I do with leftover cream cheese spread?
If you're tired of bagels here are some other ways I've used this leftover chive spread:
-A flavor-packed sandwich spread instead of (or mixed with) mayo
-A flavorful addition to mashed potatoes
-Mix with hot pasta and a splash of cream (if needed) for a delicious creamy pasta
How long does chive and onion cream cheese last?
Since this uses all fresh ingredients I like to use mine within 5 days. Make sure to immediately place it back in the refrigerator after using as leaving it out will make it spoil faster.
What's the difference between cream cheese and cream cheese spread?
Regular cream cheese is usually sold in what are called blocks or bricks. They don't have air or moisture mixed in and aren't easily spreadable when cold. Spreads are whipped, incorporating air. Storebought versions may contain various stabilizers and ingredients to improve spreadability. Our recipe incorporates air and sour cream to make it spreadable.
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Looking for more homemade recipes for things you may buy storebought? Try these:
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Chive and Onion Cream Cheese Spread Recipe
Let's be honest. The best part of a bagel is usually the spread you put on it. This chive and onion cream cheese spread is sure to become one of your favorites for savory bagels.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 4 tablespoons green onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives, minced
Instructions
- Using a spatula or hand mixer, whip together the 8 ounces of softened cream cheese, ½ teaspoon of garlic powder, ½ teaspoon of onion powder, ¼ teaspoon of salt, and ¼ cup of sour cream until it's smooth and well mixed.
- Fold in or mix in on low 4 tablespoons of green onion and 2 tablespoons of chives.
- It's preferable to refrigerate for at least a few hours to intensify
flavors, but it may be used immediately.
Notes
Consistency: If the spread is too thick or you want more of a dip consistency you can add more sour cream or milk/half and half/cream about a tablespoon at a time until the desired consistency.
Dried herbs: Dried herbs can be used instead but you will want to use less - 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon dried green onion and 2 teaspoons of dried chives.
Storage: Refrigerate the spread in a covered air-tight container for up to 5 days. Immediately place leftovers back in the refrigerator as the more you leave it out, the faster it will spoil.
Please see the full recipe article at https://smartsavvyliving.com/ for recipe
tips, substitutions, and more.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 8 Serving Size: 2 tablespoonsAmount Per Serving: Calories: 116Total Fat: 11gSaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 33mgSodium: 158mgCarbohydrates: 2gFiber: 0gSugar: 1gProtein: 2g
Nutrition information may not be accurate. Optional ingredients, garnishes, and toppings aren't included. Nutrition information is calculated automatically by and provided by Nutritionix. Exact nutrition information depends on the specific ingredients, brands, and amounts you use. For more precise nutrition values please input the exact ingredients, brands, and amounts into your preferred nutrition calculator.