Cucumber Cream Cheese Spread Recipe

Easy Cucumber Cream Cheese Spread Recipe for Fresh Snacking

Cool summer days call for a delightful cucumber cream cheese spread that transforms simple snacking into a gourmet experience.

Fresh ingredients blend seamlessly in this creamy concoction.

Crisp cucumbers provide a light, refreshing crunch against smooth cream cheese.

Garden-fresh herbs add unexpected depth to each bite.

Minimal preparation means you can whip up this delectable spread in minutes.

Casual gatherings or quiet afternoons suddenly feel special with this easy recipe.

Dive into a world of fresh, zesty flavors that will make your taste buds dance.

Why Cucumber Cream Cheese Spread Is a Fresh Choice

  • Craft Quick Delights: Blend ingredients in minutes for a speedy, tasty spread that transforms ordinary snacks into gourmet experiences.
  • Customize with Ease: Adjust seasonings and ingredients to match personal taste preferences, making this recipe wonderfully adaptable for different palates.
  • Versatile Party Star: Perfect for gatherings, picnics, and casual get-togethers, this spread works as a dip, sandwich spread, or cracker topping that impresses guests without complex preparation.
  • Nutrition-Packed Option: Low-calorie spread loaded with fresh vegetables and herbs, offering a healthier alternative to traditional heavy appetizers while delivering maximum flavor.

Ingredients Needed for Cucumber Cream Cheese Spread

Base Ingredients:
  • Cream Cheese: A smooth and creamy dairy product that provides a rich and tangy base for the spread.
  • Cucumber: A fresh and crisp vegetable that adds a light and refreshing texture to the mixture.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Red Onion, Fresh Dill, Lemon Juice: These ingredients work together to create a bright and zesty flavor profile for the spread.
Seasoning:
  • Salt, Pepper: These basic seasonings help to balance and enhance the overall taste of the cucumber cream cheese spread.

How to Prepare Cucumber Cream Cheese Spread

Step 1: Blend Creamy Base

Grab a medium bowl and toss in softened cream cheese. Smooth out the cream cheese using a fork or whisk until it becomes silky and spreadable.

Step 2: Chop Fresh Ingredients

Finely dice the following ingredients:
  • Cucumber
  • Red onion
  • Fresh dill

Step 3: Mix Flavor Companions

Gently fold the chopped cucumber, red onion, and dill into the cream cheese. Add a splash of lemon juice to brighten the mixture and enhance its zesty profile.

Step 4: Season and Customize

Sprinkle salt and pepper to elevate the spread’s taste. Taste and adjust seasonings until the flavor feels perfectly balanced and delightful.

Step 5: Chill and Develop Flavors

Transfer the spread to the refrigerator and let it rest for at least one hour. This resting period allows the ingredients to mingle and develop a harmonious taste.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Pull out the spread from the refrigerator when ready to serve. Accompany with crispy crackers, spread on sandwiches, or use as a vibrant dip for fresh vegetables. Perfect for casual gatherings or afternoon snacking.

Tips for Cream Cheese Spread Perfection

  • Drain excess cucumber moisture by patting chopped pieces with paper towels to prevent watery spread.
  • Experiment with herb variations like chives or parsley for different flavor profiles.
  • Use full-fat cream cheese for richer texture and more stable consistency.
  • For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for half the cream cheese to reduce calories.
  • Store spread in an airtight container up to 3 days in refrigerator for maximum freshness and flavor preservation.

Variations to Try with Cucumber Cream Cheese Spread

  • Mediterranean Herb Blend: Replace dill with a mix of fresh oregano, mint, and parsley for a zesty Mediterranean-inspired spread.
  • Spicy Southwest Kick: Add minced jalapeños, chopped cilantro, and a dash of cumin to create a bold, southwestern flavor profile.
  • Smoked Salmon Fusion: Incorporate finely chopped smoked salmon and capers for a luxurious, protein-rich variation that elevates the classic recipe.
  • Roasted Garlic Edition: Blend in roasted garlic cloves for a deeper, richer taste that complements the creamy texture of the spread.

Pairing Ideas for Cucumber Cream Cheese Spread

  • Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a light, refreshing Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that complements the cucumber's coolness and highlights the cream cheese's creamy texture.
  • Match with Artisan Crackers: Choose whole grain or seeded crackers that provide a satisfying crunch and neutral base, allowing the spread's delicate flavors to shine through.
  • Elevate with Smoked Salmon: Add thin slices of cold-smoked salmon on top of the spread to introduce a luxurious, rich protein that balances the spread's fresh and tangy profile.
  • Boost with Fresh Herbs: Garnish with extra sprigs of fresh dill or chives to enhance the aromatic qualities and add a vibrant green visual appeal to the presentation.

Storing Cucumber Cream Cheese Spread Properly

  • Transfer spread to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, keeping it fresh and preventing bacterial growth.
  • Carefully pack the spread in a freezer-safe container, leaving some space for expansion, and freeze for up to 1 month; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using.
  • Gently stir the spread after refrigeration to restore its creamy texture; avoid microwaving as it may separate or become watery.
  • Remove from refrigerator 10-15 minutes before serving to soften slightly and enhance its spreadable consistency.

FAQs About Cucumber Cream Cheese Spread

  • Is this spread suitable for a vegetarian diet?

Yes, the Cucumber Cream Cheese Spread is completely vegetarian and contains no meat ingredients.

  • Can I use dried dill instead of fresh dill?

Fresh dill provides the best flavor, but you can substitute dried dill using about 1/3 the amount of fresh dill called for in the recipe.

  • How long can I keep this spread in the refrigerator?

The spread will stay fresh for 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

  • Can I add other herbs to customize the spread?

Absolutely! You can experiment with chopped chives, parsley, or mint to create your own unique flavor profile.

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Cucumber Cream Cheese Spread Recipe

Cucumber Cream Cheese Spread Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 25 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Cool cucumber cream cheese spread delivers creamy Mediterranean charm on crisp crackers or fresh bread. Refreshing herbs and zesty lemon elevate this simple, elegant appetizer you’ll crave at every gathering.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup (75 grams) cucumber, finely chopped

Flavor Enhancers:

  • 1/4 cup (40 grams) red onion, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons (8 grams) fresh dill, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) lemon juice

Seasoning:

  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Gently blend softened cream cheese with finely diced cucumber, creating a smooth, creamy base for the spread.
  2. Incorporate minced red onion and freshly chopped dill, ensuring even distribution of ingredients throughout the mixture.
  3. Squeeze fresh lemon juice into the blend, enhancing the spread’s bright, tangy profile and preventing cucumber from becoming watery.
  4. Carefully season with salt and pepper, tasting and adjusting the seasoning to achieve a balanced and personalized flavor.
  5. Transfer the spread to a sealed container and refrigerate for 60 minutes, allowing the ingredients to harmonize and develop a more complex taste.
  6. Before serving, give the spread a gentle stir to redistribute any settled ingredients and ensure a consistent texture.
  7. Present the chilled spread alongside crisp crackers, use as a sandwich filling, or offer as a vibrant dip for fresh vegetable crudités.
  8. Store any remaining spread in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, maintaining its fresh and zesty character.

Notes

  • Dice cucumber super fine to prevent watery spread and ensure smooth, creamy texture.
  • Use full-fat cream cheese for richer, more indulgent flavor and better binding consistency.
  • Drain excess cucumber moisture by placing chopped pieces on paper towel before mixing to maintain spread’s thickness.
  • Skip red onion for low-FODMAP diet or substitute with green onion tops for milder taste.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 98 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 2 g
  • Fiber: 0.3 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Sarah Mitchell

Sarah Mitchell

Content Specialist & Home Cooking Enthusiast

Expertise

  • Making healthy, comforting meals that fit into real-life schedules
  • Planning balanced, single-serving meals for individuals and small families
  • Writing clear, practical food content with a focus on wellness and ease
  • Using seasonal ingredients to bring variety and freshness to everyday meals

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College – Asheville, NC

  • Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Trained in the basics of professional cooking, with a strong focus on home-style meals, seasonal recipe development, and time-saving kitchen techniques for everyday use.

American Fitness Professionals & Associates – Online

  • Program: Nutrition and Wellness Consultant Certification
  • Focus: Studied how to make healthy eating simple, enjoyable, and accessible

Sarah’s passion for food was sparked by weekend trips to the farmers’ market and her belief that healthy meals should never feel boring.
After earning her culinary diploma and becoming a certified Nutrition and Wellness Consultant, she set out to help others fall in love with simple, wholesome cooking.
She’s all about celebrating the small wins in the kitchen: a colorful yogurt bowl, a new twist on a classic dish, or a homemade snack that feels just a little extra special.
Outside the kitchen, Sarah is a gardener at heart, a yoga enthusiast, and a believer that fresh herbs can brighten any meal, and any day.

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