Description
Cool cucumber cream cheese spread brings Mediterranean freshness to your table, blending creamy textures with crisp garden ingredients. Smooth and light, this versatile recipe delivers quick gourmet pleasure for casual gatherings or elegant appetizers.
Ingredients
Scale
Main ingredients:
- 2 cucumbers, peeled and diced
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
Seasonings and enhancers:
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Optional mix-ins:
- 1 green onion, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Prepare the cucumbers by thoroughly peeling and finely dicing them, ensuring uniform small pieces for optimal texture and even distribution.
- Allow cream cheese to reach room temperature, which will make it easier to blend and create a smooth, spreadable consistency.
- Transfer diced cucumbers onto a clean kitchen towel or paper towels, gently pressing to remove excess moisture, preventing the spread from becoming watery.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese with the drained cucumber pieces, creating a foundational base for the spread.
- Incorporate finely chopped fresh dill, minced garlic, and thinly sliced green onions into the mixture, stirring gently to distribute seasonings evenly.
- Sprinkle salt and black pepper over the mixture, folding ingredients together to ensure balanced flavor throughout the spread.
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice into the blend, which will enhance brightness and help prevent browning of the cucumbers.
- Use a spatula to thoroughly mix all ingredients until well combined, creating a harmonious and creamy texture.
- Cover the spread and refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and develop a more cohesive taste profile.
- Before serving, give the spread a final gentle stir and taste, adjusting seasonings if needed for perfect balance.
Notes
- Moisture Management: Pat cucumbers completely dry to prevent watery spread, ensuring a thick and creamy consistency that holds together perfectly.
- Temperature Precision: Let cream cheese soften at room temperature for 30 minutes, creating smoother blending and easier mixing without lumps.
- Flavor Enhancement: Allow spread to rest in refrigerator for at least an hour to let herbs and seasonings develop deeper, more complex taste profiles.
- Dietary Adaptations: Swap regular cream cheese with low-fat or dairy-free alternatives like cashew cream cheese for lactose-intolerant or vegan preferences.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg