Cucumber Cream Cheese Spread Recipe

Silky Cucumber Cream Cheese Spread Recipe: Refreshing Delight

Whipping up a delightful cucumber cream cheese spread sparks joy in any kitchen adventure.

Fresh ingredients bring magic to simple preparations.

Summer gatherings demand something light and refreshing.

Crisp cucumbers blend seamlessly with smooth cream cheese, creating a delectable experience.

Unexpected herbs can elevate this basic recipe into something extraordinary.

Mediterranean influences shine through with strategic seasoning choices.

You’ll love how quickly this spread comes together for impromptu snacking or elegant entertaining.

Grab a knife and unleash your culinary creativity!

What You’ll Need For Cucumber Cream Cheese Spread

For the Base:
  • Cucumber: Fresh vegetable that provides a crisp, hydrating foundation for the spread.
  • Cream Cheese: Soft, creamy cheese that creates a smooth and rich base for the dip.
  • Sour Cream: Tangy dairy product that adds richness and helps blend ingredients smoothly.
For the Aromatics and Seasonings:
  • Red Onion, Garlic: Pungent ingredients that add depth and sharp flavor to the spread.
  • Fresh Dill: Herb that brings a bright, herbal note and classic cucumber complement.
  • Lemon Juice: Acidic element that brightens the overall flavor and prevents browning.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the spread's taste.
For Serving (Optional):
  • Crackers, Bread, Vegetables: Ideal vehicles for enjoying the cucumber spread as a dip or appetizer.

How To Make Cucumber Cream Cheese Spread Easily

Step 1: Prepare Cucumbers

Wash cucumbers thoroughly under cool running water. Dry completely with paper towels. Remove any soft or discolored spots.

Step 2: Transform Cucumbers

Peel cucumbers partially or completely using a vegetable peeler. Slice lengthwise and scoop out seeds with a small spoon. This ensures a smooth, clean texture for the spread.

Step 3: Grate Cucumber

Use a box grater or food processor to create fine, uniform cucumber shreds. Aim for consistent, small pieces that will blend seamlessly into the spread.

Step 4: Remove Excess Moisture

Transfer grated cucumber to a clean kitchen towel. Squeeze firmly to extract as much liquid as possible. This prevents a watery consistency in the final spread.

Step 5: Chop Supporting Ingredients

Finely mince red onion and garlic:
  • Red onion
  • Garlic cloves

Chop into tiny, uniform pieces to distribute flavor evenly throughout the spread.

Step 6: Soften Dairy Base

Allow cream cheese to sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes. This ensures smooth blending and easy mixing.

Step 7: Create Creamy Foundation

Combine softened cream cheese and sour cream in a mixing bowl. Whip together until light, smooth, and fully integrated.

Step 8: Add Herbal and Flavor Enhancers

Mix in fresh ingredients:
  • Chopped fresh dill
  • Minced garlic
  • Lemon juice
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Stir thoroughly to distribute flavors evenly.

Step 9: Blend Cucumber Mixture

Gently fold grated cucumber and minced red onion into the cream cheese base. Stir carefully to maintain a consistent texture.

Step 10: Chill and Develop Flavors

Cover the spread and refrigerate for 30 minutes. This allows ingredients to meld and creates a more harmonious flavor profile.

Step 11: Final Taste Adjustment

Taste the spread and adjust seasonings as needed. Add extra salt, pepper, or lemon juice to balance the flavors.

Step 12: Serve and Enjoy

Serve chilled alongside:
  • Crackers
  • Bread
  • Fresh vegetable sticks

Enjoy as a refreshing dip or spread for various occasions.

Tips For A Better Cucumber Cream Cheese Spread

  • Prep Cucumber Perfectly: Remove excess moisture by patting dry with paper towels to prevent a watery spread.
  • Seed and Slice Smartly: Remove cucumber seeds with a small spoon to improve texture and prevent wateriness.
  • Grate with Care: Use a box grater or food processor to create uniform, fine cucumber shreds for even distribution.
  • Squeeze Out Liquid: Wrap grated cucumber in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze thoroughly to eliminate excess moisture.
  • Soften Cream Cheese Right: Let cream cheese sit at room temperature for 15 minutes to ensure smooth, creamy blending.

Ways To Change Up Cucumber Cream Cheese Spread

  • Dairy-Free Cucumber Spread: Replace cream cheese and sour cream with mashed avocado and coconut yogurt for a vegan-friendly alternative.
  • Herb Garden Variation: Swap dill for a mix of fresh basil, chives, and parsley to create a vibrant, aromatic spread with multiple green herb notes.
  • Spicy Mediterranean Remix: Add crumbled feta cheese, chopped kalamata olives, and red pepper flakes for a zesty Mediterranean-inspired version.
  • Greek-Inspired Cucumber Spread: Incorporate tzatziki-style elements by mixing in Greek yogurt, extra virgin olive oil, and a sprinkle of dried oregano for an authentic Mediterranean flavor profile.

What To Pair With Cucumber Cream Cheese Spread

  • Enhance Flavor Fusion: Pair Cucumber Cream Cheese Spread with Crisp White Wines
  • Uncork Sauvignon Blanc: Light, zesty white wine complements the spread's herbal dill notes and creamy texture, cutting through richness with bright acidity.
  • Match with Artisan Crackers: Select rosemary sea salt or black pepper crackers to add complementary herbal undertones and provide delightful crunch against smooth spread.
  • Elevate with Fresh Accompaniments: Add cucumber slices, cherry tomatoes, and kalamata olives as garnish to amplify vegetable freshness and provide colorful visual contrast on serving platter.
  • Serve with Chilled Prosecco: Sparkling wine's effervescence cleanses palate between bites, enhancing spread's delicate garlic and herb flavors while adding celebratory elegance.

How To Store Cucumber Cream Cheese Spread The Right Way

  • Transfer spread to an airtight container and seal tightly. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days, maintaining freshness and preventing flavor absorption from other foods.
  • Not recommended due to cream cheese's texture changes. Dairy-based spreads tend to separate and become watery when thawed, compromising quality and taste.
  • Serve cold directly from refrigerator. Gently stir before serving to redistribute ingredients and restore original creamy consistency.
  • Always use clean utensils when scooping to prevent bacterial contamination and extend spread's shelf life.

Cucumber Cream Cheese Spread Q&A

  • Why is removing cucumber seeds important?

Removing seeds prevents excess moisture, ensuring a creamy and thick spread without becoming watery or diluted.

  • Can I use different herbs instead of dill?

Yes, you can substitute dill with chives, parsley, or basil for a unique flavor variation while maintaining the spread’s fresh profile.

  • How fine should cucumber be grated?

Cucumber should be grated into very fine, uniform shreds using a box grater or food processor to distribute moisture evenly and create a smooth texture.

  • Is it necessary to squeeze out cucumber liquid?

Absolutely. Squeezing cucumber in a clean kitchen towel removes excess water, preventing the spread from becoming runny and maintaining a rich, creamy consistency.

Why Cucumber Cream Cheese Spread Is Always A Hit

  • Crush Kitchen Complexity: Perfect for novice and experienced cooks, this recipe requires minimal culinary skills and basic kitchen tools.
  • Lightning-Fast Preparation: Minimal chopping, quick mixing, and simple ingredients mean you can create a delicious spread in just a few minutes.
  • Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Adaptable for casual gatherings, game nights, picnics, or as a quick snack that appeals to different taste preferences and dietary needs.
  • Fresh Flavor Explosion: Packed with crisp cucumber, zesty garlic, and bright herbs, this spread delivers a vibrant taste that feels like summer on a cracker.
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Cucumber Cream Cheese Spread Recipe

Cucumber Cream Cheese Spread Recipe


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4.6 from 28 reviews

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Cool cucumber cream cheese spread brings Mediterranean flavors to your appetizer table. Quick blending of fresh ingredients creates a smooth, tangy dip perfect for crackers or vegetable slices you’ll devour with delight.


Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables:

  • 2 medium cucumbers
  • 1/4 small red onion

Dairy:

  • 8 oz cream cheese
  • 1/4 cup sour cream

Seasonings and Extras:

  • 1 tbsp fresh dill
  • 1 tsp lemon juice
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/8 tsp black pepper
  • 1 clove garlic

Instructions

  1. Thoroughly wash cucumbers and pat dry with paper towels, ensuring no excess moisture remains.
  2. Peel cucumbers partially or fully, then slice lengthwise and remove seeds using a small spoon.
  3. Grate cucumbers using a box grater or food processor, creating fine, uniform shreds.
  4. Transfer grated cucumber to a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out excess liquid, preventing spread from becoming watery.
  5. Mince red onion and garlic into tiny, uniform pieces to distribute flavor evenly.
  6. Allow cream cheese to soften at room temperature for approximately 15 minutes for smooth blending.
  7. In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese and sour cream, whipping until light and creamy.
  8. Incorporate finely chopped dill, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper into the cream cheese mixture.
  9. Fold grated cucumber and red onion into the seasoned cream cheese, stirring gently to maintain a consistent texture.
  10. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and spread to chill thoroughly.
  11. Before serving, taste and adjust seasonings if needed, ensuring a balanced and vibrant flavor profile.
  12. Serve chilled with crackers, bread, or as a refreshing dip for vegetables.

Notes

  • Remove excess moisture from cucumbers by squeezing through a clean kitchen towel to prevent a watery spread.
  • Soften cream cheese at room temperature for smooth, lump-free mixing and better ingredient incorporation.
  • Finely mince onions and garlic to distribute flavors evenly throughout the spread, creating a balanced taste experience.
  • Refrigerate the spread for at least 30 minutes to allow ingredients to meld and develop a more complex flavor profile.
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 115
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 200 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 6 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Olivia Brooks

Olivia Brooks

Contributing Writer

Expertise

  • Healthy recipe development
  • Plant-based cooking
  • Nutritional analysis
  • Food writing and content creation

Education

Culinary Institute of America
Accelerated Culinary Arts Certificate Program
Focus: Culinary fundamentals, nutrition, and healthy cooking technique


Olivia believes good food should feed both the body and the soul. She earned her Accelerated Culinary Arts Certificate from the Culinary Institute of America, where she focused on nutrition and practical cooking techniques that make healthy eating easy.
At 10 Below Ice Cream, Olivia shares single-serving recipes that are fresh, plant-forward, and full of heart. She loves helping people eat better, without stress, strict rules, or sacrificing flavor.
Beyond the kitchen, Olivia spends her time tending her backyard garden, practicing yoga, and discovering hidden gems in Portland’s food scene.

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