Creamy Garlic & Herb Cheese Spread

Creamy Garlic & Herb Cheese Spread

Ingredients

• 8 oz Cream cheese, softened to room temperature

• 1/2 cup Shredded carrots, finely grated

• 1/2 cup Sharp cheddar cheese, finely shredded

• 2-3 cloves Garlic, minced or pressed

• 2 tbsp Fresh parsley, finely chopped

• 1 tbsp Fresh chives or green onions, chopped

• 1/4 tsp Smoked paprika

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• Optional: A dash of hot sauce or a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Vegetables: Grate the carrots and cheddar cheese using the finest side of your grater. This ensures the texture remains creamy and easy to spread. Finely chop the parsley and chives.

2. Soften the Base: In a medium mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with a spatula or hand mixer until it is smooth and light.

3. Combine Ingredients: Add the minced garlic, shredded carrots, shredded cheddar, parsley, and chives to the cream cheese.

4. Season: Stir in the smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. If you want a little extra zest, add the lemon juice or hot sauce at this stage.

5. Mix Thoroughly: Fold everything together until the herbs and vegetables are evenly distributed throughout the cheese.

6. Chill and Serve: While you can serve this immediately, letting it sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes allows the garlic and herb flavors to meld together beautifully.

7. Pairing: Serve this spread on your favorite flourless flatbread, cucumber slices, or celery sticks for a high-protein, low-carb snack.