This easy cream cheese spread comes together in less than 10 minutes and is flavored with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil.
When the thermostat edges toward the 100 degree mark in the middle of summer, I start to wilt like an under-watered flower and do whatever I can to stay cool. Of course, that often involves standing directly over an air-conditioning vent...wearing a skirt...but I have also been known to stick my head into the freezer or join my kids in the sprinklers for a speedy cool down. When it is that hot out, my energy reserves are pretty low. Okay, I get pretty cranky too. What can I say? I'm not a hot weather girl, yet somehow I ended up living in a desert climate. Crazy. Low energy reserves means I need plenty of recipes - appetizer, entree, you name it - that require few ingredients and little effort. This sun-dried tomato and basil cream cheese spread fits the bill.
All that is required for this recipe is stirring chopped sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil into softened cream cheese. Spread it on toasted baguette slices or crackers for an easy appetizer or use it to dress up bagels and wrap sandwiches. Now excuse me while I head back to my vent.
The recipe:
In a medium bowl, using a rubber spatula or wooden spoon, press and stir the cream cheese until smooth.
Stir in sun-dried tomatoes, basil and salt. Serve with toasted baguette slices or crackers.
Other cream cheese spread recipes:
Farmgirl Fare's Refreshing Radish Spread/Dip
Sippity Sup's Dill and Chive Cream Cheese Spread
Gourmeted's Endives with Lox & Cream Cheese Spread
One Perfect Bite's Cream Cheese and Pepper Jelly Spread
Printable Recipe
Sun-Dried Tomato & Basil Cream Cheese Spread Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 ounces â…“-less-fat Neufchatel cream cheese, softened
- 6 tablespoons chopped sun-dried tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons thinly sliced fresh basil
- pinch of salt
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, using a rubber spatula or wooden spoon, press and stir the cream cheese until smooth. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes, basil and salt. Serve with toasted baguette slices or crackers.
Nan
Wow love this dip! Had to try it and now they are begging for more. I think that's the true sign of a hit!
Jessica
Mmm I love the idea of combining sun dried tomato & basil to make a spread. Sounds delicious!
Belinda @zomppa
When? You mean right now it's already edging to 100! I need this spread!! Love it.
Dara (Cookin' Canuck)
Not yet. But I know those temperatures will be here before we know it!
Shannon
I love this! We love cheese spreads and appetizers in our house. I can't wait to try this for our fourth of July get together. Thanks!!
Kelsey
YUM! This looks perfect for the little gathering I'm having at my house tomorrow night! Thanks so much for sharing! Sending some Canadian love...!
KalynsKitchen
This sounds so tasty and easy. In the summer something like this with crackers would be lunch for me!
madge @ vegetariancasserolequeen
I bought a ton of boxes of Wheat Thins Stix. I bet those would pair well with this spread.
And I totally agree...I'm not a hot weather person, either. I catch myself missing the snow alot these days!!!
Lauren at Keep It Sweet
I agree with you, in the hot weather, simple recipes are definitely preferred. Plus, I'd rather spend more time outside and out of the kitchen!
Barbara | Creative Culinary
So much of what I make is from seeing what I need to use up but I seldom think of those 'dishes' as post worthy...but this sure is. And reminds me; I need to GET some basil planted, this weekend...thanks!
Dara (Cookin' Canuck)
I go through that same thought process - "Why would anyone want to read about this?" But you know what, the simple, throw-together recipes end up being some of my most popular ones.
Brooks at Cakewalker
Yummeee! Hi Dara, I just came over from spotting this wonderful spread on Savory Sights. I love cheese spreads and so does my family. Other than you sharing this recipe, do you want to know what the best part is? I've got ALL the igredients, including fresh basil growing in the yard...thank you & happy munching! 🙂
Dara (Cookin' Canuck)
Thanks, Brooks. And do you know how I came up with this recipe? I had all the ingredients in my garden or fridge, too! You have to love recipes that don't require a trip to the store.