Smear this whipped pesto cream cheese spread on a bagel or tortilla and layer it with all of your favorite sandwich toppings. Or just eat it straight with your favorite crackers! 51 calories and 2 Weight Watchers SP
Whipped Pesto Cream Cheese Spread Recipe
Homemade flavored cream cheese recipes are as simple as combining the cream cheese and one or two add-ins, and this whipped pesto cream cheese spread is no exception. Yes, you can buy pre-made herb, garlic and other cream cheeses at the grocery store, but I’m guessing you won’t find a pesto version!
Using this spread at breakfast or lunchtime is one of the easiest ways to elevate your turkey sandwich, smoked salmon-topped bagel or tortilla pinwheel sandwich.
Other cream cheese spread variations:
- Caramelized onion & chive – One of my all-time favorites!
- Sun-dried tomato & basil – A caprese-style variation.
- Cinnamon & maple syrup – A sweetened variation that’s fantastic with strawberries.
- Italian herb – Blend with fresh herbs, such as oregano, basil and parsley.
- Fresh dill – Serve this with smoked salmon, capers and sliced tomatoes.
How to soften cream cheese:
- The easiest way to soften cream cheese is by placing it on the kitchen counter to soften at room temperature. To speed up the process, cut the cream cheese into smaller pieces, cover and let rest.
- Important! It is generally recommended that cream cheese should not be left out of the fridge for longer than 2 hours to avoid bacteria growth.
- If you forget to take the cream cheese out of the fridge in time, use the microwave instead.
- Microwave method: Remove any wrappers from the cream cheese and place it on a microwave-safe plate. Heat on HIGH for 10 to 15 seconds. Test the center to see if it is softened sufficiently. If not, heat in 5 second intervals.
- Take care not to over-soften the cream cheese. You do not want it to become runny.
What if Neufchâtel cheese?
- Neufchatel cheese is usually found beside the cream cheese in the dairy case.
- The difference between Neufchâtel and cream cheese is that Neufchâtel is made from milk, while cream cheese is made from a combination of milk and cream, which means that Neufchâtel has about one-third less fat than cream cheese.
- Neufchâtel has a creamy, tangy texture and is a fantastic substitute for cream cheese.
- I prefer Neufchâtel to light or low fat cream cheese because it typically has a shorter ingredient list, containing less additives.
Other ways to top bagels:
Caramelized Onion & Chive Cream Cheese {Cookin’ Canuck}
Avocado Toast with Egg & Tomato – swap bagel for toast {Cookin’ Canuck}
Bagel Fruit Pizzas {No. 2 Pencil}
Everything Bagel Sandwich {A Beautiful Plate}
Whipped Pesto Cream Cheese Spread
Ingredients
- 6 ounces Neufchatel cheese (or 1/3 less fat cream cheese) room temperature
- 2 tablespoons basil pesto
- 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Place the Neufchatel cheese in a large glass bowl. Using a hand mixer, whip the cheese until it is light and fluffy, 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add the pesto and salt, and whip until combined.
- Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
Notes
Nutrition
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Dolores Apton says
Hi Dara, Do I need to have pesto? Can you tell me how to make it (easily;) if I have fresh basis? Appreciate it, Dolores
Dara says
Hi Dolores, you can certainly mix in some thinly sliced basil, but it will have a different flavor than pesto. The end product will simply be small bits of basil in the cream cheese, rather than a smooth, combined consistency.