Say hello to your new favorite appetizer: Cucumber Cream Cheese Spread. Creamy, refreshing, and laced with fresh herbs, this spread is the ultimate way to elevate crackers, bagels, or crisp veggies. I absolutely love how the coolness of cucumber and the tang of dill marry together in every bite, making it perfect for backyard parties, brunch buffets, or just a light afternoon snack. Trust me, this dreamy, herby spread draws everyone to the snack table—and once you try it, you’ll want it on hand all summer long!

Cucumber Cream Cheese Spread Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Cucumber Cream Cheese Spread lies in its simple, fresh ingredients. Each one plays a star role—shrinking neither in taste nor in texture. Let’s break down how every component boosts the flavor and why you can’t skip a single one.

Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): The creamy and tangy backbone, making the spread irresistibly smooth and spreadable.
Cucumber (1/2 cup, finely grated): Adds refreshing crunch and hydration—be sure to peel and remove the seeds for the best texture.
Fresh dill (2 tablespoons, chopped): Brings brightness and a delicate, aromatic herb layer you can’t get from dried.
Green onion or chives (1 tablespoon, chopped): Adds mild onion flavor and a lovely hint of color; chives are great for a milder bite.
Lemon juice (1 teaspoon): Wakes up all the flavors and keeps things lively and light.
Garlic powder (1/4 teaspoon): Offers gentle, savory depth without overpowering the cucumber and dill.
Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances the overall flavor and helps round out the spread’s richness.
Black pepper (1/8 teaspoon): A little bit adds mild warmth and complexity at the finish.

How to Make Cucumber Cream Cheese Spread

Step 1: Prep the Cucumber

Start by peeling your cucumber, removing the seeds, and finely grating it. The most important part? Wrap those shreds in a clean kitchen towel or several layers of paper towel and squeeze, squeeze, squeeze—more water than you think will come out. This prevents a watery spread and keeps everything perfectly creamy.

Step 2: Mix Everything Together

In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with the drained cucumber, fresh dill, green onion or chives, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Go in with a sturdy spatula or hand mixer and blend until everything looks smooth, green-flecked, and super tempting. The dill and cucumber will immediately announce themselves by scent alone!

Step 3: Chill the Spread

Scoop the mixture into a container, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This quick chill lets the flavors get cozy and merge together—trust me, the wait is worth it! If you want to make it ahead for a gathering, the flavors will be even bolder the next day.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

After chilling, give the Cucumber Cream Cheese Spread a gentle stir and transfer to your favorite serving dish. Set it out cold alongside crackers, bagel halves, or veggie sticks for an irresistibly fresh snack. Prepare to watch it disappear fast!

How to Serve Cucumber Cream Cheese Spread

Garnishes

Add a delicate shower of extra fresh dill on top, a few snips of chives or green onions, and, if you’re feeling fancy, some paper-thin cucumber slices. Not only do these garnishes make the spread look extra inviting, but they also punch up the fresh flavor with every bite.

Side Dishes

This spread pairs beautifully with an array of dippers: crunchy radishes, carrot coins, and celery sticks are classic, but don’t overlook herby crackers, mini bagels, and even triangles of toasted pita. It’s equally at home alongside a light salad or an elegant brunch buffet with smoked salmon and tomatoes.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn the Cucumber Cream Cheese Spread into adorable tea sandwiches by layering it between thin slices of crustless bread. Or fill endive leaves for a low-carb, bite-size appetizer. Another show-stopping idea? Swirl it onto a platter topped with roasted cherry tomatoes or serve it in a hollowed cucumber “bowl” for maximum flair!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any leftover spread to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. The flavor actually improves as it sits, melding together and becoming even more addictive. Enjoy within two days for the freshest taste—after that, the cucumber can start releasing a bit more moisture.

Freezing

While you technically can freeze Cucumber Cream Cheese Spread, I don’t recommend it. Freezing tends to alter the creamy texture and can make the cucumber go mushy. For best results, always enjoy this fresh from the fridge rather than the freezer.

Reheating

This is a no-cook, no-reheat situation! If your spread has sat in the fridge and you want it a little softer for serving, just let it stand at room temperature for 15 minutes before giving it a quick stir. Simple as that.

FAQs

Can I use low-fat cream cheese or Greek yogurt in this recipe?

Absolutely! Light cream cheese or Greek yogurt will work nicely if you’re looking for a lighter take. Just keep in mind the spread may be a bit tangier and softer; chill thoroughly to help it firm up before serving.

How do I keep the spread from being too watery?

The trick is all in draining the cucumber: make sure to really squeeze out as much moisture as possible before combining it with the other ingredients. A sturdy towel or lots of paper towels will do the trick and ensure a thick, luscious spread.

What can I substitute for fresh dill?

If you can’t get fresh dill, try finely chopped fresh parsley or even a little mint for a unique twist. Dried dill can work in a pinch, use only about one teaspoon since it’s more concentrated.

How can I use Cucumber Cream Cheese Spread in sandwiches?

It’s perfect for tea sandwiches! Just spread a generous layer between thin slices of white or whole grain bread (crusts off if you’re feeling fancy), or use it as a schmear inside bagels with smoked salmon or turkey for a refreshing lunch option.

Is this spread gluten free and vegetarian?

Yes! All the ingredients in Cucumber Cream Cheese Spread are naturally gluten free and vegetarian. Just pair with your favorite gluten free crackers or veggie dippers to keep the whole experience gluten free.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a refreshingly different, absolutely crowd-pleasing appetizer, give Cucumber Cream Cheese Spread a try. It’s so simple and so full of bright flavors, it might just become your new staple for get-togethers or easy snacking. Let this cool, creamy spread add a touch of sunshine to your snack table!

Cucumber Cream Cheese Spread Recipe

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4.7 from 9 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes (including chill time)
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

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Description

Creamy and fresh, this Cucumber Cream Cheese Spread is a delightful appetizer that’s perfect for spreading on crackers, bagels, or fresh vegetables. With the coolness of cucumber, the tang of lemon, and the herby notes of dill and green onion, this spread is a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale

Cream Cheese Spread:

8 oz cream cheese (softened)
1/2 cup finely grated cucumber (peeled and seeds removed)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
1 tablespoon chopped green onion or chives
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

Prepare Cucumber: Place the grated cucumber in a clean kitchen towel or paper towel and squeeze out as much moisture as possible.
Mix Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, drained cucumber, dill, green onion, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.
Chill: Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.
Serve: Serve chilled with crackers, bagels, or fresh vegetables.

Notes

This spread can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the fridge.
For a lighter version, use reduced-fat cream cheese or Greek yogurt in place of some of the cream cheese.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American