This Savory Garlic Basil Cream Cheese Spread is an easy make-ahead spread for toast, bread, bagels, and breakfast sandwiches. It is made with basil, garlic, melted butter, Parmesan cheese, and cream cheese, giving it a rich, creamy texture with a fresh herb aroma and savory garlic flavor.
For this recipe, I used Taiwanese basil, which has a stronger aroma and is commonly used in Taiwan. If it is not available, Thai basil or regular basil can also be used. Once blended, the spread can be stored in the refrigerator for about 3 to 5 days, making it a simple and flavorful option for quick breakfasts during the week.
Garlic Basil Cream Cheese Spread
A savory Garlic Basil Cream Cheese Spread made with basil, garlic, Parmesan cheese, melted butter, and cream cheese. This easy make-ahead spread is perfect for toast, bread, bagels, crackers, or breakfast sandwiches. Store it in the refrigerator for about 3 to 5 days. Estimated at about 60 calories per tablespoon, not including toast or bread.
Equipment
- Food Processor
- Glass jar
- Kitchen scale
Ingredients
- 25 g Thai basil or regular basil
- 20 g garlic
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp grated Parmesan cheese or cheese powder
- 1 tsp sugar
- 20 g unsalted butter, melted
- 80 g creamcheese
Instructions
- First, prepare 25g basil leaves. I used Taiwanese basil for this recipe, but Thai basil or regular basil can also be used. Pick the fresh leaves, remove the thicker stems, then rinse the leaves and set them aside.
- Next, prepare 20g garlic.
- Add the prepared basil leaves and garlic to a food processor.
- Add 1/2 tsp salt and 1 tsp grated Parmesan cheese.
- Add 1 tsp sugar, then pour in 20g melted unsalted butter.
- Add 80g cream cheese, then start blending.
- Blend for about 30 to 40 seconds. If the mixture does not blend smoothly, stop and scrape down the sides with a spatula before blending again. For a smoother spread, blend for another 20 seconds.
- Once the spread is blended, prepare a clean glass jar or airtight container. Transfer the Garlic Basil Cream Cheese Spread into the jar. It can be stored in the refrigerator for about 3 to 5 days.
- In the morning, spread it directly on toast, bread, bagels, or use it in breakfast sandwiches. You can also bake the toast briefly after spreading for a warm, savory breakfast.
Video
Notes
This recipe makes about 10 tablespoons of spread. Nutrition is estimated per tablespoon and does not include toast or bread.
Cooking & Storage Tips
- Taiwanese basil, Thai basil, or regular basil can all be used. Taiwanese basil and Thai basil have a stronger aroma, while regular basil gives the spread a milder and more familiar basil flavor.
- Remove the thicker stems before blending. Using mostly fresh leaves helps the spread taste smoother and less fibrous.
- If the mixture does not blend smoothly at first, stop the food processor and scrape down the sides with a spatula. Because this spread has very little liquid, it may need a little help to blend evenly.
- For a smoother texture, blend for an extra 20 seconds. For a more rustic texture, stop once the basil, garlic, butter, and cream cheese are evenly combined.
- Store the spread in a clean airtight container in the refrigerator for about 3 to 5 days.
- This spread is great on toast, bread, bagels, crackers, or breakfast sandwiches. For a warm garlic toast style, spread it on bread and bake at 180°C for about 5 minutes.
Tools & equipment you may need
Food Processor
Glass Jars
Last Updated on 2026-09-05