This Italian Herb Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Cheese Spread is rich, creamy, tangy, and packed with bold Mediterranean-inspired flavor. Softened cream cheese is blended with Parmesan and sour cream, then loaded with oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil, parsley, garlic, Italian herbs, and a touch of crushed red pepper.

Every bite delivers a delicious combination of creamy cheese, concentrated tomato flavor, savory Parmesan, aromatic herbs, and gentle heat. The sun-dried tomatoes are especially important—they provide a deep tomato sweetness and savory intensity that makes this spread much more flavorful than ordinary cream cheese.

It takes only about 10 minutes to prepare, but giving it at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator allows the garlic, herbs, Parmesan, and tomatoes to flavor the entire mixture. For an even more developed flavor, chill it for 1–2 hours before serving.

Serve it with toasted baguette slices, crackers, crostini, fresh vegetables, sandwiches, or wraps, or place it in the center of an appetizer board surrounded by your favorite dippers.

Why You’ll Love This Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Cheese Spread

Rich and creamy. Cream cheese and sour cream create a smooth, spreadable texture.

Loaded with sun-dried tomatoes. Oil-packed tomatoes bring concentrated sweet-savory tomato flavor.

Packed with Italian herbs. Fresh basil, parsley, and Italian seasoning provide plenty of aromatic flavor.

Savory Parmesan. Grated Parmesan adds nuttiness, saltiness, and extra depth.

A little spicy. Crushed red pepper flakes provide gentle warmth without overwhelming the other ingredients.

No cooking required. Simply mix, chill, and serve.

Ready in minutes. Active preparation takes approximately 10 minutes.

Perfect for entertaining. It makes an easy appetizer for parties, holidays, game days, or casual gatherings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

8 oz cream cheese, softened — Creates the rich, creamy base. Softening it first makes the spread much easier to mix.
½ cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, finely chopped — Bring intense tomato flavor, subtle sweetness, and a pleasantly chewy texture.

¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese — Adds savory, nutty flavor and complements the Italian herbs.
2 garlic cloves, minced — Give the spread a fresh, punchy garlic flavor.
2 tablespoons sour cream or mayonnaise — Loosens the cream cheese slightly and creates a softer, more spreadable consistency.

1 tablespoon fresh basil, finely chopped — Adds fresh, aromatic Italian flavor.
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped — Provides freshness and balances the richer ingredients.
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning — Adds another layer of dried herb flavor.

¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes — Provides subtle heat.
¼ teaspoon black pepper — Adds gentle peppery warmth.
Salt, to taste — Add only after tasting because Parmesan and sun-dried tomatoes can already contribute plenty of salt.

How to Make Italian Herb Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Cheese Spread

Step 1: Soften the Cream Cheese

Allow the cream cheese to soften enough that it can be easily stirred or beaten.

Properly softened cream cheese creates a smoother spread and makes it easier to distribute the Parmesan, tomatoes, garlic, and herbs evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Remove the oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes from their jar and allow excess oil to drain away.

Finely chop them.

Smaller pieces distribute their concentrated tomato flavor throughout the spread while still leaving colorful bits in every bite.

Step 3: Prepare the Herbs and Garlic

Finely mince 2 garlic cloves.

Chop the fresh basil and parsley.

Having everything prepared before mixing makes the recipe especially quick to assemble.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Base

Add the softened cream cheese to a medium mixing bowl.

Add 2 tablespoons sour cream or mayonnaise and ¼ cup grated Parmesan.

Beat or stir until smooth, creamy, and evenly combined.

Step 5: Add the Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Add the finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes.

Fold them into the cream cheese mixture until evenly distributed.

Step 6: Add the Herbs and Seasonings

Add:

Minced garlic

Fresh basil
Fresh parsley
Italian seasoning

Crushed red pepper flakes
Black pepper

Mix thoroughly until the herbs, seasonings, and sun-dried tomatoes are evenly incorporated throughout the cream cheese.

Step 7: Taste and Adjust

Taste the finished spread before adding salt.

Sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan can both be salty, so you may find that very little additional salt is necessary.

Adjust the red pepper flakes or black pepper if desired.

Step 8: Chill

Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

For a more developed flavor, chill for 1–2 hours.

This resting period allows the garlic, basil, parsley, Italian seasoning, Parmesan, and tomatoes to flavor the creamy base.

Step 9: Serve

Remove the spread from the refrigerator shortly before serving so it can soften slightly and become easier to spread.

Transfer to a serving bowl and garnish with fresh basil, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan, or a tiny drizzle of oil from the sun-dried tomato jar if desired.

Serve with your favorite breads, crackers, or vegetables.

Recipe Notes

Use softened cream cheese: Cold cream cheese is difficult to mix smoothly and can leave lumps.

Oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes work especially well: They’re tender and flavorful, making them easy to incorporate into the spread.

Drain excess oil: You want some of the tomatoes’ rich flavor without making the spread excessively oily.

Finely chop the tomatoes: Smaller pieces make the spread easier to scoop and spread.

Fresh garlic is potent: Its flavor becomes more pronounced as the spread rests.

Taste before salting: Parmesan and sun-dried tomatoes can already contain significant salt.

Don’t skip the chilling time: The spread tastes noticeably more cohesive after the flavors have had time to mingle.

Let it soften slightly before serving: Refrigerated cream cheese firms up considerably, so a brief period out of the refrigerator improves spreadability.

Sour Cream vs. Mayonnaise

Either works well, but each produces a slightly different result.

Sour cream gives the spread extra tanginess and a lighter dairy flavor. It’s a great choice if you want the cream cheese, Parmesan, herbs, and tomatoes to remain prominent.

Mayonnaise creates a richer, smoother spread with a slightly more savory character.

You can use whichever you already have or prefer.

How to Serve Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Cheese Spread

This spread can easily move from breakfast to lunch to an appetizer board.

Spread over toasted baguette slices
Serve with crostini

Pair with crackers
Spread over bagels
Serve with pita chips

Add to sandwiches
Spread inside wraps
Add to turkey sandwiches

Use on grilled chicken sandwiches
Serve with cucumber slices
Pair with celery sticks

Serve with bell pepper strips
Add to an antipasto board
Spread onto flatbread

Serve alongside olives and roasted peppers
Use as a savory toast topping

For an easy appetizer, spoon the spread into a shallow bowl and garnish with chopped sun-dried tomatoes, basil, Parmesan, black pepper, and a light drizzle of flavorful olive oil.

Flavor Variations

Spicy Sun-Dried Tomato Spread

Increase the crushed red pepper flakes or add a finely chopped hot pepper.

Roasted Garlic Sun-Dried Tomato Spread

Replace the raw garlic with soft roasted garlic for a sweeter, mellower garlic flavor.

Olive & Sun-Dried Tomato Spread

Add finely chopped Kalamata olives for extra briny Mediterranean flavor.

Artichoke Sun-Dried Tomato Spread

Fold in finely chopped, well-drained artichoke hearts.

Spinach Sun-Dried Tomato Spread

Add finely chopped cooked spinach that has been squeezed very dry.

Feta Sun-Dried Tomato Spread

Replace some of the Parmesan with crumbled feta for a tangier Mediterranean-inspired version.

Extra-Herb Italian Spread

Increase the fresh basil and parsley and add chopped fresh oregano.

Mozzarella Sun-Dried Tomato Spread

Fold in finely chopped fresh mozzarella or small mozzarella pearls immediately before serving.

Tips for the Best Cream Cheese Spread

Soften, don’t melt, the cream cheese. It should be easy to mix but still hold its structure.

Use flavorful Parmesan. Freshly grated Parmesan provides excellent savory depth.

Chop everything finely. Large pieces make the spread more difficult to serve on crackers and crostini.

Drain wet additions. Whether you’re adding tomatoes, olives, spinach, or artichokes, excess liquid can thin the spread.

Give the garlic time to mellow. The 30-minute to 2-hour resting period helps integrate its sharp flavor.

Season at the end. Taste after adding Parmesan and sun-dried tomatoes before deciding how much salt is necessary.

Garnish immediately before serving. Fresh basil, Parmesan, and a few chopped tomatoes make a simple spread look much more inviting.

Make-Ahead Instructions

This Italian Herb Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Cheese Spread is an excellent make-ahead appetizer.

Prepare the spread according to the recipe, cover tightly, and refrigerate.

Making it several hours ahead gives the garlic, tomatoes, herbs, and Parmesan plenty of time to blend into the cream cheese base.

Before serving, give it a quick stir and allow it to soften slightly for easier spreading.

Add any decorative garnishes immediately before bringing it to the table.

Storage Information 🧊

Transfer leftover spread to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.

Keep the spread chilled when it isn’t being served, particularly because it contains cream cheese and sour cream or mayonnaise.

Always use a clean utensil when scooping from the container.

If the spread has been refrigerated overnight, stir it before serving because the texture may become firmer.

Freezing isn’t ideal. Cream cheese-based spreads can develop a grainier or less creamy consistency after freezing and thawing, so this recipe is best enjoyed fresh from the refrigerator.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this spread ahead of time?

Yes. It’s actually beneficial to prepare it ahead because chilling allows the garlic, herbs, Parmesan, and sun-dried tomatoes to flavor the cream cheese. Chill for at least 30 minutes or preferably 1–2 hours.

Should I use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes?

Yes. Oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes are tender, flavorful, and easy to chop, making them particularly well suited to a creamy spread.

Do I need to drain the sun-dried tomatoes?

Drain off the excess oil before chopping. A little residual oil is fine and adds flavor, but too much can make the spread greasy.

Can I use mayonnaise instead of sour cream?

Yes. Either works. Sour cream gives you more tang, while mayonnaise produces a slightly richer result.

Can I make it spicy?

Absolutely. Increase the crushed red pepper flakes or add finely chopped hot peppers.

Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?

Fresh basil gives this spread its brightest flavor. If fresh isn’t available, you can rely more heavily on the Italian seasoning, but the finished flavor will be slightly different.

What crackers go well with this spread?

Plain water crackers, seeded crackers, whole-grain crackers, crostini, pita chips, and toasted baguette slices all work well.

Can I use this spread on sandwiches?

Yes. It’s particularly good with turkey, chicken, roasted vegetables, tomatoes, arugula, or grilled vegetables.

Why should I wait before adding salt?

Parmesan and sun-dried tomatoes can both be fairly salty. Taste the fully mixed spread first so you don’t accidentally over-season it.

How long can I store the spread?

Keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and use within 4 days.

Recipe Card

Recipe: Italian Herb Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Cheese Spread 🍅🧄🌿
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Chill Time: At least 30 minutes
Best Chill Time: 1–2 hours
Total Time: Approximately 40 minutes using the minimum chill time
Servings: Approximately 8
Calories: Approximately 145 per serving, depending on exact ingredients and serving size
Method: No-cook / chilled spread
Main Ingredients: Cream cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan, garlic, basil, parsley, and Italian herbs
Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days

This Italian Herb Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Cheese Spread combines creamy cheese with concentrated tomatoes, Parmesan, fresh garlic, basil, parsley, Italian seasoning, and a subtle touch of chile heat. It’s simple enough for an everyday snack but flavorful and colorful enough for an appetizer board.

The key is giving the spread a little time in the refrigerator. After 30 minutes to 2 hours, the sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, herbs, and Parmesan have a chance to mingle, creating a richer and more balanced flavor.

Serve it slightly softened with warm crostini, toasted baguette slices, crackers, fresh vegetables, sandwiches, or wraps for an easy Mediterranean-inspired appetizer that’s creamy, savory, tangy, and packed with flavor.