Ingredients
- 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.
Instructions
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.