Name: Roasted Red Pepper Garlic Parmesan Cheese Spread
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 8 oz cream cheese, softened — Creates the thick, creamy base. Softening it first makes mixing much easier.; ½ cup roasted red bell peppers, finely chopped and patted dry — Add sweet roasted pepper flavor, vibrant color, and texture.; ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese — Brings salty, nutty, savory flavor to the creamy base.; 2 garlic cloves, minced — Add bold fresh garlic flavor.; 2 tbsp mayonnaise or sour cream — Loosens the cream cheese slightly and creates a smoother, creamier consistency.; 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped — Adds freshness and a mild herbal note.; ½ tsp Italian seasoning — Brings a blend of savory dried herbs that complements the peppers and Parmesan.; ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes — Adds a subtle spicy kick.; ¼ tsp black pepper — Provides gentle peppery warmth.; ¼ tsp salt, or to taste — Enhances the other flavors. Adjust carefully because Parmesan already contributes saltiness.

Ingredients

Scale

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this creamy roasted red pepper spread.

8 oz cream cheese, softened — Creates the thick, creamy base. Softening it first makes mixing much easier.
½ cup roasted red bell peppers, finely chopped and patted dry — Add sweet roasted pepper flavor, vibrant color, and texture.
⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese — Brings salty, nutty, savory flavor to the creamy base.
2 garlic cloves, minced — Add bold fresh garlic flavor.
2 tbsp mayonnaise or sour cream — Loosens the cream cheese slightly and creates a smoother, creamier consistency.
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped — Adds freshness and a mild herbal note.
½ tsp Italian seasoning — Brings a blend of savory dried herbs that complements the peppers and Parmesan.
¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes — Adds a subtle spicy kick.
¼ tsp black pepper — Provides gentle peppery warmth.
¼ tsp salt, or to taste — Enhances the other flavors. Adjust carefully because Parmesan already contributes saltiness.

Instructions

This easy cheese spread requires only a few minutes of mixing before it goes into the refrigerator.

Step 1: Prepare the Roasted Red Peppers

Finely chop the roasted red bell peppers.

Use paper towels to pat them thoroughly dry before adding them to the spread.

Removing excess moisture helps prevent the finished cheese spread from becoming watery.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Base

Add the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise or sour cream, and grated Parmesan cheese to a medium mixing bowl.

Beat until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.

Make sure the Parmesan is evenly incorporated throughout the cream cheese.

Step 3: Add the Roasted Peppers

Add the finely chopped and dried roasted red bell peppers to the creamy cheese mixture.

Step 4: Add the Garlic and Herbs

Add the minced garlic and chopped fresh parsley.

Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning.

Step 5: Add the Seasonings

Add the crushed red pepper flakes and black pepper.

Season with salt to taste, keeping in mind that Parmesan cheese already adds saltiness.

Step 6: Mix Everything Together

Stir thoroughly until the roasted peppers, garlic, herbs, and seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the cream cheese mixture.

The spread should be creamy with visible pieces of roasted red pepper and parsley throughout.

Step 7: Chill

Cover the bowl or transfer the spread to an airtight container.

Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.

This resting period gives the garlic, Parmesan, roasted peppers, and seasonings time to blend.

For an even more developed flavor, refrigerate the spread for 1–2 hours.

Step 8: Serve

Serve the cheese spread chilled for a firmer consistency or allow it to soften slightly before serving for easier spreading.

Pair it with toasted baguette slices, crackers, sandwiches, wraps, or fresh vegetables.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes

Nutrition

Serving Size: 8
Calories: 135 per serving