Garlic and Vegetable Cheese Spread

This garlic and vegetable cheese spread is so flavorful on crackers, bagels, rye toast, and crudités. It's really easy to throw together at the last minute, yet it's elegant enough for a dinner party. 

I made this Garlic and Vegetable Cheese Spread to go with these Cheddar Cheese Crackers. The crackers were very savory and tangy, and this spread was the perfect balance. 

I also made this spread to go with these classic New York water bagels and these onion bagels. So good! 

I also paired this spread with smoked salmon and crackers. I could pretty much have this cheese spread for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. 

You can probably substitute any vegetables you have on hand, but this flavor combination is really good.

Note: I used a home grown (from my cousin) sweet cayenne pepper instead of the red jalapeño the first time I made this spread. The second time I made it, I used a red jalapeño, which is probably easier to obtain. If you're not a big fan of spicy, just substitute a mild chili pepper, such as an Anaheim pepper, or if you don't like any spice, red bell pepper. If you want a spicier dip, you can use a green jalapeño chili.

Second note: Whatever chili pepper you use, it will mellow if you allow the spread to chill overnight. When I used a super spicy chili, the spiciness was barely detectable the second day. 

I took this spread and these crackers to work, and was so happy to see how quickly they disappeared!

Garlic and Vegetable Cheese Spread Recipe

Ingredients

• 6 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
• 1/3 cup sour cream
• 1/2 large carrot, finely diced
• 1/2 cup finely diced scallions
• 1/3 cup finely diced red onions
• 1 red jalapeño pepper, seeds removed and diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp garlic salt
• 1/2 tsp white pepper

Instructions

1. Whip the cream cheese and sour cream together with a hand mixer, small food processor, or whisk.
2. Add the rest of the ingredients, and stir. Adjust flavors to taste.
3. Cover and chill for at least 3 hours, or overnight.
4. Serve with your favorite cracker, toast, bread, or bagels.

Yield: 6 servings