Veggie Cream Cheese

Veggie Cream Cheese Homemade Spread Recipe

ByAnna

Creamy, tangy, and bursting with colorful crunch — this veggie cream cheese spread is the kind of kitchen staple that makes mornings better. Whether slathered over a toasted bagel, dolloped onto crackers, or tucked into a sandwich, it brings a garden-fresh twist to your plate with every bite. And the best part? It comes together in minutes with ingredients you probably already have.

Behind the Recipe

This recipe was born from my love of morning bagels and a growing frustration with store-bought spreads that just didn’t deliver. Too bland, too artificial, or too loaded with preservatives. One day, standing in front of the fridge and eyeing half a red bell pepper and some leftover herbs, the idea struck — why not make my own? That first batch turned out so delicious that it quickly became a regular in my fridge, made fresh every Sunday and devoured by Tuesday.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

Flavored cream cheeses have been around since the early 1900s, but veggie versions became wildly popular in the 1980s when delis across New York City began blending them in-house. Inspired by classic garden flavors, veggie spreads combine the rich tang of cream cheese with the crisp freshness of finely chopped vegetables and herbs. It’s a nod to deli culture, with a homemade touch.

Why You’ll Love Veggie Cream Cheese Homemade Spread Recipe

From its zesty flavor to its smooth texture, here’s why this spread deserves a spot in your kitchen:

Versatile:
Perfect on bagels, sandwiches, wraps, or as a dip for veggies and chips.

Budget-Friendly:
Costs far less than specialty store-bought versions.

Quick and Easy:
Ready in under 10 minutes with no cooking required.

Customizable:
Add your favorite veggies, herbs, or even a spicy kick.

Crowd-Pleasing:
A colorful, flavorful addition to any brunch spread or snack platter.

Make-Ahead Friendly:
Tastes even better after a day in the fridge.

Great for Leftovers:
Use up those odds and ends of fresh veggies.

Print
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Veggie Cream Cheese

Veggie Cream Cheese

  • Author: Anna
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus soaking time)
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes (including soaking)
  • Yield: About 1 1/2 cups 1x
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: Vegan
  • Diet: Dairy-Free, Vegan, Nut-Free (optional), Gluten-Free
Print Recipe

Description

A creamy, dairy-free Veggie Cream Cheese spread packed with fresh vegetables and wholesome ingredients. Perfect for bagels, dips, or sandwiches, this nutritious and versatile spread is easy to make and customizable to your taste.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup raw cashews (soaked for at least 2 hours or overnight)
  • 1 medium carrot, washed and roughly chopped
  • 1/2 red bell pepper, washed and roughly chopped
  • 1 garlic clove
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/4 to 1/2 cup water or plant-based milk (to adjust consistency)

Optional Variations

  • Fresh dill, chives, or parsley (for herb infusion)
  • 1/4 cup cooked beets (for beetroot boost)
  • Pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne (for spicy kick)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped sun-dried tomatoes
  • Steamed and blended cauliflower (as nut-free substitute for cashews)

Instructions

  1. Soak the Cashews: Start by soaking raw cashews in warm water for at least 2 hours or overnight. This softens them and ensures your spread will be perfectly creamy and silky smooth.
  2. Prepare the Vegetables: Wash and roughly chop the carrots and red bell pepper to make blending easier, contributing to the fresh veggie taste and bright color.
  3. Blend the Ingredients: Add soaked cashews, chopped vegetables, garlic, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, nutritional yeast, sea salt, and a splash of water or plant-based milk to a high-speed blender. Pulse until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed for even consistency.
  4. Adjust Texture and Flavor: Taste the spread and adjust by adding more lemon juice for tang, salt for seasoning, or water/milk to thin the mixture if too thick. Blend briefly again to combine.
  5. Chill and Serve: Transfer the Veggie Cream Cheese to a container and chill for at least an hour to let flavors meld and texture firm up. Once chilled, it’s ready to spread or dip.

Notes

  • Use raw cashews to achieve the best creamy texture without bitterness.
  • Don’t skip soaking the cashews to avoid grainy texture.
  • Add liquid gradually to prevent a too-runny spread.
  • Use fresh, crisp veggies for best flavor and nutrition.
  • Chilling enhances flavor melding and thickens texture.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2 tablespoons (about 30g)
  • Calories: 70
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Fat: 5g
  • Saturated Fat: 0.5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 6g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: vegan cream cheese, dairy-free spread, veggie cream cheese, plant-based cheese, creamy dip

Did you make this recipe?

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Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

A few little tricks go a long way when making this spread a flavor-packed success:

  • Finely mince your veggies. Uniform size ensures every bite is balanced and spreadable.
  • Let it chill. Resting in the fridge for at least an hour allows flavors to meld beautifully.
  • Use full-fat cream cheese. The texture and taste are unbeatable.
  • Pat veggies dry. This keeps the spread from becoming watery.
  • Mix by hand or pulse gently. Overmixing in a processor can turn it too thin.

ding">Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

No fancy equipment required — just your basics and a bit of muscle.

Cutting Board and Knife: For finely chopping veggies.

Mixing Bowl: Large enough for combining everything easily.

Spatula or Spoon: For folding ingredients together.

Paper Towels: To dry vegetables and reduce moisture.

Food Processor (Optional): For a smoother, whipped version.

Ingredients in Veggie Cream Cheese Homemade Spread Recipe

Each ingredient in this spread plays a part in creating that luscious texture and vibrant flavor combo we love.

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  1. Cream Cheese: 8 ounces (softened) — the creamy base that ties everything together.
  2. Carrot: 1 small, finely grated — adds natural sweetness and color.
  3. Red Bell Pepper: 1/4 cup, finely diced — brings bright, fresh crunch.
  4. Green Onion: 2 tablespoons, minced — adds a savory bite and mild tang.
  5. Fresh Parsley: 1 tablespoon, chopped — herbaceous lift.
  6. Garlic Powder: 1/4 teaspoon — subtle depth and warmth.
  7. Salt: 1/8 teaspoon — enhances overall flavor.
  8. Black Pepper: 1/8 teaspoon — gentle heat and contrast.

    9. Ingredient Substitutions

    Missing something? No problem — here are some easy swaps:

    Cream Cheese: Vegan cream cheese or Neufchâtel for a lighter version.

    Carrot: Zucchini or radish for a different texture.

    Red Bell Pep

    per: Yellow or green bell pepper.

    Green Onion: Chives or finely diced red onion.

    Parsley: Dill, basil, or cilantro depending on your flavor vibe.

    Ingredient Spotlight

    Cream Cheese: The heart of the spread — rich, tangy, and perfectly smooth, it’s the glue that binds all the freshness together.

    Red Bell Pepper: Its juicy crunch and gentle sweetness brighten every bite, both visually and in flavor.

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    Instructions for Making Veggie Cream Cheese Homemade Spread Recipe

    Let’s whip up something colorful, creamy, and downright delicious:

    1. Preheat Your Equipment:
      No preheating needed — just set your cream cheese out to soften at room temperature.
    2. Combine Ingredients:
      In a large bowl, add softened cream cheese, grated carrot, red bell pepper, green onion, and parsley.
    3. Prepare Your Cooking Vessel:
      No pan here — just grab a sturdy spoon or spatula for mixing.
    4. Assemble the Dish:
      Sprinkle in garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything until well combined.
    5. Cook to Perfection:
      Not applicable — but if using a food processor, pulse 2–3 times for a smoother blend.
    6. Finishing Touches:
      Transfer to a serving bowl or airtight container. Let chill for at least 1 hour.
    7. Serve and Enjoy:
      Spread on bagels, crackers, or sandwiches — and savor every fresh, creamy bite.

    Texture & Flavor Secrets

    This spread hits the perfect balance: rich and creamy from the cheese, crisp and refreshing from the veggies. The soft base contrasts with tiny pops of crunch from carrots and peppers, while herbs and seasonings layer in bursts of flavor that make it anything but basic.

    Cooking Tips & Tricks

    Maximize your spread’s flavor with these handy ideas:

    • Use cold veggies to keep everything cool and crisp.
    • Blend in a spoonful of sour cream or Greek yogurt for added tang.
    • Double the recipe — it disappears fast!