Pesto Cream Cheese Spread

This post may contain affiliate links which won’t change your price but will share some commission.

This pesto cream cheese spread is a delicious, healthy condiment that tastes great on crackers, sandwiches, and pasta.

I’ve got loads of basil in my garden, and even more comes home every week from my farm share. When I don’t have a specific recipe in mind that calls for basil, I make a big batch of pesto and freeze it in an ice cube tray. That way, when I want to pull out a small portion to add to a soup or defrost for pasta, I can get just the right amount.

Another way I’ve recently been using pesto is this pesto cream cheese spread. I should actually call it “yogurt cheese” because it comes from homemade yogurt that I’ve strained into a cream cheese consistency. But who’s ever heard of yogurt cheese? Cream cheese works just as well if you want to take a shortcut. (Although if you have a cooler and a kitchen timer, you really should try making your own yogurt. It’s so easy!)

pesto cream cheese spread on crackers rfrd

Pesto Cream Cheese Spread

This pesto cream cheese spread is a delicious topping or dip.
Print Recipe
Prep Time:5 minutes
Cook Time:0 minutes
Total Time:5 minutes

Recommended Equipment

Ingredients

For the Pesto

  • 3 cups basil loosely packed
  • 1 cup walnuts
  • 1 clove garlic
  • 2 tbs olive oil
  • 1 tbs freshly grated parmesan cheese optional
  • 1/4 tsp salt

For the Pesto Cream Cheese Spread

  • 4 tbs cream cheese (or yogurt reduced to the consistency of cream cheese)
  • 2 tbs pesto mixture

Instructions

  • Combine all the pesto ingredients in a food process and mix until well combined.
  • Mix 2 tablespoons of pesto with 4 tablespoons of cream cheese. (You'll have leftover pesto for another time.)
  • Spread on crackers or bread, or toss with warm pasta.

Approximate Nutrition Info

Calories: 342kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 34g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 17mg | Sodium: 284mg | Potassium: 202mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 1295IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 102mg | Iron: 1mg
Servings: 4
Calories: 342kcal
Cost: $.24 per serving

This recipe may contain affiliate links. A purchase or click through one of these links may result in a commission paid to us at no additional cost to you.

Pesto Cream Cheese Spread Price Breakdown

The batch of pesto costs $3.36 to make, or $.42 per tablespoon. The pesto cream cheese spread costs $.96. It’s enough to generously cover four pieces of bread, so it comes out to $.24 per serving.  This is a great, nutritious alternative to store-bought spreads, which tend to be full of preservatives. You won’t need any preservatives if you make this spread – it will be gone in no time!

4 Comments

  1. I love having frozen pesto on hand. It’s great for throwing into frozen homemade tomato soup in the winter!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating