Garlic Herbs Cream Cheese Recipe
Garlic Herbs Cream Cheese Recipe is a easy Indian recipe that serves 6. 120 calories per serving. Recipe by Rajshri Food on YouTube.
Prep: 20 min | Cook: 5 min | Total: 35 min
Cost: $6.47 total, $1.08 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 litre Full Fat Milk (Whole milk, for curdling)
- 1 tablespoon White Vinegar (For curdling the milk)
- 2 tablespoons Water (Dilutes the vinegar)
- 1 tablespoon Processed Cheese (Adds extra cheesy flavor, optional)
- 1 tablespoon Garlic (Minced (about 3 cloves))
- 1 pinch Salt (Fine sea salt, to taste)
- 5 leaves Fresh Basil Leaves (Torn into small bits, no chopping)
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Dill (Finely chopped)
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Parsley (Finely chopped)
- 8-10 pieces Pickled Jalapenos (Finely chopped)
- 1 pinch Pepper Powder (Black pepper)
- 1 teaspoon Olive Oil (Extra virgin, for drizzling)
Instructions
Boil the Milk
Pour 1 litre of full‑fat milk into a saucepan and bring to a rolling boil over medium‑high heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 100°C
Cool Slightly
Remove the saucepan from heat and let the milk sit for 2–3 minutes until it is warm but not hot.
Time: PT3M
Curdle with Vinegar
Add 1 tablespoon white vinegar mixed with 2 tablespoons water to the warm milk a little at a time, stirring gently until the milk separates into curds and whey.
Time: PT2M
Strain the Curds
Place a muslin cloth over a colander and pour the curdled mixture through it. Rinse the curds under cold running water to remove excess acidity and cool them further.
Time: PT5M
Dry the Cheese
Gather the corners of the muslin cloth and press firmly to squeeze out remaining whey. Let the cheese ball rest for a couple of minutes to cool slightly.
Time: PT2M
Blend with Flavorings
Transfer the cheese ball to a blender. Add 1 tablespoon processed cheese, 1 tablespoon minced garlic, and a pinch of salt. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Time: PT2M
Add Fresh Herbs and Jalapenos
Place the blended cheese into a mixing bowl. Stir in torn basil leaves, chopped dill, chopped parsley, 8–10 finely chopped pickled jalapenos, and a pinch of black pepper. Mix thoroughly.
Time: PT5M
Finish with Olive Oil
Drizzle 1 teaspoon extra‑virgin olive oil over the spread and give a final gentle stir. Garnish with a few extra fresh herb leaves if desired.
Time: PT1M
Serve or Store
Transfer the herbed garlic cream cheese to an airtight container. Serve immediately with bagels, toast, crackers, or store in the refrigerator.
Time: PT0M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 120
- Protein
- 6g
- Carbohydrates
- 2g
- Fat
- 10g
- Fiber
- 0g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Allergens: Milk, Dairy, Garlic
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Full Fat Milk: 2% Milk (less rich)
- Instead of White Vinegar: Lemon juice (1 tbsp)
- Instead of Processed Cheese: Cheddar cheese, Mozzarella cheese
- Instead of Garlic: Garlic powder (1 tsp)
- Instead of Fresh Basil Leaves: Dried basil (1 tsp)
- Instead of Fresh Dill: Dried dill (1 tsp)
- Instead of Fresh Parsley: Dried parsley (1 tsp)
- Instead of Pickled Jalapenos: Fresh jalapenos (remove seeds)
- Instead of Olive Oil: Vegetable oil
Equipment Needed
- Saucepan
- Muslin Cloth
- Blender
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Mixing Bowl
- Spatula
- Measuring Spoons
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Boil the Milk
- Curdle with Vinegar
- Strain the Curds
- Blend with Flavorings
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use full‑fat milk for the richest, creamiest cheese.
- Fresh herbs give the best flavor; add them at the end to preserve their bright color.
- If you prefer a milder heat, reduce or omit the pickled jalapenos.
Troubleshooting
The milk did not curdle.
Make sure the milk is hot (near boiling) before adding vinegar. If needed, add a few more drops of vinegar gradually.
The spread is too watery.
After straining, press the curds longer to remove excess whey. You can also chill the cheese for 10 minutes and re‑strain.
The texture is grainy.
Blend the cheese longer or use a food processor for a smoother consistency. Adding a small amount of processed cheese helps create a creamier texture.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for 2–3 days.
Freezer: Not recommended; texture may change.
Room temperature: Do not keep at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- The cheese base can be prepared a day ahead and kept refrigerated; add fresh herbs just before serving.
- Rinse the curds thoroughly to avoid a lingering vinegar taste if making ahead.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Herbed and Garlic Cream Cheese Spread in Indian cuisine?
While cream cheese is not traditionally Indian, home‑made fresh cheese (paneer) is common in Indian households. This herbed and garlic version blends Western cream cheese techniques with Indian love for fresh herbs, creating a versatile spread for modern Indian gatherings.
What are the traditional regional variations of cream cheese spreads in Indian cuisine?
In North India, fresh paneer is often mixed with mint, coriander, and green chilies. In South India, curd‑based spreads may include curry leaves and mustard seeds. This recipe adapts those herb profiles into a smooth cream cheese base.
How is Herbed and Garlic Cream Cheese Spread traditionally served in Indian households?
It is typically served as an accompaniment to toasted breads, parathas, or as a dip for samosa and pakora platters during tea time or festive gatherings.
During which Indian celebrations is a herb‑infused cream cheese spread commonly enjoyed?
It is popular at weekend brunches, birthday parties, and during Diwali or Holi snack spreads where a creamy dip complements a variety of fried and baked treats.
What authentic traditional ingredients are used in Herbed and Garlic Cream Cheese Spread versus acceptable substitutes?
Authentic ingredients include full‑fat milk, white vinegar, fresh basil, dill, parsley, and pickled jalapenos. Substitutes can be 2% milk, lemon juice for vinegar, dried herbs, or fresh green chilies instead of pickled jalapenos.
What other Indian dishes pair well with Herbed and Garlic Cream Cheese Spread?
It pairs beautifully with naan, roti, toasted pav, mini idli, or as a topping for spiced potato wedges and corn on the cob.
What makes Herbed and Garlic Cream Cheese Spread special in Indian fusion cuisine?
The spread combines the creamy richness of Western cream cheese with the bright, aromatic herbs and mild heat favored in Indian cooking, offering a fresh, versatile dip that bridges both culinary worlds.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Herbed and Garlic Cream Cheese Spread?
Common errors include adding vinegar to cold milk (which prevents curdling), over‑stirring the curds (which makes them too small), and not rinsing the curds enough, leaving a sour taste.
Why does this Herbed and Garlic Cream Cheese Spread recipe use a muslin cloth instead of a regular strainer?
A muslin cloth allows the whey to drain completely while retaining the soft curds, resulting in a smoother texture. A regular strainer may let fine curd particles escape, making the spread grainy.
What does the YouTube channel Rajshri Food specialize in?
The YouTube channel Rajshri Food specializes in Indian home‑cooking tutorials, focusing on traditional recipes, quick everyday meals, and step‑by‑step guides for making classic dishes from scratch.
Last updated: August 31, 2026
