Calabrian Chili Cream Cheese Spread (Printable Version)

Creamy, spicy cheese spread with Italian chilies ready in 10 minutes

# The Ingredients You'll Need:

→ Dairy

01 - 8 oz cream cheese, softened

→ Chilies

02 - 2 tbsp Calabrian chili paste or finely chopped jarred Calabrian chilies

→ Seasonings

03 - 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
04 - 1 garlic clove, finely minced (optional)
05 - 1 tsp lemon juice
06 - 1/4 tsp kosher salt, or to taste
07 - 1/8 tsp freshly ground black pepper

# Step-by-Step Instructions:

01 - Place softened cream cheese in a medium mixing bowl.
02 - Add Calabrian chili paste, olive oil, garlic (if using), lemon juice, salt, and pepper to the bowl.
03 - Use a spatula or hand mixer to blend until fully combined and creamy smooth.
04 - Taste and adjust salt, lemon juice, or chili paste to your preference.
05 - Transfer to a serving dish, drizzle with additional olive oil if desired, and serve immediately with toasted bread or bagels. Refrigerate up to 5 days.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • It transforms ordinary cream cheese into something restaurant worthy in under ten minutes
  • The heat level is completely customizable so everyone gets exactly what they want
02 -
  • Cold cream cheese will leave you with tiny lumps no matter how long you mix it
  • The flavor actually develops overnight in the refrigerator so do not be afraid to make it ahead
03 -
  • If you can only find whole jarred Calabrian chilies, pulse them in a food processor until smooth before adding
  • A tiny splash of heavy cream can rescue the texture if yours feels too stiff after refrigerating
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