This Scallion Cream Cheese is the perfect balance of creamy richness and zesty onion flavor. Ideal for bagels, crackers, or as a delicious dip for veggies, it’s a quick and simple recipe that you can whip up in no time.

Whether you're prepping a spread for your breakfast, brunch, or a snack, this easy-to-make scallion cream cheese will quickly become a go-to favorite. Plus, it’s easy to customize with a few added ingredients to make it your own.
If you are looking for more spread recipes make sure to look at these Easy homemade dill pickle hummus and Delicious Lemon Beet Hummus
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The ingredients
- Cream Cheese: For a lighter spread, use a reduced-fat version or even a dairy-free cream cheese substitute.
- Scallions: If you can’t find fresh scallions, green onions are a great alternative. These two ingredients are essentially the same and will give your spread the same mild onion flavor.
- Ranch Seasoning: It enhances the savory taste of the cream cheese. You can skip it if you prefer a more delicate flavor or substitute with fresh garlic (though it will require a bit more mixing).
- Lemon Juice: While not essential, lemon juice adds a touch of acidity that balances the creamy richness of the spread. It’s great for those who like a bit of zing!
How to make this homemade Scallion Cream Cheese
- Prepare the Scallions:
Start by thoroughly washing and drying the scallions. Trim off any dry or brown parts from the white base of the scallions. Cut away any wilted or damaged green stems and then slice the scallions into roughly ¼-inch pieces. Make sure to use both the white and green parts for maximum flavor. - Process the Scallions:
Place the chopped scallions into the bowl of a food processor. Pulse the scallions a few times to finely chop them and release their natural juices. This step helps the scallions blend more easily with the cream cheese and gives the spread a smooth texture. - Add the Cream Cheese and Seasoning:
Add your softened cream cheese to the food processor, followed by the garlic powder (if using). You can also add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Pulse the mixture until smooth and creamy, scraping the sides of the bowl a couple of times to ensure everything is incorporated evenly. - Finish and Serve:
Once everything is well mixed and creamy, give it a final taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. If you want a bit more zing, you can squeeze in a few drops of fresh lemon juice to brighten up the flavor. Scoop your creamy mixture into a small serving bowl and it’s ready to enjoy! - Serve it Right:
Serve this scallion cream cheese with your favorite bagels, crackers, or veggie sticks. It’s also fantastic as a topping for toast or used as a savory dip for fresh bread. You can even spread it on sandwiches for a flavorful twist!
Tips:
- Blend Smoothness: If you don’t have a food processor, you can use a hand mixer or a bowl and spoon to mix the ingredients. Just make sure your cream cheese is softened for the best consistency.
- Storage: This scallion cream cheese will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. It may become firmer as it chills, so simply let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving to soften it back up.
- Double the Recipe: If you’re serving a crowd, feel free to double or triple the recipe. It’s easy to scale up without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Variations of the Recipe:
- Herb Cream Cheese: Add fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or chives along with the scallions for a fresh and green twist.
- Bacon Scallion Cream Cheese: For an extra savory and smoky flavor, stir in some crumbled cooked bacon.
- Spicy Scallion Cream Cheese: Spice things up by adding a few dashes of hot sauce or finely chopped jalapeños.
What to Serve With:
- Bagels: A classic combo! This spread works wonders on toasted bagels.
- Crackers or Chips: Perfect as a savory snack with your favorite crunchy options.
- Vegetable Sticks: Try dipping celery, carrots, or cucumber slices for a healthier snack.
- Sandwiches or Wraps: Use this spread as a creamy, flavorful layer in wraps or sandwiches.
FAQ
Yes! You can experiment with different creamy cheeses such as ricotta, mascarpone, or even goat cheese. Each will give a unique twist to the flavor.
Use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and follow the same steps. You can also use a cashew cream or a soy-based spread for a vegan version.
Absolutely! This scallion cream cheese can be made ahead of time. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and it will last up to 5 days.
Recipe
Homemade Scallion Cream Cheese
Equipment
- Food processor or hand mixer
- Knife and chopping board
- Small mixing bowl (optional for hand mixing)
- Spatula (for scraping down the bowl)
Ingredients
- 8 ounces of cream cheese softened
- ½ cup chopped scallions
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Start by thoroughly washing and drying the scallions. Trim off any dry or brown parts from the white base of the scallions. Cut away any wilted or damaged green stems and then slice the scallions into roughly ¼-inch pieces. Make sure to use both the white and green parts for maximum flavor.
- Place the chopped scallions into the bowl of a food processor. Pulse the scallions a few times to finely chop them and release their natural juices. This step helps the scallions blend more easily with the cream cheese and gives the spread a smooth texture.
- Add your softened cream cheese to the food processor, followed by the ranch seasoning. You can also add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Pulse the mixture until smooth and creamy, scraping the sides of the bowl a couple of times to ensure everything is incorporated evenly.
- Once everything is well mixed and creamy, give it a final taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. If you want a bit more zing, you can squeeze in a few drops of fresh lemon juice to brighten up the flavor. Scoop your creamy mixture into a small serving bowl and it’s ready to enjoy!
- Serve this scallion cream cheese with your favorite bagels, crackers, or veggie sticks. It’s also fantastic as a topping for toast or used as a savory dip for fresh bread. You can even spread it on sandwiches for a flavorful twist!
Sophie Viau says
This revamped recipe gives a fun twist to your usual scallion cream cheese spread and offers various ways to adjust it to personal taste