If you've ever bought scallion cream cheese at the store and thought "I could make this at home," you absolutely can. And once you do, you won't go back. This homemade scallion cream cheese is fresher, creamier, and way more flavorful than anything that comes in a tub.
It takes about 10 minutes, uses just 4 simple ingredients, and works on everything. Bagels, obviously. But also crackers, toast, wraps, or just a spoon when nobody's looking. Whether you call it scallion cream cheese or cream cheese with scallions, this easy recipe is about to become a regular in your fridge.
If you are looking for more spread recipes make sure to look at this Easy homemade dill pickle hummus.
Jump to:
Quick Answer
Scallion cream cheese is a creamy, savory spread made by blending softened cream cheese with fresh scallions, also called green onions, and a few simple seasonings.
- Use full-fat cream cheese softened at room temperature for the creamiest texture
- Pulse the scallions in a food processor before adding the cream cheese
- Season with garlic powder, salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice
- Ready in 10 minutes with no cooking required
- Serve on bagels, crackers, toast, or as a dip for fresh veggies
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 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 ยผ-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.
- How to soften cream cheese quickly: Cut the cream cheese into cubes and let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes, or microwave it in 10-second bursts until soft
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 jalapeรฑos.
What to Serve With:
Bagels: The classic for a reason. This green onion cream cheese is especially good on an everything bagel toasted until crispy.
Crackers or chips: Set it out as a snack spread and watch it disappear fast.
Veggie sticks: Carrots, celery, cucumber slices, and bell pepper strips all work great for dipping.
Toast: Spread it thick on sourdough or a toasted English muffin for an easy breakfast.
Wraps and sandwiches: Use it as your spread instead of mayo for an instant flavor upgrade.
Alongside eggs: Honestly one of my favorite combos. Scrambled eggs and scallion cream cheese on toast is a whole mood.
FAQ
Can I use a different kind of cheese?
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.
What does scallion cream cheese taste like?
It's creamy and rich from the cream cheese with a mild, fresh onion flavor from the scallions. It's savory but not sharp, and way more flavorful than plain cream cheese. Think of it like a fresher, homemade version of the kind you'd find at a bagel shop.
What is the difference between scallions and green onions?
They are actually the same thing! Scallions and green onions are two names for the same ingredient. Both the white and green parts are used in this recipe for the best flavor.
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
- ยฝ cup chopped scallions
- ยผ teaspoon ranch seasonning
- 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 ยผ-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