Parmesan Cheese Spread

Sometimes the most impressive appetizers are surprisingly simple to make. This Parmesan Cheese Spread transforms basic cream cheese into an extraordinary party spread that’s bursting with complex, savory flavors. What makes this spread irresistible is the perfect balance of creamy richness from cream cheese and mayonnaise, subtle heat from sriracha, umami depth from soy sauce and Worcestershire, and the sharp, nutty finish of Parmesan cheese.

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Why This Recipe Works

The genius of this spread lies in its layered flavor profile that builds complexity through simple ingredients. The cream cheese provides a rich, neutral base that carries all the other flavors, while mayonnaise and sour cream add tanginess and smooth texture. The combination of sriracha, soy sauce, and Worcestershire creates an umami-rich foundation with just a hint of heat, while the Parmesan cheese adds sharp, nutty notes that tie everything together beautifully.

The Art of Flavor Balance

This spread demonstrates how a few well-chosen ingredients can create something much greater than the sum of their parts. Each component serves a specific purpose: the dairy provides richness, the sriracha adds gentle heat and color, the soy sauce contributes saltiness and depth, the Worcestershire adds complexity, and the Parmesan provides the signature sharp finish that makes this spread so addictive.

Ingredients

For the Spread Base:

• Cream cheese – Forms the rich, creamy foundation when at room temperature
• Mayonnaise – Adds tang and helps create a smooth, spreadable consistency
• Sour cream – Contributes additional tanginess and lightens the texture

For the Flavor Profile:

• Parmesan cheese – Provides a sharp, nutty flavor and a signature taste
• Sriracha sauce – Provides gentle heat and subtle sweetness
• Soy sauce – Adds umami depth and saltiness
• Worcestershire sauce – Contributes complex savory flavors
• Dry mustard – Adds subtle heat and aromatic complexity

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Base

1. Bring to room temperature. Ensure cream cheese is completely softened at room temperature for smooth mixing. This takes about 2-3 hours.
2. Combine dairy ingredients. In a large bowl, combine room-temperature cream cheese, mayonnaise, and sour cream.
3. Beat until smooth. Using an electric mixer, beat the mixture until it is completely smooth and creamy, with no lumps remaining.

Adding the Flavors

4. Add liquid seasonings. Mix in sriracha, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce, beating until well incorporated.
5. Add dry seasonings. Beat in the dry mustard until evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
6. Fold in Parmesan. Gently fold in the Parmesan cheese, mixing just until evenly distributed.

Final Preparation

7. Taste and adjust. Sample the spread and adjust seasonings if needed. You can add more sriracha for heat or more Parmesan for sharpness.
8. Chill for flavor development. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld together.
9. Serve at a proper temperature. Remove from refrigerator 15-20 minutes before serving to soften slightly for easier spreading.

 Chef’s Notes

The key to perfect texture is ensuring the cream cheese is entirely at room temperature before mixing. Cold cream cheese will create lumps that are difficult to smooth out. The spread improves in flavor after 24 hours as all the ingredients have time to meld together.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

• Refrigerator Storage: Store in airtight containers for up to 1 week in the refrigerator. The flavors improve over the first few days.
• Reheating Method: This is a cold spread that doesn’t require reheating. Bring to room temperature 15-20 minutes before serving for the best consistency.
• Freezing is not recommended, as dairy-based spreads can separate when frozen and thawed.

Savory Parmesan Cheese Spread

Creamy cheese spread with Parmesan, sriracha, and savory seasonings. Perfect for crackers, vegetables, and party appetizers!

5 from 1 vote

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Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Parmesan Cheese Spread

Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes minutes

Servings: 24

Calories: 155kcal

Author: Stephanie Manley

Ingredients

• 1 lb cream cheese at room temperature
• 1⁄2 cup mayonnaise
• 1⁄4 cup sour cream
• 2 teaspoons sriracha
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1⁄2 teaspoon dry mustard
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese

Instructions

• Place the room temperature cream cheese, mayonnaise, and sour cream in a bowl and beat together with a mixer until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Add Sriracha, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, dry mustard, and Parmesan cheese. Allow the cheese spread flavors to mingle together for at least one hour before serving. Store in an air tight container. This will stay fresh for about 1 week.

Nutrition

Calories: 155kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 31mg | Sodium: 186mg | Potassium: 45mg | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 335IU | Vitamin C: 0.3mg | Calcium: 54mg | Iron: 0.1mg