Are you a fan of garlic and cheese? Then you’re in for a treat with our Roasted Elephant Garlic Cheese Spread! This delightful spread is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a party, having a family dinner, or simply enjoying a quiet evening at home. But what exactly is elephant garlic, and why is it called that? Elephant garlic is a unique type of garlic known for its large cloves and milder flavor compared to regular garlic. Despite its name, it is more closely related to leeks than true garlic. This recipe will guide you through creating a delicious and creamy spread that’s sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients
To make the Roasted Elephant Garlic Cheese Spread, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 bulbs of elephant garlic
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
- Crackers or bread for serving
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare and Roast the Garlic
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prep the Garlic: Remove any loose outer layers of the elephant garlic bulbs, but keep the skins on the individual cloves. Slice off the top of each bulb to expose the cloves.
- Season the Garlic: Place the garlic bulbs on a piece of aluminum foil. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and black pepper.
- Wrap and Roast: Wrap the garlic bulbs in the foil and place them on a baking sheet. Roast in the preheated oven for 45-60 minutes, until the garlic is soft and golden brown.
- Cool and Squeeze: Remove the garlic from the oven and let it cool slightly. Squeeze the roasted garlic cloves out of their skins into a bowl.
Step 2: Make the Cheese Spread
- Mash the Garlic: Use a fork to mash the roasted garlic cloves until smooth.
- Mix the Cheeses: In a separate bowl, combine the cream cheese, grated Parmesan, and sour cream. Mix until well blended.
- Combine: Add the mashed garlic to the cheese mixture and stir until fully incorporated.
- Add Herbs and Zest: Gently fold in the chopped chives, parsley, and lemon zest.
Step 3: Serve and Enjoy
- Transfer to Serving Dish: Spoon the cheese spread into a serving dish.
- Garnish: Garnish with a few extra chives and parsley for a fresh look.
- Serve: Serve with crackers, bread, or fresh vegetables for dipping.
Tips and Variations
Tips
- Roasting Time: Keep an eye on the garlic while roasting to avoid burning. It should be soft and golden brown when done.
- Softening Cream Cheese: Ensure the cream cheese is softened to make mixing easier. You can leave it out at room temperature for about 30 minutes before using it.
- Storage: Store any leftover spread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Variations
- Elephant Garlic Confit: For a richer flavor, try making elephant garlic confit by slow-cooking the garlic cloves in olive oil until tender. Use this confit in place of the roasted garlic in the recipe.
- Air Fryer Option: To save time, you can roast the elephant garlic in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes.
- Butter Addition: For an extra creamy spread, add a tablespoon of softened butter to the cheese mixture.
- Different Cheeses: Experiment with different cheeses like goat cheese or feta for a unique twist.
Nutritional Information
Here’s the basic nutritional information per serving (approximately 2 tablespoons):
- Calories: 80
- Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 150mg
Conclusion
Our Roasted Elephant Garlic Cheese Spread is a simple yet delicious recipe that’s sure to become a favorite. The mild flavor of the elephant garlic combined with creamy cheeses and fresh herbs creates a spread that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is easy to follow and guaranteed to impress.
We hope you enjoy making and eating this delightful spread. Don’t forget to share your experiences with us in the comments below, and feel free to share the recipe with your friends and family on social media. For more delicious recipes, subscribe to our newsletter and stay updated with the latest from easycrispyrecipes.com.