Asiago Cream Cheese – Simple and Delicious
Asiago Cream cheese spread is something you must try. It is a brilliant twist on the classic cream cheese, with a wonderful and vibrant flavor.
Cream cheese is wonderful, but the flavor is a bit mild and un-exciting.
I wanted to spice up my cream cheese with some amazing flavors, so this recipe was born and perfected.
What is in this mix?
There is a simple mixture of cream cheese, Neufchatel cheese, Asiago cheese, salt, pepper, and chopped chives.
With these ingredients, you already know it will be good.
This simple yet flavorful mixture is perfect to pair with toasted bread, bagels, or even crackers. It goes well with anything and will elevate your next Sunday brunch or breakfast.
What is Asiago cheese?
Asiago is an Italian cow’s milk cheese. Its texture can range from medium to hard based on how long the cheese is aged.
Fresh Asiago is a white or pale-yellow color, with a thin rind. It has a medium texture, like a firm sponge cake, with a delicate and sour flavor, and a buttery aroma.
Aged Asiago cheese is pale yellow to amber yellow, with a compact to firm texture. It has a nutty and yeasty aroma with a strong flavor. For this recipe, I used aged Asiago cheese, but you can go with fresh Asiago too.
Is Asiago similar to Parmesan cheese?
Grated or shaved Asiago cheese is often mistaken for parmesan cheese. Although both of these are used in similar ways, Parmesan is made in the midwestern region of Italy, made to strict specifications, and aged for an average of two years.
The parmesan cheese also tends to have a slightly sweeter flavor than aged Asiago. Although they are not the same, they can be used interchangeably in recipes.
If you are thinking to swap Asiago cheese with parmesan, you can do it, but it will alter the flavor quite a bit.
Is every cream cheese the same?
The cream cheese is generally the same and from every brand.
They can be milder, saltier, or creamier, but in general, they will taste pretty similar.
There are different brands to choose from, but if you want to try something outstanding, I suggest going with Neufchatel cheese. The Neufchatel cheese is often sitting next to the cream cheese in the store aisle.
Neufchatel cheese is a French cheese that is similar to classic cream cheese, but the main distinction between these is that Neufchatel cheese has a slightly less rich taste and a bit of granularity to the texture as well.
Fresh vs dried chives
I could not get fresh chives for this recipe, so instead, I used dried ones. Certain herbs are always better when fresh, and delicate leafy herbs like parsley and chives are always superior when fresh.
But, if you end up in a situation like mine, without fresh chives, you can use dried ones.
The cream cheese mixture has some moisture that will slightly plump up the dried chives and release their flavor. Just leave the cream cheese in a fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Do I need Neufchatel cheese?
I added Neufchatel just because I had some in my fridge, but you do not have to go with one. I added a bit of this to make the mixture a bit fluffier.
You can only use the cream cheese, or add in some sour cream or crème Fraiche. You can add whatever you want or just use plain cheese.
What else can be added?
This cream cheese mix can be very easily customized to meet your desired preferences. Think adding garlic, but in that case remove chives, add Mediterranean herbs, like basil, or oregano, or just add in some crushed chili peppers.
Decadent Asiago Cream Cheese
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Serve: 6
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cream cheese
- ½ cup grated Asiago cheese
- ¼ cup Neufchatel cheese or crème fraiche
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp dried chives or 1 tbsp fresh chives
Instructions:
1. In a mixing bowl, whisk cream cheese and Neufchatel or crème Fraiche.
2. Stir in Asiago cheese, chives, and salt and pepper.
3. Once you have a smooth mixture you can serve it.
Asiago Cream Cheese - Simple and Delicious
This simple and delicious Asiago Cream Cheese has been perfected over time and my family absolutely loves it!
Ingredients
- 1 cup cream cheese
- ½ cup grated Asiago cheese
- ¼ cup Neufchatel cheese or crème fraiche
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp dried chives or 1 tbsp fresh chives
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, whisk cream cheese and Neufchatel or crème Fraiche.
- Stir in Asiago cheese, chives, and salt and pepper
- Once you have a smooth mixture you can serve it.