Savory Roasted Garlic Cottage Cheese Spread for French Bread

Elevate your appetizer game with this creamy, savory roasted garlic cottage cheese spread, perfect for French baguette appetizers and garlic bread pairings.

This delightful recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy French bread dishes, offering a burst of flavor with minimal effort. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s both elegant and incredibly simple to prepare, making it ideal for impromptu gatherings or a sophisticated snack.

This spread is designed for ease and deliciousness, transforming humble ingredients into something truly special. Each serving provides about 12 grams of protein. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply looking for a flavorful addition to your weeknight meal, this recipe will quickly become a go-to in your kitchen.

Roasted Garlic Cottage Cheese Spread

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• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4-6 servings 1x

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Description

Elevate your appetizer game with this creamy, savory roasted garlic cottage cheese spread, perfect for French baguette appetizers and garlic bread pairings. This delightful recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy French bread dishes, offering a burst of flavor with minimal effort. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s both elegant and incredibly simple to prepare, making it ideal for impromptu gatherings or a sophisticated snack. This spread is designed for ease and deliciousness, transforming humble ingredients into something truly special. Each serving provides about 12 grams of protein. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply looking for a flavorful addition to your weeknight meal, this recipe will quickly become a go-to in your kitchen.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1 whole head of garlic

1 tablespoon olive oil, plus more for drizzling

16 ounces cottage cheese (full-fat or low-fat)

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped

1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)

1 French baguette, sliced

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400 F (200 C). Take the whole head of garlic and carefully slice off about a quarter inch from the top, exposing the cloves. Place the garlic head on a small piece of aluminum foil.

2. Drizzle the exposed garlic cloves with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Wrap the foil tightly around the garlic head to create a small packet. Place the foil packet directly on the oven rack and roast for 25 minutes, or until the cloves are soft and golden brown. You’ll know it’s ready when you can easily squeeze a clove out and it feels tender.

3. Once roasted, carefully remove the garlic from the oven and let it cool for about 5-10 minutes. This makes it easier to handle. Once cool enough, squeeze the soft, caramelized garlic cloves out of their skins into a small bowl. Mash them gently with a fork.

4. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, mashed roasted garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, finely chopped fresh chives, and finely chopped fresh parsley.

5. Add the black pepper and salt to the mixture. Stir everything together thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated and the spread is evenly seasoned. Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed.

6. While the spread is chilling, slice your French baguette into 1/2-inch thick rounds. You can lightly toast these slices in the oven for a few minutes until golden and crisp, or serve them fresh.

7. Transfer the savory roasted garlic cottage cheese spread to a serving bowl. Drizzle with a little extra olive oil if desired, and serve immediately with the sliced French baguette.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: appetizer
• Cuisine: american

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/4 cup spread
• Protein: 12

Keywords: appetizer, garlic, cottage cheese, spread, easy, party, snack, vegetarian, dip, french bread

What You’ll Love About This Quick And Easy Recipe

This roasted garlic cottage cheese spread is a true kitchen hero for several reasons. First, it’s incredibly quick to assemble, making it perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a delicious appetizer without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s also remarkably versatile, pairing beautifully with a variety of French bread dishes, from simple toasted baguette slices to more elaborate garlic bread creations. This recipe is ideal for anyone looking for a flavorful, protein-packed snack or a sophisticated yet easy-to-make starter. It’s especially great for families, as the flavors are universally appealing, and it encourages everyone to enjoy fresh, wholesome ingredients. Serve it as a pre-dinner nibble, a party dip, or even a light lunch spread.

Everything You Need To Make This Recipe Without Stress

Gathering your ingredients for this spread is straightforward, focusing on fresh, accessible items you likely already have or can easily find at any grocery store. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the way a few key components come together to create a rich, satisfying flavor.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 whole head of garlic
• 1 tablespoon olive oil, plus more for drizzling
• 16 ounces cottage cheese (full-fat or low-fat)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1 French baguette, sliced

When it comes to substitutions, feel free to adapt to what you have on hand. If fresh chives or parsley aren’t available, you can use 1 teaspoon of dried chives and 1 teaspoon of dried parsley, though fresh herbs always provide a brighter flavor. For the cottage cheese, either full-fat or low-fat varieties work well; full-fat will yield a creamier, richer spread. If you don’t have Parmesan, a good quality Pecorino Romano can offer a similar salty, umami kick. You can also experiment with other hard cheeses like Asiago if you prefer.

Time Needed From Start To Finish

This recipe is designed for efficiency, delivering maximum flavor with minimal time commitment. The hands-on prep is very quick, with most of the time dedicated to the garlic roasting itself.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

How To Make It Step By Step With Visual Cues

Making this savory roasted garlic cottage cheese spread is a breeze. Follow these simple steps for a perfect appetizer every time.

1. Prepare the Garlic for Roasting: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Take the whole head of garlic and carefully slice off about a quarter inch from the top, exposing the cloves. Place the garlic head on a small piece of aluminum foil.
2. Roast the Garlic: Drizzle the exposed garlic cloves with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Wrap the foil tightly around the garlic head to create a small packet. Place the foil packet directly on the oven rack and roast for 25 minutes, or until the cloves are soft and golden brown. You’ll know it’s ready when you can easily squeeze a clove out and it feels tender.
3. Cool and Extract Garlic: Once roasted, carefully remove the garlic from the oven and let it cool for about 5-10 minutes. This makes it easier to handle. Once cool enough, squeeze the soft, caramelized garlic cloves out of their skins into a small bowl. Mash them gently with a fork.
4. Combine Ingredients for the Spread: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, mashed roasted garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, finely chopped fresh chives, and finely chopped fresh parsley.
5. Season the Spread: Add the black pepper and salt to the mixture. Stir everything together thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated and the spread is evenly seasoned. Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed.
6. Prepare the French Bread: While the spread is chilling, slice your French baguette into 1/2-inch thick rounds. You can lightly toast these slices in the oven for a few minutes until golden and crisp, or serve them fresh.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Transfer the savory roasted garlic cottage cheese spread to a serving bowl. Drizzle with a little extra olive oil if desired, and serve immediately with the sliced French baguette.

Easy Variations And Serving Ideas That Fit Real Life

This roasted garlic cottage cheese spread is incredibly versatile and can be adapted to suit various tastes and occasions. For a kid-friendly twist, you can reduce the amount of roasted garlic slightly or add a pinch of dried onion powder for a milder flavor.

• Spice It Up: For those who love a little heat, mix in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce into the spread.
• Herb Variations: Experiment with other fresh herbs like dill, oregano, or thyme for different flavor profiles. A mix of Italian herbs can also be delicious.
• Creamier Texture: If you prefer an even smoother spread, you can briefly pulse the cottage cheese in a food processor before mixing in the other ingredients.
• Serving as a Dip: This spread makes an excellent dip for a vegetable platter alongside carrots, celery sticks, bell pepper strips, and cucumber slices.
• Party Platter: For a party or buffet, arrange the spread in a decorative bowl surrounded by toasted baguette slices, pita chips, and an assortment of crackers. Garnish with a sprig of fresh parsley or a few extra chives.
• Topping for Meals: Beyond appetizers, this spread can be a fantastic topping for grilled chicken or fish, or even stirred into scrambled eggs for a savory breakfast boost.
• Sandwich Spread: Use it as a flavorful alternative to mayonnaise or other spreads in sandwiches and wraps.

Common Slip-Ups And How To Avoid Them

Even simple recipes can have a few pitfalls. Knowing what to watch out for will ensure your roasted garlic cottage cheese spread turns out perfectly every time.

• Under-Roasting the Garlic: If the garlic isn’t roasted long enough, it will be hard to squeeze out and will retain a sharp, pungent flavor instead of the sweet, mellow taste you’re aiming for. Make sure the cloves are very soft and slightly caramelized. If they still feel firm after 25 minutes, put them back in the oven for another 5-10 minutes.
• Over-Salting: Cottage cheese already contains some sodium, and Parmesan cheese is quite salty. Start with 1/4 teaspoon of salt and taste the spread before adding more. It’s easier to add salt than to remove it.
• Not Chopping Herbs Finely Enough: Large pieces of chives or parsley can be overpowering and affect the texture. Ensure your herbs are finely chopped so they blend seamlessly into the spread.
• Serving Immediately Without Chilling: While you can technically serve it right away, allowing the spread to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes lets the flavors meld and deepen, resulting in a much more enjoyable taste.
• Using Cold French Bread: While the spread is delicious with fresh bread, lightly toasting the baguette slices enhances their texture and provides a wonderful contrast to the creamy spread. Don’t skip this step if you have the time!

How To Store It And Make It Ahead Without Ruining Texture

This savory roasted garlic cottage cheese spread is excellent for making ahead, which can be a real time-saver when you’re preparing for a gathering or just want a quick snack ready to go.

To store the spread, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3-4 days. The flavors actually tend to deepen and improve over time, making it a great make-ahead option.

To make it ahead, simply prepare the spread as directed in the recipe, combine all ingredients, and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, give it a good stir. If it seems a little thick from chilling, you can add a tiny splash of milk or a drizzle of olive oil and stir until it reaches your desired consistency. Prepare the French baguette slices just before serving to ensure they are fresh and crisp. Reheating the spread is not recommended as it can alter the texture of the cottage cheese; it’s best served chilled or at room temperature.

Questions People Always Ask Before Making This Recipe

Here are some common questions people have about making this delicious roasted garlic cottage cheese spread.

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FAQs

• Can I make these ahead? Yes—prep ahead, refrigerate, then serve when ready.
• How long do leftovers last? Store covered in the fridge for 3–4 days for best texture.
• Can I adjust sweetness? Yes—add more or less sweetener to taste.
• Can I change the fruit? Yes—swap strawberries for blueberries, raspberries, or sliced banana.