Calabrian Chili Cream Cheese (Printable)

Smooth cream cheese mixed with fiery Calabrian chilies for a flavorful, creamy spread.

# What You’ll Use:

→ Dairy

01 - 8 oz cream cheese, softened

→ Chilies

02 - 2 tablespoons Calabrian chili paste or finely chopped jarred Calabrian chilies

→ Seasonings

03 - 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
04 - 1 garlic clove, finely minced, optional
05 - 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
06 - 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
07 - 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

# How-To:

01 - Place softened cream cheese in a medium mixing bowl.
02 - Add Calabrian chili paste, olive oil, minced garlic if using, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper to the cream cheese.
03 - Using a spatula or hand mixer, blend all ingredients until fully combined and creamy in texture.
04 - Taste the mixture and adjust salt, lemon juice, or chili paste according to personal preference.
05 - Transfer to a serving dish and drizzle additional olive oil on top if desired. Serve immediately with toasted bread or bagels, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It comes together in under ten minutes, making it perfect for last-minute guests or unexpected cravings.
  • The heat builds gradually, so even people who think they don't like spicy food often ask for the recipe.
  • One batch lasts nearly a week in the fridge, which means breakfast sorted for days.
02 -
  • Don't skip softening the cream cheese properly—trying to blend cold cream cheese is like trying to fold stiff cardboard, and you'll end up with a frustrating, lumpy mess.
  • Calabrian chili paste varies wildly in salt content between brands, so always taste before you finish seasoning, or you'll accidentally make something inedible.
03 -
  • If your cream cheese won't soften, cut it into small cubes and let them sit at room temperature for five minutes—they'll soften much faster than a whole block.
  • The moment you open a new jar of Calabrian chilies, transfer half to an ice cube tray, freeze, and pop them into a container for future use, so they stay fresh and you always have small portions ready.
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