This super easy roasted red pepper cream cheese spread is not only great on a bagel but also makes a wonderful dip for crackers and chips! This one is great if you have been looking for the best veggie cream cheese schmear!
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Are you the bagel type who loves to slather them with flavored cream cheese spread? My kids love when I make my homemade gluten free bagels for breakfast, and I used to buy several different flavors of cream cheese to go with them. Flavored cream cheeses could get expensive because flavored cream cheeses cost more than plain cream cheese.
Flavored schmears are all the rage for a fun breakfast bagel bar! They aren’t just delicious with breakfast; they also make a great party dip. Dip these delicious homemade Gluten-Free Bagel Chips!
I had no idea how easy it was to make my own homemade cream cheese schmear, but now that I know, I love making different flavors. Savory or sweet, the process is the same for any flavor you want to create. This roasted red pepper spread is as easy as it gets! Make this schmear in under 10 minutes!
If you need more breakfast inspiration, I have many great gluten-free breakfast recipes.
Allergen Information:
- This flavored cream cheese recipe is gluten-free, egg-free, soy-free, and nut-free.
- Make it dairy-free and vegan using plant-based cream cheese like VioLife or Daiya.
Ingredient Notes:
For the full list of ingredients and amounts, please go to the recipe card below.
- Cream Cheese – I prefer using full-fat cream cheese, but low-fat will also work.
- Roasted Red Peppers – I used jarred roasted red peppers when I made this recipe, but you can easily roast your own. To fire-roast your bell peppers, use this fire-roasting tutorial. Roasting red peppers is the same method as roasting chiles.
- Garlic – Fresh is best.
- Sriracha and Jalapeños – Optional if you like some spice.
- Salt and ground black pepper to taste.
Step-By-Step Photos and Directions:
You only need cream cheese and a flavoring, like these roasted red peppers and garlic. Like things spicy? This easy-flavored cream cheese recipe is so adaptable! Have some friends over for brunch, and make a cream cheese bar for those gluten free bagels!
Step 1: Mix your ingredients into a food processor. I love this little food processor attachment that came with my immersion blender. It makes this red pepper cream cheese so easy to make! I added garlic, cream cheese, roasted red peppers, and garlic to the food processor.
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Step 2: Blend the ingredients for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is smooth and creamy. If you want it chunkier, blend for a shorter amount of time.
That is it!! You can use it right away!
More Schmear Flavors Options:
You can make so many fun flavors of cream cheese to serve with your bagels. Here are some fun ideas and directions on how to make flavored cream cheese:
- Blueberry—Add 1/4 cup thawed frozen blueberries to softened cream cheese in a food processor to make blueberry schmear. Add 1 teaspoon of lemon juice and blend!
- Garlic Herb- Add 1 minced garlic clove and some of your favorite fresh herbs to the softened cream cheese. Blend in the food processor. Cooking with fresh herbs is so easy; you can grow fresh herbs in your kitchen window!
- Sun-Dried Tomato – Add 2 tablespoons of sun-dried tomatoes to your softened cream cheese. I recommend using those packed in oil, but drain the excess oil first.
- If you love sweet cream cheese schmears, you will want to check out this easy Cinnamon Cream Cheese Schmear.
Cream cheese dips are also delicious spread on crackers or crostini, like this Spicy Shrimp over Roasted Red Pepper Cheese Crostini appetizer. If you want something quick, dip your favorite crackers into this. You can also dip vegetables and chips into this schmear!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Cream cheese spreads are easy to spread because they are much smoother in texture than brick cream cheese. Spreads can also be flavored.
Store the cream cheese in an airtight container in your refrigerator. It will keep fresh for up to 5 days.
More Delicious Pepper Recipes to Try:
- Easy Shishito Red Pepper Soup
- Sweet Pepper Fritatta
- 8 Ways to Fall In Love with Shishito Peppers
- Ground Beef Stuffed Pasilla Peppers
Love This Recipe?
If you made and enjoyed this recipe, I would be incredibly grateful if you could leave a comment below. This will help others know this recipe is delicious. Thank you!
Roasted Red Pepper Cream Cheese Spread
Equipment
- Vitamix
Ingredients
- ¼ cup roasted red peppers
- 8 ounce cream cheese
- 1 clove garlic
- Salt to taste
- *optional 1/2 (or more) fresh jalapeno for some kick.
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Instructions
- Add all of the ingredients to a food processor and blend until creamy and smooth.
- Serve with bagels, crackers, or crostini.
Notes
- I used jarred fire-roasted red peppers to make this cream cheese schmear. You can also fire-roast your own red peppers by following the steps in this fire-roasted chiles tutorial.
- You can use full-fat or low-fat cream cheese.
- This cream cheese spread will keep up to 5 days in an air-tight container.
SPECIAL NOTE
Please know that every gluten free flour blend has a different starch to grain ratio. If you use a blend I didn’t test, you may need to adjust your moisture levels in your baked goods.
Nutrition
Nutrition Disclaimer
Nutritional information is an estimate provided to you as a courtesy. You should calculate the actual nutritional information with the products and brands you are using with your preferred nutritional calculator.
This post was updated from an older December 2016 with more recipe details.
Can I freeze the roasted red pepper cheese spread?
Hi Cindy, that is a good question. I haven’t tried it. Maybe another reader will chime in if they have successfully frozen this.
I have frozen mascarpone cheese without any problems though make sure you defrost it in the fridge and use the same day. I have also frozen normal cheese too as I bought a large piece just before Christmas and the shop assistant said that it could be frozen.
That is great to know. Thank you so much, Lynne!
Would this spread work placed on an English muffin (or bagel) and broiled?
Hi Kerry, I am sure you could broil it…it is essentially flavored cream cheese and the heat would meld the two flavors beautifully
My name is Loretta I made this today I added blue cheese and cheddar cheese and prayed it all together they came out so good and I served it with carrots breadsticks Ritz crackers and multigrain toasted bread as an appetizer they all loved it it’s a keeper thank you?:)
Hi Loretta, I am so thrilled you liked this recipe…you totally made my day coming back to leave me a happy note. I wish you all the best. Thank you 🙂 Sandi