If you’re searching for a light, refreshing, and undeniably delicious way to brighten up your snack or brunch table, look no further than this Cucumber Cream Cheese Spread Recipe. Velvety cream cheese blends effortlessly with crisp cucumber, fresh dill, and a zing of lemon juice, creating a creamy spread that’s both cool and luxuriously savory. Whether slathered on warm bagels, dolloped atop crunchy crackers, or used as a vibrant dip for raw veggies, this easy recipe transforms humble ingredients into a truly craveable treat you’ll want to make again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe comes together with just a handful of everyday ingredients, each playing an important role in delivering that perfect balance of taste and texture. Don’t underestimate their simplicity—when combined, these flavors absolutely sing.
- Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): The creamy, tangy base that brings luscious texture and rich flavor to every bite.
- Cucumber (½ cup, finely grated, peeled and seeded): Adds cool, subtle crunch and that signature fresh taste—be sure to squeeze out as much moisture as you can.
- Fresh dill (1 tablespoon, finely chopped): Brings a grassy, slightly citrusy note that lifts the whole spread.
- Green onion or chives (1 tablespoon, finely chopped): Gives gentle sharpness and a pop of color—it’s like a little necklace for your spread!
- Lemon juice (1 teaspoon): Brightens the flavors and keeps the spread light and lively.
- Garlic powder (¼ teaspoon): Adds subtle depth without overpowering the fresh elements here.
- Salt (¼ teaspoon): Essential for making all the flavors shine; taste and add a pinch more if you like.
- Black pepper (⅛ teaspoon): Gives just a hint of warmth and zest to balance the coolness of the cucumber.
How to Make Cucumber Cream Cheese Spread Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Cucumber
Pile the grated cucumber into a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth, then roll it up and squeeze with all your might. This step is crucial—removing excess water keeps your Cucumber Cream Cheese Spread Recipe luxuriously thick and never soggy. Don’t worry if a few drops sneak through, just aim to get out as much liquid as possible.
Step 2: Combine the Ingredients
Add the softened cream cheese, well-drained cucumber, dill, green onion (or chives), lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to a medium mixing bowl. With a sturdy spoon or spatula, stir until everything is beautifully smooth and evenly blended. You’ll see flecks of green and smell the fresh aroma coming together in seconds!
Step 3: Taste and Adjust
Before you pop the bowl in the fridge, taste your mixture. This is your moment to fine-tune—maybe a tick more lemon for brightness, a sprinkle of salt if you prefer, or an extra pinch of dill for an herb-forward flavor. The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility, so make it your own.
Step 4: Chill and Serve
Cover the bowl and refrigerate your spread for at least 30 minutes. This quick rest helps the flavors meld into something greater than the sum of its parts. When it’s time to serve, your Cucumber Cream Cheese Spread Recipe will be perfectly creamy, scoopable, and bursting with character.
How to Serve Cucumber Cream Cheese Spread Recipe

Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra chopped dill or chives on top instantly makes your spread look fresh and inviting. For an extra pop of color, try a few paper-thin cucumber slices fanned out—simple details will absolutely wow your guests and make the Cucumber Cream Cheese Spread Recipe look straight from a café display.
Side Dishes
This spread is a natural with all your favorite bagels, crackers, toast points, or slices of sourdough. Create a brunch board with smoked salmon, sliced tomatoes, and red onion for a classic vibe. Or go lighter and serve alongside raw vegetables—think carrot sticks, bell pepper strips, and cherry tomatoes for dipping.
Creative Ways to Present
Use the Cucumber Cream Cheese Spread Recipe as a filling in tea sandwiches for an elegant touch. It also makes a fantastic base layer on open-faced sandwiches with sliced radishes or sprouts. For party snacks, pipe the spread into cucumber cups or on crostini and finish with a sprinkle of flaky salt—it’s crowd-pleasing and gorgeous!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Spoon any leftover spread into an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep fresh and delicious for up to four days—just give it a quick stir before serving as it may thicken slightly in the cold.
Freezing
Because of the high moisture content from the cucumber, freezing is not recommended for this spread. The texture may break and become watery during thawing, so it’s best to enjoy your Cucumber Cream Cheese Spread Recipe fresh within a few days of making it.
Reheating
You won’t need to reheat this dip, as it’s perfectly suited to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature. If it feels too firm straight from the fridge, allow it to sit out for 10–15 minutes to soften for easy spreading.
FAQs
Can I use low-fat or whipped cream cheese in this recipe?
Absolutely! Low-fat and whipped cream cheese both work beautifully in the Cucumber Cream Cheese Spread Recipe, making it lighter without sacrificing flavor or creaminess.
Do I need to peel and seed the cucumber?
For the smoothest texture (and to avoid unwanted bitterness), it’s best to peel and seed the cucumber before grating. This helps the finished spread stay silky with a subtle crunch.
What kind of cucumber works best?
English cucumbers are an excellent choice as their skin is tender and they have fewer seeds, but standard garden cucumbers work wonderfully too once peeled and seeded.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! The flavors actually improve with a little time to meld. Prepare your Cucumber Cream Cheese Spread Recipe a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator—just garnish before serving for the freshest look.
Is this spread gluten-free and vegetarian?
It absolutely is! Provided you serve it with gluten-free accompaniments, this spread is both vegetarian and gluten-free, making it ideal for a range of dietary preferences.
Final Thoughts
If you love bright, fresh flavors with just the right creamy richness, this Cucumber Cream Cheese Spread Recipe is sure to become your new go-to. It’s an absolute joy to whip up and guaranteed to impress at any gathering—so grab your ingredients, make a batch, and let those vibrant flavors shine!
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Cucumber Cream Cheese Spread Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes (plus optional chilling time)
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Description
This Cucumber Cream Cheese Spread is a delightful and refreshing spread that is perfect for bagels, crackers, sandwiches, or as a veggie dip. The combination of cream cheese, fresh cucumber, dill, and green onion creates a flavorful and creamy spread that is sure to please your taste buds.
Ingredients
Cucumber Cream Cheese Spread:
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- ½ cup finely grated cucumber (peeled and seeded)
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh dill
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped green onion or chives
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Squeeze Cucumber: Place the grated cucumber in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out as much moisture as possible.
- Mix Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, grated cucumber, dill, green onion, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and well blended.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.
Notes
- This spread is perfect for bagels, crackers, sandwiches, or veggie dip.
- For a lighter version, use whipped or reduced-fat cream cheese.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 25mg