Pesto Pistachio Cheese
Elevate your appetizer game with this rich and flavorful Pesto Pistachio Cheese—a creamy, herbaceous spread that combines the tang of softened cream cheese with the vibrant flavors of homemade basil pistachio pesto. This quick, no-cook recipe comes together in just 15 minutes and features fresh basil, nutty Parmesan, and chopped pistachios blended with garlic, olive oil, and a hint of lemon for a zesty twist. Perfectly balanced with a creamy texture and a satisfying crunch, this versatile cheese spread is ideal for spreading on crackers, pairing with fresh veggies, or serving as part of a charcuterie platter. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a quiet snack, this Pesto Pistachio Cheese is a must-try recipe that delivers gourmet flavor with minimal effort.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 0.5 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 0.5 cup pistachios (shelled and roughly chopped)
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 garlic clove (minced)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 0.25 tsp salt
- 0.25 tsp black pepper (freshly ground)
Instructions
In a food processor, add the fresh basil leaves, pistachios, minced garlic, shredded Parmesan cheese, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.
Blend the ingredients until a smooth and slightly chunky pesto mixture is formed. Scrape the sides of the food processor to ensure everything is well incorporated.
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and the prepared pistachio pesto. Mix thoroughly using a spatula until the pesto is evenly distributed throughout the cream cheese.
Taste the mixture and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more salt or lemon juice to suit your preference.
Transfer the Pesto Pistachio Cheese into a serving dish or ramekin, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Garnish with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of chopped pistachios for presentation, if desired.
Serve the cheese immediately with crackers, fresh vegetables, or bread, or cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days to allow the flavors to develop further before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1653 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 156.5 g | 201% | |
| Saturated Fat | 64.6 g | 323% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 291 mg | 97% | |
| Sodium | 1908 mg | 83% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 33.3 g | 12% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 8.3 g | 30% | |
| Total Sugars | 12.5 g | ||
| Protein | 44.9 g | 90% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 818 mg | 63% | |
| Iron | 5.4 mg | 30% | |
| Potassium | 1042 mg | 22% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
