Pesto Cream Cheese Spread

Total Time Prep: 15 min. + chilling
Yield about 1-1/2 cups
Test Kitchen Approved
This is a terrific appetizer to serve when hosting an Italian-theme-meal. People may be a little hesitant to try it, but once they dip in, they won't be able to stop! —Cynthia Emshoff, Sarasota, Florida

Ingredients

  • 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 3 tablespoons butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup minced fresh parsley
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried marjoram
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped walnuts
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • Assorted crackers

Directions

  1. Line a 5-3/4x3x2-in. loaf pan with plastic wrap. In a small bowl, combine cream cheese and garlic powder until blended; set aside. In another small bowl, combine the Parmesan cheese, butter, parsley, garlic, basil and marjoram until blended. Stir in walnuts. Gradually stir in oil.
  2. Spread about 1/4 cup cream cheese mixture in prepared pan. Carefully spread with a third of the Parmesan mixture. Repeat layers twice. Top with remaining cream cheese mixture. Cover and refrigerate for at least 5 hours. Unmold; serve with crackers.
This is a terrific appetizer to serve when hosting an Italian-theme-meal. People may be a little hesitant to try it, but once they dip in, they won't be able to stop! —Cynthia Emshoff, Sarasota, Florida
Recipe Creator

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