Roasted Garlic Cream Cheese with sun-dried tomatoes is a savory, crowd-pleasing spread that brings bold flavor to bread, crackers, or veggies. This creamy dip is simple to prepare and makes an excellent appetizer for game days, parties, or casual snacking.
We love easy appetizers—things like bruschetta or crostini are irresistible. Finger foods packed with flavor are perfect for sharing, and this roasted garlic cream cheese is no exception.
The combination of smooth cream cheese, sweet roasted garlic, and tangy sun-dried tomatoes creates a rich, well-balanced spread. The recipe is straightforward and only takes a few steps; most of the time is hands-off while the garlic roasts.
After roasting the garlic, simply pulse the ingredients together to achieve a silky topping for toasted Italian bread, rustic sourdough, bagels, crackers, fresh vegetables, or Melba toast.
How to Make Roasted Garlic Cream Cheese with Sun-dried Tomatoes:
See the recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts and full instructions.
- Preheat the oven to 425°F. Slice the top off a head of garlic to expose the cloves. Drizzle the exposed cloves with olive oil and wrap the head tightly in foil.
- Roast the garlic for 25 to 35 minutes, until the cloves are golden, soft, and fragrant.
- Carefully unwrap the foil and allow the garlic to cool until it’s easy to handle.
- Combine softened cream cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, salt, and pepper in a food processor. Press the roasted garlic cloves from their skins into the processor.
- Pulse several times until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve immediately with your favorite bread, crackers, or vegetable sticks.
How to Store Garlic and Cream Cheese Spread:
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 4 to 5 days. For best texture and flavor, bring the spread to room temperature before serving.
Why Does Roasted Garlic Taste Better?
Roasting garlic caramelizes its natural sugars, producing a sweeter, richer, and more mellow flavor than raw garlic. Roasted cloves also become soft and spreadable, making them ideal for mixing into dips and spreads.
Do You Need to Soften the Cream Cheese?
Yes. Softened cream cheese blends more smoothly and yields a creamier spread. Allow the cream cheese to sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes before combining.
Can You Double This Recipe?
Yes. Simply double all ingredients and pulse in a food processor in batches if necessary until evenly combined.
Is It Necessary to Add Sun-dried Tomatoes?
No. Sun-dried tomatoes add a bright, savory tang, but you can omit them and boost the garlic flavor instead with extra roasted cloves or a pinch of garlic powder.
What Other Seasonings Can You Add?
Try fresh or dried herbs like parsley, basil, thyme, rosemary, or oregano. For a kick, add red pepper flakes, cayenne, or a pinch of cumin. A squeeze of lemon juice or a drizzle of olive oil brightens the spread. For texture, stir in chopped nuts, crumbled bacon, or grated Parmesan.
Can You Use Raw or Jarred Garlic?
Roasted garlic is preferred for this recipe because raw garlic is sharp and pungent, while jarred garlic often contains vinegar that can alter the flavor. Roasting produces a sweeter, rounder garlic taste that blends beautifully with cream cheese.
Other Cream Cheese Recipes to Try:
- Vegetable Cream Cheese
- Herb and Garlic Cream Cheese
- Honey Walnut Cream Cheese
- Cream Cheese Bruschetta
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If you enjoy it, consider leaving a rating and a comment to share how you served it or any twists you tried.
Roasted Garlic Cream Cheese with Sun-dried Tomatoes
How to Video
What You’ll Need
- 1 head of garlic
- 1 to 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 8 ounces block-style cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes, or adjust to taste
- Pinch salt and pepper
How to Make It
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Preheat the oven to 425°F.
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Cut the top off the head of garlic, drizzle the exposed cloves with 1 to 2 teaspoons of olive oil, wrap tightly in foil, and roast for 25 to 35 minutes.
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Remove the foil carefully and let the garlic cool slightly.
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Put the softened cream cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, salt, and pepper into a food processor. Squeeze the roasted garlic cloves from their skins into the processor and pulse until smooth and combined.
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Serve right away with toast, crackers, chips, or vegetables.
Suggested Equipment
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Food Processor
Notes
*For tips and frequently asked questions, refer to the post above.