Blue Cheese Dip or Spread

Makes: About 6 servings

Time: 15 minutes

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This recipe is a template for all kinds of dips and spreads; blue cheese, goat cheese, or cream cheese — just about any soft cheese can be used here. And you can adjust the texture however you like: For a dip, thin with sour cream or yogurt; for a thick spread, use cream cheese or yogurt cheese.

Combine all the ingredients in a bowl and mash with a fork or potato masher, or whirl in a food processor. Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding salt, pepper, and lemon juice if necessary. Thin the mixture with milk or cream if it’s too thick. Serve or cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days.

Tofu Dip or Spread Vegan and creamy: Replace the blue cheese and sour cream with 8 ounces soft silken tofu (for a dip) or firm tofu (for a spread). Use any of the flavorings in the main recipe or in the following list. Purée in a food processor until very smooth; add small amounts of soy milk to thin it, if necessa V

11 Flavorings to Stir or Blend into Any Cheese or Tofu Dip or Spread

A single ingredient can add loads of flavor, but don’t go overboard.

  1. Any herbs, fresh or dried
  2. Grated lemon zest or lemon juice
  3. Dried or Oven-Dried Tomatoes (page 261), chopped
  4. Chopped fresh chiles or chipotle chiles in adobo sauce, or any Chile Paste (page 664)
  5. Spinach, cooked, squeezed dry, and chopped
  6. Mushrooms, chopped and cooked
  7. Caramelized Onions (page 222)
  8. Roasted Garlic (page 205)
  9. Chili powder (page 648) or Fragrant Curry Powder (page 649)
  10. Za’atar (page 652)
  11. Citrus Sprinkle (page 651)