Chive butter spread is remarkably simple to make and unbelievably flavorful. Once you try it, you’ll look for any reason to serve it. Spread it on gluten-free bread, pile it on crusty slices, or melt a dollop over grilled steaks or chicken for an instant upgrade to any meal.
Years ago I had a regular lunch date with a friend at an Italian chain restaurant I can no longer remember by name. What I do remember is the whipped butter they served with the bread — it was so delicious I could have eaten it with a spoon. When my friend and I drifted apart, I stopped going to that restaurant but never forgot the spread. I set out to recreate it and after a few experiments landed on this version that my family fell in love with. They asked for it at every meal that included bread. When my cousin put together a family cookbook, I submitted the recipe as “Kim’s Spread for Bread.” These days I call it Chive Butter Spread, but my family still refers to it as “THE Spread” because that name says everything about how irresistible it is.
The Ingredients Needed to Make Easy Incredible Chive Butter Spread
This spread uses just four simple ingredients: chives, butter, cream cheese, and Parmesan. Butter and chives are the obvious stars, but adding cream cheese transforms the texture. When I first tried a butter-only version it simply melted into warm bread and disappeared. The cream cheese gives the spread body so it still becomes delightfully melty without soaking in completely. The result is a creamy, spreadable texture that holds up on slices while still softening when warmed.
Parmigiano Reggiano brings a nutty, salty depth that complements the chives and rounds out the flavor. Freshly grate the Parmesan into the mixture for the best result. Finish with freshly cracked black pepper to brighten the overall taste. With these straightforward ingredients you get a complex, savory spread that’s genuinely addictive.
Chive Butter Spread FAQs
What can this spread be used for?
The classic way to enjoy this spread is on bread. A generous schmear on a hunk of crusty artisan loaf, sourdough, or Italian bread is simple and sublime. It’s equally delicious spooned over warm rolls or brushed onto slices before toasting. Beyond bread, a spoonful of chive butter spread is wonderful melted over grilled or roasted steaks, chicken, or fish—adding a rich, herby finish. Use it as an appetizer spread, a compound butter substitute, or as a flavorful topping for vegetables.
How long does it last?
This recipe yields a generous amount, so leftovers are likely. Store the spread in a lidded jar or airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Because it contains cream cheese, freezing is not recommended; freezing will change the texture and make it less creamy when thawed.
Chive butter spread is fast to prepare and delivers exceptional, addictive flavor. No matter how you serve it—on bread, over grilled meats, or as a flavorful finishing touch—guests will be asking for the recipe.
Easy Incredible Chive Butter Spread
Ingredients
- 8 oz (226 g) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup (1 stick or 113 g) butter, softened
- ¼-⅓ cup chopped fresh chives
- 2-3 tablespoon freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
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In a small bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together with a hand mixer until smooth and combined. Add the grated Parmigiano Reggiano, chopped chives, and salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Continue mixing until evenly distributed and the texture is creamy.
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Serve immediately with bread, rolls, or as a finishing spoonful for steaks, chicken, or vegetables. Store any leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to one week.