Herb Cheese Spread

Name: Herb Cheese Spread
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Turkish
Ingredients: 400 g white cheese; 1 bunch fresh dill; 1 bunch fresh parsley; 15 piece fresh mint leaves; 3 piece green onions; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 clove garlic; 1 tsp black pepper

Otlu Peynir Ezmesi

This creamy Turkish herb cheese spread combines tangy white cheese with fresh herbs for a vibrant, savory flavor. The emerald-green mixture has a smooth, spreadable texture with flecks of bright herbs throughout. Perfect for breakfast or meze, it transforms simple bread into an aromatic, satisfying meal.

Recipe Details

Prep 20 min

Cook 0 min

Servings 6

Difficulty Easy

Nutrition per Serving

95 Calories

9g Protein

6g Fat

2g Carbs

1g Fiber

Otlu peynir ezmesi represents the Turkish love affair with fresh herbs and creamy cheese, a combination that appears on breakfast tables across the country. This versatile spread transforms humble white cheese into an aromatic masterpiece. The magic lies in the balance of creamy beyaz peynir with a medley of fresh herbs like dill, parsley, and mint. When mashed together, they create a vibrant green spread with an intensely fresh, herbaceous flavor that awakens the palate. The texture is luxuriously smooth yet retains tiny flecks of herbs that provide bursts of flavor. Each bite delivers a perfect harmony of tangy cheese and aromatic herbs, with the coolness of mint balancing the earthiness of dill and parsley. The spread has a rich, creamy mouthfeel that coats the palate while the herbs provide a clean, refreshing finish. Traditionally served for breakfast alongside fresh bread, tomatoes, and tea, this spread also makes an excellent meze for entertaining. The bright green color and intense herbal aroma make it as visually appealing as it is delicious, bringing the essence of a Turkish herb garden to your table.

Ingredients

400 g white cheese
1 bunch fresh dill
1 bunch fresh parsley
15 piece fresh mint leaves
3 piece green onions
2 tbsp olive oil
1 clove garlic
1 tsp black pepper

Instructions

Prepare the herbs

Wash all fresh herbs thoroughly and pat completely dry with paper towels for 3-4 minutes. Remove thick stems from dill and parsley, keeping only tender leaves and thin stems. Finely chop the dill, parsley, and mint leaves until pieces are roughly 2mm in size. The herbs should be dry to prevent the spread from becoming watery.
Prepare aromatics

Trim green onions and slice both white and green parts into thin rings, about 1mm thick. Peel and mince the garlic clove into very fine pieces, about 1mm or smaller. Work at room temperature for 2-3 minutes to allow aromatics to develop. Do not rush this step as properly prepared aromatics distribute flavor evenly.
Mash the cheese

Place white cheese in a large mixing bowl and mash with a fork for 4-5 minutes until it reaches a smooth, spreadable consistency. Work at medium pressure to avoid making it too wet. The cheese should hold together but spread easily. Do not over-mash as this can make the texture gummy.
Combine ingredients

Add the chopped herbs, green onions, and minced garlic to the mashed cheese. Mix gently with a fork for 2-3 minutes until herbs are evenly distributed and the mixture turns a vibrant green color. The spread should look uniform with visible herb flecks throughout. Do not overmix as this can bruise the herbs.
Season and finish

Drizzle olive oil over the mixture and add black pepper. Fold everything together gently for 1-2 minutes until oil is absorbed and seasoning is distributed. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. The spread should be creamy, well-seasoned, and intensely green. Do not add salt as the cheese provides sufficient saltiness.
Rest the flavors

Transfer the spread to a serving bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and develop. The spread will firm up slightly and flavors will intensify. Serve chilled or at room temperature. Do not leave unrefrigerated for more than 2 hours.

Tips

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Cooking Tips

For the smoothest texture, use a potato masher instead of a fork to break down the cheese more efficiently. The key is achieving a uniform, spreadable consistency without any large lumps.

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Alternatives

If white cheese is unavailable, substitute with crumbled feta cheese mixed with cream cheese in a 3:1 ratio. This creates a similar tangy flavor with the right creamy texture.

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Serving & Storage

Serve with fresh Turkish bread, cucumber slices, or crackers for breakfast or meze. Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, bringing to room temperature before serving for best flavor.