Turkish Herb Cheese Spread

Name: Turkish Herb Cheese Spread
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Turkish
Ingredients: 300 g white cheese; 100 g cream cheese; 1 bunch fresh parsley; 1/2 bunch fresh dill; 6 piece fresh chives; 2 clove garlic; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 1/4 tsp black pepper

Otlu Peynir Ezmesi

This creamy Turkish herb cheese spread combines tangy white cheese with fresh herbs and garlic for a bright, savory flavor. The vibrant green mixture has a smooth, spreadable texture dotted with colorful herb flecks. Perfect for breakfast spreads or appetizer platters, it brings authentic Turkish flavors to any table.

Recipe Details

Prep 20 min

Cook 0 min

Servings 6

Difficulty Easy

Nutrition per Serving

145 Calories

11g Protein

11g Fat

3g Carbs

1g Fiber

Otlu peynir ezmesi is a beloved Turkish spread that transforms simple white cheese into a flavorful delight bursting with fresh herbs. This versatile mixture has been a breakfast table staple in Turkish homes for generations, particularly popular in regions where fresh herbs grow abundantly. The spread offers a perfect balance of creamy, tangy cheese with the bright freshness of herbs like parsley, dill, and chives. Each bite delivers a burst of green flavor with a subtle garlic undertone, while the smooth texture makes it ideal for spreading on warm bread or crispy vegetables. The beautiful emerald color dotted with herb pieces makes it as visually appealing as it is delicious. This spread shines at breakfast alongside fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, and warm simit or Turkish bread. The herbs provide a refreshing contrast to rich cheese, creating a light yet satisfying start to the day. The mixture also works wonderfully as a meze for entertaining, served with crackers or vegetable sticks. What makes this spread special is its simplicity and freshness. The herbs must be vibrant and recently picked for the best flavor, while the cheese provides the creamy base that binds everything together. Each spoonful offers the essence of a Turkish garden in a single bite.

Ingredients

300 g white cheese
100 g cream cheese
1 bunch fresh parsley
1/2 bunch fresh dill
6 piece fresh chives
2 clove garlic
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp lemon juice
1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions

Prepare the cheese base

Crumble the white cheese into small pieces and place in a large mixing bowl. Add cream cheese at room temperature and let sit for 5-10 minutes until both cheeses soften. The mixture should feel pliable when pressed with a fork. Do not use cold cheese as it will not blend smoothly.
Wash and prepare herbs

Rinse parsley, dill, and chives under cold running water for 30 seconds. Pat completely dry with paper towels and let air dry for 3-5 minutes. Finely chop all herbs into 2-3mm pieces until you have about 1 cup total. Do not chop while herbs are wet as this will make the spread watery.
Mince garlic and aromatics

Peel and finely mince garlic cloves into tiny 1mm pieces. Let sit at room temperature for 2-3 minutes to release oils and develop flavor. The garlic should smell fragrant and pungent. Do not use a garlic press as it will create a paste that distributes unevenly.
Blend cheese mixture

Using a fork, mash the white cheese and cream cheese together for 3-4 minutes until mostly smooth with some small lumps remaining. The mixture should hold together but still have texture. Do not over-mix or it will become too smooth and lose character.
Combine all ingredients

Add chopped herbs, minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and black pepper to the cheese mixture. Fold gently with a spoon for 2-3 minutes until evenly distributed. The spread should be bright green with visible herb flecks throughout. Do not stir vigorously or the herbs will bruise and turn dark.
Rest and serve

Transfer to a serving bowl and refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to allow flavors to meld. The spread should taste balanced with no single ingredient overpowering. Bring to room temperature before serving for best spreadability. Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours for food safety.

Tips

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Cooking Tips

For the smoothest texture, use a potato masher instead of a fork to blend the cheeses, which creates a more uniform base while maintaining some texture.

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Alternatives

Replace white cheese with feta cheese for a saltier, more intense flavor, but reduce the amount by half as feta is much stronger than Turkish white cheese.

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Serving & Storage

Serve with warm Turkish bread, simit, or fresh vegetables like cucumber and radish slices. Store covered in refrigerator for up to 3 days, bringing to room temperature 20 minutes before serving.