Elevate Your Bagel: The Ultimate Roasted Scallion Cream Cheese Recipe

One ordinary day, while scrolling through social media, a culinary revelation stopped me in my tracks. Someone mentioned their love for scallion cream cheese, but with a unique twist: the scallions were roasted first. They raved about how this simple step transformed a classic spread into an absolute game-changer, declaring it the only way they’d ever want to eat it again. Naturally, my curiosity was piqued, and I knew I had to try it for myself. And I must say, the depth of flavor and delightful nuance it adds is absolutely enchanting!

Finished scallion cream cheese in a dish ready to eat. With a wood spreading knife resting on the side.

This isn’t just your average scallion cream cheese. The magic truly happens when you introduce heat to the scallions. Roasting or grilling these humble green onions transforms their sharp, pungent flavor into something much more complex and appealing. They develop a subtle sweetness, a delightful smoky aroma, and a hint of pleasant bitterness that balances the richness of the cream cheese perfectly. This simple yet profound alteration creates a spread that’s utterly delicious and undeniably distinct from any plain scallion cream cheese you’ve tasted before. It’s a surprisingly sophisticated flavor that will awaken your taste buds and make you wonder why you didn’t try it sooner.

This recipe is designed to be straightforward, proving that you don’t need a lengthy ingredient list or complicated techniques to achieve extraordinary flavor. It’s perfect for elevating your weekend brunch, adding a gourmet touch to your breakfast, or simply enhancing your everyday snacks. Get ready to impress yourself and anyone you share it with!

Simple Ingredients for Remarkable Flavor

You’ll be hard-pressed to find a recipe on my site with a shorter ingredient list, yet the results are anything but simple. When it comes to something as fundamental as cream cheese, quality truly shines through. For the best possible outcome, I strongly recommend opting for really good, full-fat cream cheese. Its rich, creamy texture and superior flavor provide the perfect base, making your roasted scallion cream cheese truly exceptional. After all, if you’re going to treat yourself to a delicious bagel, why not make every component the absolute best it can be?

Ingredients needed to make Scallion Cream Cheese.

Beyond the cream cheese, the other ingredients play crucial roles in building the flavor profile:

Scallions (Green Onions): These are the star of the show. Choose fresh, vibrant bunches with firm white ends and bright green tops. The roasting process will bring out their natural sugars and create those irresistible charred notes.
Olive Oil: A good quality extra virgin olive oil is ideal for coating the scallions. It helps them char beautifully and adds a subtle fruity note to the overall flavor.
Roasted Garlic Powder: This is my secret weapon for an extra layer of depth. Roasted garlic powder offers a more mellow, sweeter, and profound garlic flavor compared to its raw counterpart. It adds a wonderful richness that regular garlic powder often lacks. If you can find it, I highly recommend it; I always keep it on hand. If not, don’t worry, regular garlic powder or even finely minced fresh garlic can be used (see substitutions for tips).
Kosher Salt: Essential for seasoning the scallions before roasting and balancing the flavors in the cream cheese. Kosher salt has a larger crystal size, which makes it easier to distribute evenly and control the seasoning.

Use the JUMP TO RECIPE button at the top of the post, or scroll to the bottom of the post to see the full recipe card with ingredient measurements and detailed instructions.

Crafting Your Flavor-Packed Scallion Cream Cheese

The process of making this roasted scallion cream cheese is surprisingly simple, yet each step contributes significantly to the final, delicious outcome. Let’s walk through it:

Step 1: Preparing and Roasting the Scallions

The first crucial step is to prepare your scallions for roasting. Begin by washing them thoroughly and trimming off any root ends and any wilted or yellowed green tips. Then, toss the clean scallions with olive oil, kosher salt, and roasted garlic powder in a bowl. Ensure they are well coated; this seasoning blend will infuse them with incredible flavor as they cook.

Next, it’s time to roast them. You have a couple of options here, each offering a slightly different nuance:

Under the Broiler: Arrange the seasoned scallions on a baking sheet. Place them under a hot broiler, watching them very closely. The goal is to get a nice char on them, turning them once or twice to ensure even cooking and prevent burning. This method is fast and delivers an intense smoky flavor.
On a Grill Pan: Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat. Add the scallions and cook, turning occasionally, until they have distinct grill marks and are softened with some charred edges. This method also imparts a lovely smoky flavor.
On an Outdoor Grill: For the ultimate smoky flavor, grill the scallions directly over medium-high heat until tender and beautifully charred.

No matter which method you choose, make sure they get a little char, but don’t let them turn to ash! Once roasted, remove them from the heat and allow them to cool completely. Cooling is crucial for two reasons: it makes them easier to chop, and it prevents them from melting the whipped cream cheese when combined.

Step 2: Whipping the Cream Cheese to Perfection

While your scallions are cooling, prepare the cream cheese. For best results, ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature. This is key for achieving a smooth, lump-free, and airy texture. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whip attachment, whip the cream cheese on medium-high speed for about 60-90 seconds. You’ll notice it transform into a light, fluffy, and incredibly smooth consistency. This aeration is what makes the spread so delightful and easy to spread.

Cream Cheese whipped in the bowl of a stand mixer.

Adding the cooked and chopped scallions to the whipped cream cheese in the stand mixer bowl.

Step 3: Combining and Final Touches

Once your roasted scallions are cool to the touch, chop them up into small, manageable pieces, roughly 1/4-inch slices. You want them small enough to distribute evenly throughout the cream cheese, but not so fine that they disappear. Add the chopped scallions to the whipped cream cheese in the stand mixer bowl. Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula to ensure everything is incorporated, then whip for another 60-90 seconds. This final whip will fully integrate the roasted scallions, distributing their smoky, savory flavor throughout the creamy base.

Your roasted scallion cream cheese is now ready to use immediately! Serve it on your favorite bagels, crackers, or even as a dip. If you’re not planning to serve it right away, transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. The flavors will actually deepen and meld even more beautifully after a few hours or overnight in the fridge. It typically keeps well for several days.

Finished scallion cream cheese in a dish ready to eat.

Expert Notes & Tips for the Best Results

This recipe is straightforward, but a few pointers can help you achieve perfection every time and expand its versatility:

Raw vs. Roasted Scallions: While the star of this recipe is the roasted scallions, you can certainly make a traditional scallion cream cheese by incorporating raw, finely chopped scallions. If you choose this route, remember to add the olive oil, salt, and garlic powder directly into the cream cheese mixture with the raw scallions to ensure those essential flavors are still present in the final product. However, be aware that raw scallions will offer a sharper, more pungent onion flavor compared to the mellow, smoky depth of their roasted counterparts.
Advance Preparation for Flavor Melding: For the most harmonious and pronounced flavor, I highly recommend making this recipe at least the night before you plan to use it. Allowing the cream cheese and roasted scallions to meld together in the refrigerator overnight gives the flavors ample time to deepen and marry, resulting in an even more delicious spread. This “resting period” truly unlocks the full potential of the roasted scallions.
Cream Cheese Temperature: Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature before whipping. This is crucial for achieving a smooth, lump-free, and airy texture. Cold cream cheese will be difficult to whip and may result in a dense, inconsistent spread.
Don’t Over-Roast: While you want a good char on your scallions, be careful not to burn them. Over-roasted scallions can become overly bitter. Keep a close eye on them, especially under the broiler, as they can go from perfectly charred to burnt very quickly.
Serving Suggestions Beyond Bagels: While iconic on a bagel, this roasted scallion cream cheese is incredibly versatile. Try it as a dip for fresh vegetables like carrots, celery, or bell peppers. Spread it on crackers, crostini, or toast for a quick snack or appetizer. It also makes a fantastic addition to a turkey or cucumber sandwich, or even stirred into scrambled eggs or an omelet for an extra burst of flavor.

Customizing Your Roasted Scallion Cream Cheese

Flexibility is key in the kitchen, and this recipe is wonderfully adaptable to different dietary needs or pantry staples:

Dairy-Free/Vegan Option: If you’re looking to make this recipe dairy-free or vegan, you’re in luck! The market now offers an impressive array of high-quality vegan and plant-based cream cheese alternatives. Brands like Kite Hill, Miyoko’s Kitchen, or Treeline often have excellent textures and flavors that work beautifully in this recipe. Just be sure to choose a plain, unflavored variety.
Garlic Powder Alternatives: My preference for roasted garlic powder is due to its deep, sweet flavor. However, if you can’t find it or don’t have it on hand, you have other options:
- Regular Garlic Powder: This will work perfectly well, just note that the garlic flavor might be a bit sharper.
- Granulated Garlic: Similar to garlic powder but with a slightly coarser texture.
- Fresh Garlic: If using fresh garlic, you could mince 1-2 cloves and roast them alongside the scallions. This would impart an incredible fresh roasted garlic flavor. Alternatively, you could finely mince fresh garlic and add it directly to the cream cheese mixture, though it will have a more pungent, raw garlic taste.
Olive Oil Substitutions: While olive oil lends a nice flavor, you can use other neutral high-smoke point oils for roasting the scallions, such as avocado oil or grapeseed oil.
Herb Additions: Feel free to experiment with other fresh or dried herbs. A sprinkle of fresh chives (added with the roasted scallions), a pinch of dried dill, or even a dash of black pepper can add another layer of flavor.

More Great Dips, Sauces, & Spreads to Explore

If you loved this simple yet flavorful spread, you might be interested in expanding your repertoire of homemade dips, sauces, and spreads. They are fantastic for entertaining, meal prepping, or simply elevating everyday meals:

Pumpkin Jam

Mexican Guacamole Recipe

Easy Remoulade Sauce

Baba Ghanoush with Toasted Garlic

Black Truffle Butter

Fresh Basil Pesto Sauce

Golden Cheddar Cheese Sauce

Bourbon Brown Sugar Peach Jam

Did you make this game-changing roasted scallion cream cheese recipe? I would absolutely love to hear about it! Please let me know by leaving a review or a comment below. Your feedback helps others discover and enjoy these recipes. And don’t forget to sign up for my newsletter to get more delicious recipes and cooking tips straight to your inbox. You can also follow along and share your creations with me on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook!

📖 Recipe

Yield: 1 cup

Roasted Scallion Cream Cheese: A Flavorful Homemade Spread

Prep Time:
15 minutes

Total Time:
15 minutes

This delightful Roasted Scallion Cream Cheese hides a flavor-packed twist. The scallions have been roasted to deepen their flavor and add smoky notes, making it an awesome, game-changing spread!

Ingredients

1 bunch Scallions (Green Onions)
2 teaspoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
¼ teaspoon Roasted Garlic Powder (or regular garlic powder)
½ teaspoon Kosher Salt
8 ounces Full-Fat Plain Cream Cheese, softened to room temperature
Bagels, crackers, or vegetables for serving

Instructions

Prepare the Scallions: Wash and trim the scallions. In a bowl, toss them with the olive oil, salt, and garlic powder until evenly coated.

Roast the Scallions: Arrange the seasoned scallions on a baking sheet. Roast them under a preheated broiler on high heat, or on a grill pan/gas grill, just until they begin to char and soften. Watch them carefully to prevent burning. Remove and let cool completely.

Whip the Cream Cheese: While the scallions cool, whip the room-temperature cream cheese in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment for 60-90 seconds until it is light, fluffy, and smooth.

Chop and Combine: Once cooled, chop the roasted scallions into ¼-inch slices. Scrape down the whipped cream cheese bowl with a rubber spatula, then add the chopped scallions. Whip for another 60-90 seconds until the scallions are fully incorporated and the mixture is well combined.

Serve or Store: Transfer the roasted scallion cream cheese to a serving bowl. Enjoy immediately on bagels, crackers, or as a dip. For enhanced flavor, cover and refrigerate in an airtight container for at least an hour, or preferably overnight, before serving. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Notes

Notes & Tips

Raw vs. Roasted Scallions: Of course, if you prefer, you can use raw, finely chopped scallions directly into the cream cheese. Just be sure to add the olive oil, salt, and garlic powder directly to the cream cheese mixture, ensuring those essential seasonings are still part of the final product. However, roasted scallions offer a unique depth of smoky, sweet, and slightly bitter flavors that raw scallions can’t match.

Advance Preparation: If you think far enough ahead, I highly recommend making this recipe at least the night before you want to use it. This crucial step allows the flavors to truly meld and deepen, resulting in a much more harmonious and delicious spread.

Cream Cheese Temperature: Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature before whipping for a smooth, lump-free, and airy texture.

Substitutions

Dairy-Free Cream Cheese: If you’d like to make this recipe dairy-free, there are some excellent vegan and plant-based cream cheese alternatives available today. This recipe works really well with them, providing a delicious dairy-free spread.

Garlic Powder Alternatives: While I prefer roasted garlic powder for its deeper flavor, if you cannot find it or don’t have it, you can easily use regular garlic powder or granulated garlic. For an even fresher garlic flavor, finely mince 1-2 cloves of fresh garlic and roast them along with the scallions, then incorporate into the cream cheese.

Olive Oil Alternatives: Avocado oil or other neutral high-smoke point oils can be used for roasting the scallions.

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Roasted Scallion Cream Cheese