Cretan cheese spread with basil Calories

A crumbly, salty white cheese works well in Cretan cheese spread with basil, as does a blend of mild and tangy cheeses. If the cheese is very salty, taste the mixture before adding any extra salt.

Serve Cretan cheese spread with basil as a meze with toasted bread, pita, or crisp vegetables. It also fits on a mezze board with olives and tomatoes; letting it soften briefly out of the refrigerator makes it easier to spread.

Yes, Cretan cheese spread with basil makes a flavorful sandwich filling. Pair it with tomato, cucumber, or roasted vegetables, and use a sturdy bread so the moist cheese mixture does not make the sandwich soggy.

Mash the cheese for Cretan cheese spread with basil, then mix in finely chopped basil and olive oil until spreadable. Add optional walnuts or garlic to taste, and leave some small cheese pieces for a less paste-like texture.

Cretan cheese spread with basil keeps for about three days in a sealed container in the refrigerator. Use a clean utensil each time and do not leave it sitting out for extended periods, especially at a warm gathering.

You can freeze Cretan cheese spread with basil, but the texture may turn grainy or watery after thawing because the cheese mixture can separate. It is usually better to make a smaller batch and keep it chilled for short-term use.

Cretan cheese spread with basil can turn watery if the cheese releases moisture or the mixture contains too much oil. Drain very wet cheese first, add oil gradually, and stir the spread before serving if a little separation occurs.

Parsley or mint can replace basil in Cretan cheese spread with basil, although the flavor will no longer be the classic basil version. Add the alternative herb gradually, since mint in particular can quickly dominate the cheese.

To make Cretan cheese spread with basil less salty, blend in unsalted cheese or a little plain yogurt. Add it in small amounts and taste as you go, since adding more oil alone softens texture but does not remove salt.