It starts with a little bit of a secret ingredient. Adding just a little bit of cream cheese to the butter makes the overall consistency extra creamy and whipped, and the flavor is smooth with just a little bit of tang. The butter and cream cheese together just sort of melt into this perfect consistency when slathered on hot bread. So start with your butter (real butter. I can’t say that enough. If you make this with any form of margarine, you’re fired from reading this blog. Forever.) and cream cheese at room temperature. Yes, this takes a little bit of planning, but it really makes the finished product so much better. Whip those together until they’re creamy and smooth and then add in the flavor: I add minced jalapeño- and you can add as much as you want depending on how spicy you want it. But I do suggest that you mince it as small as possible so you don’t have any huge chunks of raw hot peppers in there. Also the zest of one lime, and a little juice, some fresh garlic, and chopped fresh cilantro.
Whip those together (this paddle attachment for the KitchenAid is perfect) until the mixture is light and fluffy and everything is distributed. Give it a little taste and sprinkle in a little kosher salt if you feel it needs it.
With the holidays coming up, this makes a really cute hostess gift. Just put it in a cute jar and tie a tag on it and you’re good to go. It’s also such a quick and easy side-dish to bring to a pot-luck, tailgating, or a dinner party. Just bring along a loaf of crusty french bread or a basket of corn muffins and let people slather away. Love it on french bread or corn bread, toast, or sourdough, too!
The absolute best thing in the world is when you spread it on warm french bread and then dip the bread in White Chicken Chili. Seriously, one of my most favorite things ever.
