These ten bread spreads showcase an amazing range of flavors that go well beyond traditional butter. Protein-rich options like Greek yogurt and hummus pair perfectly with sweet treats like homemade Nutella and chocolate tahini. Each spread offers unique nutritional benefits and exceptional taste experiences that match your dietary needs and priorities.

10 Delicious Bread Spreads You Need to Try Right Now

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bread spreads Plain butter on your morning toast gets boring fast. Your bread deserves better, and finding new spreads can make your everyday meals special. These versatile toppings will add flavor, nutrition, and excitement to your favorite breads without much prep time.

We’ll show you how to make everything from classic favorites like peanut butter and cream cheese combinations to creative options like avocado spread and homemade Nutella. Each spread brings its own flavors and textures, and many pack excellent nutritional benefits. Sweet or savory options and hummus variations will help you lift your bread-topping game.

Creamy Avocado Spread

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Image Source: The Culinary Cure

Avocado spread brings a creamy richness to your everyday meals. This nutritious alternative has become a favorite in kitchens worldwide.

What is avocado spread

Avocado spread combines ripe avocados with lemon juice, garlic and olive oil to create a smooth, butter-like condiment. The spread retains its green color and freshness up to 4-5 days with proper storage, which makes it perfect for busy families. The spread uses fewer ingredients than traditional guacamole and preserves the avocado’s natural buttery texture.

Health benefits of avocado spread

Avocado spread packs a powerful punch of essential nutrients that benefit your health. Each serving delivers vitamins C, E, K1, B6, and folate with significant minerals like potassium and copper. The spread promotes heart health and contains 15 grams of monounsaturated “good” fats that reduce your LDL (bad) cholesterol levels.

This remarkable spread offers an impressive nutritional profile:

How to make avocado spread

Making your own avocado spread takes just minutes. A perfectly ripe avocado should feel slightly soft to touch. Let me show you the quickest way to make it:

  1. Scoop the flesh from ripe avocados into a food processor
  2. Add fresh lemon juice to prevent browning
  3. Include minced garlic and a dash of salt
  4. Process until smooth and creamy

Your spread will stay fresh in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Pro tip: Place the avocado’s pit in the center of your stored spread and seal it tightly. The spread can last up to one month in the freezer.

This versatile spread tastes amazing on bread of all types. You can mix in cream cheese to make it richer or add red pepper flakes to give it some heat. The possibilities are endless – from morning toast and sandwich spreads to party dips. Each serving brings both great taste and nutrition to your meals.

Homemade Nutella

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Image Source: Chocolate Covered Katie

You can find joy in making your own chocolate hazelnut spread that’s better than the famous store brand. This homemade version needs only six basic ingredients. The result is a silky smooth and rich chocolate spread that’s healthier than commercial alternatives.

Ingredients for homemade Nutella

This delicious chocolate spread needs just a few simple ingredients:

How to make homemade Nutella

Making this delectable spread at home is a breeze. Let me show you how to whip up your own batch:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (176°C)
  2. Spread hazelnuts on a baking sheet and roast for 10-12 minutes
  3. Transfer warm nuts to a kitchen towel and rub to remove skins
  4. Blend hazelnuts in a food processor for about 5 minutes until creamy
  5. Add oil and blend for another minute
  6. Mix in remaining ingredients until smooth

Pro tip: Your Nutella’s texture will turn out best when the hazelnut butter reaches perfect creaminess before you add other ingredients.

Nutella vs store-bought chocolate spreads

Homemade Nutella tastes better than store-bought versions. Commercial Nutella uses sugar and palm oil as main ingredients. Quality homemade spreads contain at least 20-40% finely ground hazelnuts. The best recipes pack up to 50% hazelnut content.

Keep your homemade Nutella in an airtight container at room temperature. It stays fresh for 2-3 weeks. The spread works best when you let it sit at room temperature for about 5 minutes before using. This delicious spread goes well on warm toast and crepes, and makes a great dip for fresh fruit.

Storage tip: You might want to store it like commercial versions in your pantry. However, homemade Nutella doesn’t go through high-heat pasteurization and lacks preservatives that store-bought products have.

Greek Yogurt and Cucumber Spread

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Image Source: Ally’s Kitchen

Need a protein-rich alternative to your regular bread spread? A combination of Greek yogurt and cucumber creates a delicious spread. This nutritious option offers a creamy texture and fresh taste.

Benefits of Greek yogurt spread

This nutritious spread packs several essential nutrients that your body needs. Greek yogurt comes loaded with protein and contains important nutrients like vitamin B12, calcium, and selenium. Athletes can benefit from this protein-rich spread after workouts because it helps muscle recovery and protein synthesis. The high protein content keeps you satisfied longer too.

How to make Greek yogurt cucumber spread

This refreshing spread needs just a few basic ingredients and comes together easily.

  1. The creamiest texture comes from whole-milk Greek yogurt
  2. Grate one medium cucumber
  3. You need to drain the cucumber really well because it’s significant for the right consistency
  4. Add fresh lemon juice and a pinch of salt to the mixture
  5. The minced garlic and fresh herbs like mint or dill go in next
  6. The flavors need 5 minutes to blend together

Pro tip: Your spread will turn out best when you squeeze out as much moisture as possible from the grated cucumber before adding it to the yogurt.

Serving suggestions

This delicious spread adapts beautifully to many dishes:

  • Layer it generously on sandwiches or wraps
  • Create a protein-packed veggie dip
  • Transform your morning toast into a savory treat
  • Enhance the flavor of grilled meats
  • Turn your salads into creamy delights

The spread stays fresh in an airtight container in your refrigerator for 4-5 days. The consistency might thicken after refrigeration, but you can easily adjust it with a splash of milk to reach your perfect texture.

Storage tip: Let the spread rest in the fridge for a few hours before serving. This rest time allows the herbs and seasonings to blend perfectly with the Greek yogurt and create amazing flavors.

Almond Butter and Banana Spread

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Image Source: Raising on Plants

A protein-packed combination of almonds and bananas will raise your breakfast routine to new heights. The natural sweetness of bananas perfectly complements almond’s richness. This nutritious blend creates an energizing spread that satisfies hunger effectively.

Nutritional value of almond butter

Almond butter packs a powerful punch of essential nutrients. A single tablespoon provides:

Almond butter’s fat profile features a beneficial mix of monounsaturated (5.2 grams) and polyunsaturated (2.2 grams) fats that promote heart health. The butter also contains omega-3 fatty acids and plant sterols that boost brain function and maintain eye health.

How to make almond butter banana spread

You can create this delightful spread easily and adapt it to your taste. Here’s a simple recipe that works every time:

  1. Grab 2 tablespoons of creamy almond butter
  2. Take half a medium banana and slice it up
  3. Add 1 tablespoon raw honey with a gentle drizzle
  4. Your spread tastes amazing with chia seeds or toasted coconut sprinkled on top for extra nutrition and crunch

Pro tip: The almond butter needs a good stir before you use it. This helps combine smoothly any oils that might have separated.

Best bread pairings

The right bread choice makes the most important difference in taste and nutrition. Sprouted grain bread creates an excellent foundation that offers more protein, fiber, and nutrients than conventional bread. Blood sugar levels stay steady with this bread type, and you feel satisfied longer.

These combinations taste amazing:

Storage tip: Fresh spread tastes best, but you can prepare portions ahead of time. Brush banana slices with lemon juice to prevent browning and keep components separate until serving time.

Hummus

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Image Source: Serious Eats

Become skilled at making silky-smooth hummus, a Middle Eastern spread that changes your perspective on bread toppings. This protein-rich blend of chickpeas and tahini serves as a versatile addition to your bread spread collection.

Types of hummus

The hummus experience starts with discovering different varieties. Classic Israeli-style hummus comes with paprika and whole chickpeas. Several creative versions have become accessible to more people:

How to make classic hummus

The perfect hummus needs careful attention and the right ingredients. You’ll need:

  • Chickpeas (canned or dried)
  • High-quality tahini
  • Fresh lemon juice
  • Garlic cloves
  • Ground cumin
  • Extra virgin olive oil

The secret to silky smooth hummus lies in these simple steps:

  1. Soak dried chickpeas with baking soda overnight
  2. Mix tahini and lemon juice until they become light and creamy
  3. Add olive oil, garlic, and seasonings
  4. Process chickpeas in two batches to get the perfect smoothness
  5. Add ice-cold water slowly during processing

Pro tip: Remove chickpea skins after boiling to make your hummus incredibly smooth.

Creative hummus variations

These innovative twists will help you create your own signature spread:

Store your homemade hummus in an airtight container and it will stay fresh up to one week in the refrigerator. Let the hummus reach room temperature before serving to enhance its nutty richness and achieve the perfect spreadable consistency for breads.

Apple Butter

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Image Source: Allrecipes

The magic of fall comes alive year-round with apple butter. This rich, caramelized spread turns simple apples into an extraordinary treat. The name might be misleading because apple butter contains no actual butter in its delectable mixture.

What is apple butter

Apple butter transforms regular applesauce into something extraordinary. The process involves cooking applesauce for an extended period that allows sugars to caramelize. This creates a rich brown spread with intense flavors. The longer cooking time reduces water content and concentrates the apple’s natural sweetness. The final product feels like butter but delivers pure fruit flavors in every bite.

How to make apple butter

Making delicious apple butter at home is easier than you think. A slow-cooker method delivers amazing results every time.

  1. Core and chop apples without peeling them
  2. Mix apples with sugar and spices in a slow cooker
  3. Cook on low for 10 hours
  4. Mix in vanilla extract and break up chunks
  5. Let it cook 2 more hours
  6. Blend everything until smooth

Pro tip: Your Instant Pot can speed up the process – just cook the mixture at high pressure for 90 minutes.

Ways to use apple butter

Apple butter improves both sweet and savory dishes in countless ways:

  • Breakfast Options:
    • Spread on toast, biscuits, and muffins
    • Top pancakes and waffles
    • Stir into oatmeal or yogurt
  • Creative Applications:
    • Add to your charcuterie board with cheese
    • Use as a glaze for pork chops
    • Incorporate into baked goods
    • Blend into fall cocktails

Your homemade apple butter stays fresh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for several weeks. You can also freeze it for up to several months. The best flavor comes through after letting it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before spreading.

Storage tip: The apple butter will expand during freezing, so leave extra space in your container.

Pesto

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Image Source: Love and Lemons

Your kitchen can transform into an Italian culinary haven with pesto. This vibrant green sauce doubles as a delightful spread. Fresh herbs blend perfectly with nuts and cheese to create this flavor-packed addition to your bread spread collection.

Classic pesto ingredients

A perfect pesto combines everything in a harmonious blend:

  • Fresh basil leaves (preferably Genovese basil)
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Pine nuts (or alternatives)
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh garlic cloves
  • Sea salt

Quality matters: Pesto is an uncooked sauce that needs the best olive oil you can afford [source indicates importance of quality olive oil for proper consistency and flavor].

How to make homemade pesto

Making restaurant-quality pesto at home is easier than you might expect. Here’s your guide to create the perfect batch:

  1. Your first step is toasting nuts in a dry skillet until they become fragrant
  2. The food processor needs basil, garlic, nuts, and salt
  3. A few quick pulses will chop all ingredients thoroughly
  4. The olive oil should be drizzled slowly while the processor runs
  5. Parmesan cheese goes in last when you plan to use the pesto right away
  6. The final seasoning can be adjusted to match your taste

Pro tip: Your pesto’s texture will be silky smooth if you scrape your food processor’s bowl sides multiple times during the blending process.

Pesto variations to try

Classic pesto tastes great, but you can create amazing flavors with these creative alternatives:

  • Nut Variations:
    • Walnuts make a budget-friendly option
    • Almonds add extra crunch
    • Sunflower seeds work perfectly for a nut-free version
    • Pistachios bring a unique flavor
  • Green Alternatives:
    • Arugula gives a peppery kick
    • Kale packs extra nutrition
    • Parsley creates a fresh taste
    • Mint adds brightness

Your homemade pesto stays fresh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a week. The freezer extends its life significantly. Just freeze it in ice cube trays without cheese and transfer to freezer bags. This way, it lasts up to a year.

Pesto can boost many dishes beyond the usual bread spread. It makes an excellent pizza base, sandwich spread, and salad dressing. You can mix it with ranch to create a unique dipping sauce.

Storage tip: A thin layer of olive oil on top of your stored pesto prevents oxidation and keeps its vibrant green color fresh.

Cream Cheese and Smoked Salmon Spread

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Image Source: Allrecipes

This classic combination of cream cheese and smoked salmon creates a luxurious breakfast spread. The rich cream cheese pairs perfectly with salmon’s delicate smokiness. The sophisticated blend raises simple bread to something extraordinary.

Choosing the right cream cheese

The perfect cream cheese forms the foundation of a great spread. The FDA requires cream cheese to contain at least 33% milkfat and maintain a moisture content of up to 55%. Whipped cream cheese is your best choice because it spreads easily and blends well with other ingredients.

The ideal cream cheese should have these qualities:

  • A balanced tangy flavor that isn’t too sour
  • A smooth and creamy texture without any gumminess
  • Pure taste without stabilizers or gums
  • A clean, fresh aroma

How to make cream cheese salmon spread

This delicious spread comes together quickly. Here’s what you need to do:

  1. Let your cream cheese reach room temperature
  2. Mix in mayonnaise and fresh lemon juice to create a smooth base
  3. Add finely chopped shallots – they give a milder taste than red onions
  4. Sprinkle fresh chives and parsley into the mixture
  5. Blend in your flaked smoked salmon
  6. Top it off with capers and a dash of hot sauce

Pro tip: A small food processor will help you achieve the best texture. Just pulse your smoked salmon slices before adding them to the cream cheese mix.

Serving ideas

This homemade salmon spread tastes better than anything you’ll find at the store. Here are some creative ways to enjoy it:

  • Breakfast Options:
    • Mini bagels make perfect bases
    • Add extra capers and fresh dill
    • Cucumber slices complement it perfectly
    • Fresh tomatoes create delicious layers

Your spread stays fresh in an airtight container up to a week. Room temperature brings out the best flavors instead of serving it straight from the fridge. The spread’s texture remains smooth and spreadable even when cold if you use whipped cream cheese.

Storage tip: An airtight container in your refrigerator keeps the spread fresh for 5-7 days. Proper storage helps maintain its texture and flavor throughout the week.

Olive Tapenade

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Image Source: Epicurious

Mediterranean flavors come alive in olive tapenade. This delightful spread blends olives with capers and fresh herbs. What started as a simple Provençal creation has transformed into a favorite bread spread that food lovers enjoy worldwide.

What is olive tapenade

Learning about tapenade starts with its rich heritage. This classic spread originated in Marseille, France during the 19th century [source confirms origin]. Black olives, capers, and anchovies create this simple yet flavorful combination, though modern variations have expanded these ingredients.

The word “tapenade” derives from the Provençal term for capers. Traditional recipes include anchovies, but many modern versions omit them to accommodate vegetarian preferences. You can prepare tapenade either chunky like a relish or smooth like a spread based on your preference and use.

How to make olive tapenade

Making your own tapenade is easier than you think. You’ll need these ingredients:

  • Pitted Kalamata and Castelvetrano olives
  • Fresh garlic cloves
  • Capers
  • Fresh herbs (parsley, basil, oregano)
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Lemon juice and zest

The perfect tapenade comes together in these simple steps:

  1. Rinse and pat dry your olives
  2. Add all ingredients to a food processor
  3. Pulse until you reach your desired consistency
  4. Adjust seasoning to taste
  5. Drizzle with additional olive oil

Pro tip: The texture is all about timing. A few quick pulses give you a chunky relish, while longer processing creates a smooth, spreadable paste.

Your tapenade stays fresh up to two weeks in the refrigerator. Just store it in an airtight container and add a thin layer of olive oil on top before sealing [source confirms storage duration].

Best breads for tapenade

The right bread makes the most important difference in your tapenade experience. These pairings work exceptionally well:

Crusty Breads:

  • Toasted baguette slices
  • Sourdough bread
  • Focaccia
  • Ciabatta

Serving suggestions: Tapenade tastes great with bread, but you can also try it:

  • Dolloped on homemade pizza
  • Spread inside pita with hummus
  • Combined with cream cheese for a tangy dip
  • Mixed into pasta salads

Storage tip: Mason jars work best to keep your tapenade fresh. Just add a thin layer of olive oil on top [source confirms storage method]. This simple trick preserves the flavor and texture while stopping oxidation.

Note that olives and capers make tapenade naturally salty. You should taste it first before adding more salt. The spread’s intensity changes based on how you adjust the ingredient ratios to match what you like.

Chocolate Tahini Spread

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Image Source: Bitt Nutrition

Indulge in a delightful blend of Mediterranean tradition and chocolate luxury with chocolate tahini spread. This sophisticated alternative has become increasingly popular with health-conscious food enthusiasts.

What is tahini

Your trip into chocolate tahini starts with its foundation – tahini, a creamy paste from finely ground sesame seeds. As with peanut butter made from peanuts, tahini comes from grinding toasted sesame seeds into a smooth, buttery consistency. The combination with chocolate creates a spread that’s both nutritious and indulgent.

Quality tahini has a rich and nutty taste with a smooth, velvety texture [source confirms texture description]. The best brands offer a homogenized, uniform paste that doesn’t separate. This tahini’s quality makes it an ideal canvas to create your chocolate spread.

How to make chocolate tahini spread

Making your own chocolate tahini spread is easier than you might think. Let me share what you’ll need:

  • High-quality tahini
  • Cocoa powder or dark chocolate
  • Sweetener (honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar)
  • Vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • Optional: espresso powder that brings out the chocolate’s richness

Here’s how you can create the perfect chocolate tahini spread:

  1. Melt dark chocolate with olive oil in a double boiler if you’re using chocolate
  2. Mix tahini with cocoa powder and your sweetener of choice
  3. Add vanilla extract with a pinch of salt
  4. Mix everything until you get a smooth, creamy consistency
  5. Taste and adjust the sweetness and chocolate intensity

Pro tip: Room temperature ingredients will give you the smoothest texture.

This delicious homemade chocolate tahini stays fresh in an airtight container for [up to one month when refrigerated] [source confirms storage duration]. The spread tastes best if you let it sit at room temperature for about 5 minutes before using it.

Try these delicious ways to enjoy your chocolate tahini:

  • A luxurious drizzle over yogurt or ice cream
  • The perfect spread on toast with sliced bananas
  • A rich addition to protein shakes
  • A creamy topping for oatmeal
  • A decadent dip for fresh fruits

Health benefits of tahini

Tahini-based spreads pack an impressive array of nutrients. A single tablespoon of tahini contains [90 calories, 3 grams of protein, 8 grams of fat, and 3 grams of carbs] [source confirms nutritional data]. The nutritional profile stands out even more if you think over these benefits:

Essential Nutrients: Each serving delivers [more than 10% of the Daily Value for thiamine, vitamin B6, phosphorus, and manganese] [source confirms vitamin content]. The spread packs copper abundantly, which helps with [iron absorption, blood pressure control, and preventing anemia] [source confirms copper benefits].

Heart Health: The fat content in tahini includes [50% monounsaturated fatty acids] [source confirms fat content] that scientists have linked to reduced inflammation and lower risk of chronic disease. Tahini’s sesame seeds contain phytosterols, which [have been shown to help lower cholesterol] [source confirms cholesterol benefits].

Antioxidant Properties: Powerful antioxidants called lignans, especially sesamin, exist in tahini. These compounds have shown promise in [protecting your liver from free radical damage] [source confirms antioxidant benefits] and contribute to anti-inflammatory properties.

Brain Health: Sesame seed antioxidants can [cross the blood-brain barrier] [source confirms brain benefits]. This ability helps support cognitive function and protects against neurodegenerative conditions.

Dark chocolate’s antioxidants combined with tahini’s health benefits create a delicious and nutritious spread. Chocolate tahini serves as a healthier alternative to traditional chocolate spreads, with reduced sugar content and more beneficial nutrients.

Storage tip: Glass jars work better than plastic containers to store chocolate tahini since they prevent unwanted odors from affecting the taste. The spread thickens in the refrigerator, but you can adjust its consistency by adding a small amount of warm water.

Conclusion

These ten bread spreads showcase an amazing range of flavors that go well beyond traditional butter. Protein-rich options like Greek yogurt and hummus pair perfectly with sweet treats like homemade Nutella and chocolate tahini. Each spread offers unique nutritional benefits and exceptional taste experiences that match your dietary needs and priorities.

You’ll gain complete control over ingredients when you make these spreads at home. The sort of thing I love about homemade spreads is how they open doors to endless customization. Fresh natural ingredients and proper preparation will give you spreads that taste better than anything store-bought. These recipes and techniques help you reshape the scene of ordinary bread into extraordinary meals that both satisfy your taste buds and nourish your body.

FAQs

What is the most widely used spread for bread?
Mayonnaise ranks as one of the most popular condiments and is used in various dishes, from burgers to deli sandwiches. It also serves as a base for several other spreads and sauces, such as tartar sauce, “fry sauce,” ranch dressing, and aioli.

Which spread is considered the best for bread?
Some of the top choices for bread spreads include peanut butter, Nutella, and various fruit jams.

What are some healthy options to spread on bread?
Olive oil is a healthy choice, rich in monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), low in saturated fat, and packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. It can be brushed on bread or used as a dip, flavored with herbs or garlic. Additionally, nut butters like peanut, almond, and cashew provide healthy fats, protein, and fiber.

Can you list some popular sandwich spreads?
Common sandwich spreads include peanut butter, cream cheese, mustard, vegemite, hummus, ketchup, and mayonnaise. More unique options might include anchovy paste, bacon jam, and spam spread. A sandwich spread is essentially any spreadable condiment that enhances the flavor of sandwiches.


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