Down on our farm, spring gatherings tend to revolve around the table more than the calendar. Easter, Mother’s Day, and early garden days all seem to call for food that feels a little more complete without becoming complicated. I usually find myself in the kitchen with a mixing bowl and some fresh herbs, thinking about how to stretch what we have growing into something memorable.

It’s the season when breads, scones, and rolls appear more often, and a few flavorful spreads can quietly elevate something ordinary into something meaningful. Around here, an herb butter or a soft cheese spread can anchor a tea tray or bring a simple brunch to life.

This guide shares four easy herb-forward spreads that work beautifully for Easter brunch, springtime gatherings, and afternoon tea. Each one is quick to prepare, flexible to adapt, and designed to fit naturally into a relaxed seasonal table.

Jump to kitchen use | Jump to chive butter | Jump to rosemary butter | Jump to lavender cream cheese | Jump to whipped feta | Jump to choosing spreads | Jump to substitutions | Jump to more ideas | Jump to closing

How These Spreads Show Up in Our Kitchen

In our family, herb butters and cheese spreads usually come out when a meal feels a bit more thoughtful than everyday cooking. Around Easter especially, they’re a simple way to make the table feel intentional without adding another dish that needs precise timing.

Sometimes they’re part of a larger brunch display. Other times, one bowl is set beside a loaf just pulled from the oven. I’ve rolled them into logs, tucked them into little ramekins, or left them soft and scoopable like a dip. It really depends on the feel of the meal and how much prep time I have that day.

The butters work well for sit-down meals, especially with soup or fresh bread. The cheese spreads are lovely for tea time, brunch boards, or afternoon snacking. I like pairing the herb butters with savory scones and serving the lighter, more delicate cheese spreads with plainer breads or slightly sweet scones.

Choosing What to Make

You don’t need to make all four of these to put together a beautiful spring table. In our Oregon farmhouse kitchen, I often pick one herb butter and one cheese spread to keep things balanced without overcomplicating. The chive butter and whipped feta combo is a favorite here, especially when there’s soup on the menu or we’re setting out a little pre-meal bite for guests.

For tea time or a simple brunch, just one option can do the trick. The lavender lemon cream cheese adds a gentle floral touch to scones and is perfect with a pot of black tea. For more savory tables like Easter or Mother’s Day brunch, the rosemary butter or whipped herb cheese holds up well alongside rustic loaves or garden vegetables.

Let what’s in season lead the way. Maybe you’ve got chives just blooming in the back garden or picked up some lemon thyme at the Willamette Valley farmers market. Whatever’s fresh and close at hand makes the best starting point.

Substitutions and Adjustments

One of the reasons I come back to these spreads every year is how easy they are to adapt. Whether you’re working from your backyard herb bed or shopping a Saturday market, you can use what you’ve got and still end up with something delicious.

No chives? Thinly sliced green onions will do. No thyme? Try rosemary, oregano, or even marjoram. Lemon zest can be swapped for orange. If parsley isn’t in the crisper, dill or cilantro might be. And if you’re going dairy-free, there are plenty of plant-based butters and cream cheeses that work well—just season and taste as you go.

These are also a great way to experiment with bits and pieces. Add edible flowers, tarragon, or fresh basil if it’s starting to come in. These spreads don’t ask for perfection—just good, honest ingredients and a willingness to play with flavor.

Questions Folks Often Ask in the Kitchen

How long do these herb spreads last in the fridge?
Most of these spreads will keep for 3 to 5 days in a sealed container in the refrigerator. The butters can often last longer—up to a week or more—especially if you use very fresh herbs. Just give them a sniff and a stir before serving.

Can I freeze herb butter or cheese spreads?
You sure can—especially the butters. I like to roll them into logs, wrap them in parchment and foil, and tuck them in the freezer. Cheese spreads can also be frozen, but their texture may be a little softer once thawed. They’re still great for spreading on warm bread or mixing into veggies.

What herbs grow best for spreads in Oregon?
Chives, rosemary, thyme, and parsley all do beautifully here in the Willamette Valley and come back reliably year after year. Lavender grows well too—especially the English varieties—and is perfect for gentle, floral recipes like the cream cheese spread.

What’s a good bread to serve with these?
Around here, we love sourdough, rustic no-knead loaves, or even a good soft biscuit. For tea time, try plain scones, brioche rolls, or sliced baguette. Anything warm and simple will let the herbs shine.

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
If it’s what you’ve got, yes—just use a lighter hand. Dried herbs are more concentrated, so start with about a third of what the recipe calls for and adjust to taste. A little lemon zest or fresh citrus can help brighten things up if you're using dried.

Are these spreads safe to leave out at room temp during a gathering?
They’ll hold up for a couple of hours on the table, especially the butters. If it’s a warm spring day or you’re serving outside, I like to nestle the dish in a small bowl of ice or just keep extras in the fridge to swap out as needed.

Bringing it All Together in the Kitchen

These spreads usually come together with little planning, often while bread is already baking and the rest of the table is coming together piece by piece. They aren’t meant to be the star—just to bring a bit of care and warmth to the meal.

If you’d like more relaxed, seasonal ideas like this, our free Cooking With Tea E-Book is full of simple recipes and inspiration from our cottage kitchen.
https://www.farmhouseteas.com/collections/e-books/products/cooking-with-tea-recipe-e-book

More Simple Ideas for the Spring Table

• How to Make Savory Scones at Home
• Using Culinary Herbs in Everyday Cooking
• How to Dry Herbs for Kitchen Use
• Setting a Simple Spring Table
• Tea Time at Home
• Cooking with Tea Basics