The Ultimate Blue Cheese Spread with Pecans Recipe
Introduction
The Ultimate Blue Cheese Spread with Pecans is a rich and flavorful appetizer perfect for entertaining or a cozy night in. Creamy, tangy, and nutty, this spread pairs beautifully with crackers or toasted baguette slices. It’s easy to prepare and sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients
- 24 ounces cream cheese at room temperature
- ½ cup unsalted butter at room temperature (4 ounces)
- 4 ounces blue cheese crumbles
- ½ cup pecans, chopped and roasted, plus 1 tablespoon for garnish
- ½ cup chives, chopped, plus 1 tablespoon for garnish
- ¼ cup cream sherry
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium-size bowl, add the cream cheese, butter, pecans, blue cheese, chives, and cream sherry. Stir to combine.
- Step 2: Use an electric mixer if needed to blend all ingredients into a smooth, creamy spread.
- Step 3: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least eight hours to allow the flavors to meld.
- Step 4: Before serving, let the spread come to room temperature and garnish with reserved chives and pecans.
- Step 5: Serve with crackers or toasted baguette slices for a delicious appetizer.
Tips & Variations
- To soften the cream cheese quickly, microwave it in a microwave-safe bowl for 35 to 45 seconds before mixing.
- For easy roasting of pecans, microwave chopped nuts on a microwavable plate for 5 minutes, checking and adding another minute if needed.
- You can substitute brandy or cognac for the cream sherry, or omit the alcohol altogether.
- Swap pecans for other nuts like walnuts or use sunflower or pumpkin seeds if preferred.
- Allow the spread to sit at room temperature for at least two hours before serving to soften and enhance flavor.
Storage
Store the spread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. To freeze, place it in an airtight container for up to one month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving, then set it out for at least two hours to reach room temperature.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make the blue cheese spread ahead of time?
Yes, it’s best to prepare the spread at least eight hours ahead or overnight to let the flavors fully develop. This makes it convenient for parties or gatherings.
What can I serve with this blue cheese spread?
This spread pairs well with a variety of crackers, toasted baguette slices, fresh vegetables, or even as a flavorful addition to sandwiches.
PrintThe Ultimate Blue Cheese Spread with Pecans Recipe
This Ultimate Blue Cheese Spread with Pecans is a creamy, flavorful cheese spread perfect for entertaining. It combines rich cream cheese and butter with tangy blue cheese, crunchy roasted pecans, fresh chives, and a splash of cream sherry for depth. Chilled to develop its flavors and served at room temperature, it pairs beautifully with crackers or toasted baguette slices for an elegant appetizer.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: About 3 cups 1x
- Category: Spread
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Cheese Spread
- 24 ounces cream cheese at room temperature
- ½ cup unsalted butter at room temperature (4 ounces)
- 4 ounces blue cheese crumbles
- ½ cup pecans, chopped and roasted
- ½ cup chives, chopped
- ¼ cup cream sherry
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon pecans, chopped
- 1 tablespoon chives, chopped
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, add the cream cheese, unsalted butter, roasted pecans, blue cheese crumbles, chopped chives, and cream sherry. Stir the ingredients together to start combining them evenly.
- Mix to Smooth Spread: Use an electric mixer if needed to blend all components into a creamy, smooth spread without lumps.
- Chill and Develop Flavors: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the mixture for at least eight hours. This resting time allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Bring to Room Temperature: Before serving, remove the spread from the refrigerator and let it sit out for about two hours to soften and enhance its texture and taste.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the spread with the reserved chopped pecans and chives for garnish. Serve the spread with crackers or toasted baguette slices for an elegant appetizer.
Notes
- Allow the spread to sit at room temperature for at least two hours before serving to fully soften.
- To freeze, store in an airtight container for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then let sit at room temperature for two hours before serving.
- You can omit the cream sherry or substitute with brandy or cognac.
- Pecans can be replaced with other nuts or seeds such as sunflower or pumpkin seeds.
- To quickly roast pecans, place chopped nuts on a microwave-safe plate and microwave for 5 minutes; microwave an additional minute if needed.
- To soften cream cheese quickly, microwave unwrapped cream cheese in a microwave-safe bowl for 35-45 seconds for three packages.
Keywords: blue cheese spread, pecan cheese spread, creamy cheese spread, appetizer spread, party appetizer
