holiday cheddar spread
This recipe was improvised from a steakhouse that was famous for its huge crock of cheese spread, Ritz crackers, and peanut shells on the floor in the bar area. The Hayloft is long gone now. But thanks to this recipe, friends and family can still get a taste of it at my house during the holidays. I store the spread in several covered containers in the fridge so that I can serve it more than once during the holidays.
Blue Ribbon Recipe
The combination of cheese and alcohol makes this holiday cheddar spread feel like a fancy appetizer. We tried it with both wine and beer. It's super creamy and has a little tang from the aged cheddar cheese. There's a little bite from the onion, but it's not overpowering. This would be great to serve as an appetizer during the holidays or on New Year's Eve but also great at a tailgate or game night party. Yummy!
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
- 4 ounces butter, room temperature
- 1 pinch black pepper
- 1/4 cup liquid (beer, non-alcohol beer, white wine, or buttermilk)
- 2 cups old cheddar cheese, grated
- 1 small onion, minced finely
- 1 sprig parsley or sprinkle paprika, to decorate
How To Make holiday cheddar spread
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Step 1In a large bowl or in a food processor, combine softened cream cheese and butter. Blend until thoroughly blended. -
Step 2Add a pinch of pepper and enough liquid (beer, non-alcohol beer, white wine, or buttermilk) to make the cream cheese mixture fluffy.
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Step 3Add grated old cheddar cheese and combine thoroughly. You may need to add just a bit more liquid so that it retains a nice texture. Do not worry if it's a bit thick and heavy. It still tastes great!
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Step 4Add finely diced onion and combine only until blended in. If using a food processor, pulse on/off a couple of times, but do not overwork or the onion taste can become overwhelming.
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Step 5Spoon into a bowl and sprinkle with a parsley sprig or paprika to look pretty.
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Step 6Remove spread from the fridge about 20 minutes before serving. Serve with crackers.
- Last Step: Don't forget to share! Post a picture of your finished recipe here and on your favorite social network. Don't forget to tag Just A Pinch and include #justapinchrecipes!
