Cheese Spread with a Kick
Get ready to elevate your appetizer game with "Cheese Spread with a Kick," the ultimate creamy, zesty, and flavor-packed party pleaser. This quick and easy recipe combines velvety cream cheese, sharp cheddar, and tangy sour cream with a bold blend of spices, including smoked paprika and cayenne pepper, for a tantalizing depth of flavor. Finely chopped pickled jalapeños bring just the right amount of heat, while optional parsley adds a fresh, vibrant finish. Perfect as a spread for crackers, baguette slices, or crunchy veggie sticks, this crowd-pleaser can be made in just 15 minutes and served immediately or prepared ahead for even more intense flavor. Whether you're hosting a gathering or simply indulging in a savory snack, this spicy cheese spread is guaranteed to impress and satisfy.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 3 tablespoons sour cream
- 2 tablespoons pickled jalapeños, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
- 0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)
- 0.25 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional for garnish)
Instructions
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, and sour cream.
Using a hand mixer or a sturdy spatula, mix until the cheeses are well combined and creamy.
Add the chopped pickled jalapeños, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to evenly distribute the spices and jalapeños.
Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or cayenne if desired.
Transfer the cheese spread to a serving bowl and garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Serve immediately with crackers, sliced baguette, or vegetable sticks. Alternatively, cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days for the flavors to meld further. Allow the spread to come to room temperature before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1338 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 122.0 g | 156% | |
| Saturated Fat | 74.8 g | 374% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3.4 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 368 mg | 123% | |
| Sodium | 2418 mg | 105% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 24.9 g | 9% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.9 g | 7% | |
| Total Sugars | 12.3 g | ||
| Protein | 44.6 g | 89% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 1104 mg | 85% | |
| Iron | 1.5 mg | 8% | |
| Potassium | 449 mg | 10% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
