Clean Out Your Extra Cheese Cheese Spread
Transform your fridge leftovers into a delectable appetizer with this versatile "Clean Out Your Extra Cheese Cheese Spread." Perfect for reducing food waste, this creamy spread combines an assortment of leftover cheeses—think sharp cheddar, tangy blue cheese, or velvety cream cheese—with softened butter, Greek yogurt or sour cream, and zesty additions like garlic, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice. Ready in just 15 minutes, this recipe is a no-cook, crowd-pleasing solution for last-minute gatherings. Finish with a sprinkle of paprika or fresh herbs for a pop of color, and serve with crackers, crusty bread, or veggies. Whether you're hosting a party or simply upgrading your snack game, this DIY cheese spread is the ultimate way to savor your leftover cheeses!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 8 oz Mixed leftover cheeses (e.g., cheddar, gouda, cream cheese, blue cheese, parmesan, etc.)
- 2 tbsp Unsalted butter (softened)
- 3 tbsp Plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1 clove Garlic (minced or grated)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp Lemon juice
- 0.5 tsp Paprika (optional, for garnish)
- 1 tbsp Chopped fresh parsley or chives (optional)
- 0.25 tsp Salt
- 0.25 tsp Black pepper
Instructions
Gather your leftover cheeses and weigh out approximately 8 ounces total. Ensure at least one of the cheeses is a spreadable type like cream cheese or soft goat cheese for a smoother texture.
Cut the cheeses into smaller pieces if they are firm or crumbly, and add them to a food processor.
Add the softened butter, Greek yogurt or sour cream, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice to the food processor.
Blend the mixture until smooth and creamy. Pause as needed to scrape down the sides of the processor with a spatula to ensure even blending.
Taste the spread and season with salt and black pepper as desired. Blend again briefly to incorporate the seasoning.
Transfer the cheese spread to a serving dish or an airtight container. Sprinkle with paprika, fresh parsley, or chives for garnish, if using.
Serve immediately with crackers, bread, or veggies, or refrigerate until ready to serve. For best texture, let it come to room temperature before serving if chilled.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1044 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 90.2 g | 116% | |
| Saturated Fat | 55.5 g | 278% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 268 mg | 89% | |
| Sodium | 2315 mg | 101% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 8.4 g | 3% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.2 g | 4% | |
| Total Sugars | 4.0 g | ||
| Protein | 50.5 g | 101% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.5 mcg | 7% | |
| Calcium | 1429 mg | 110% | |
| Iron | 1.9 mg | 11% | |
| Potassium | 353 mg | 8% | |
*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.
