Festive Cheese Spread
Perfect for holiday gatherings and special occasions, this Festive Cheese Spread combines rich, creamy textures with bursts of sweet and savory flavors. A blend of smooth cream cheese and sharp white cheddar is elevated by the addition of tart dried cranberries, toasted walnuts, and a touch of honey for a balance of sweetness. Fresh herbs like parsley and chives add a vibrant, aromatic edge, while garlic powder and black pepper provide subtle depth. This no-cook, 15-minute appetizer can be shaped into a ball or log for a festive presentation and pairs beautifully with crackers, baguette slices, or fresh vegetables. Impress your guests with this elegant yet easy party staple that’s as visually stunning as it is delicious!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- 1 cup sharp white cheddar cheese, grated
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup dried cranberries, chopped
- 0.5 cup walnuts, toasted and chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.25 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoon salt
Instructions
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, grated cheddar cheese, and softened butter. Mix with an electric mixer or a wooden spoon until smooth and creamy.
Fold in the chopped dried cranberries, toasted walnuts, parsley, chives, honey, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. Mix until all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
Transfer the cheese mixture to a serving bowl or shape it into a ball or log using plastic wrap for a festive touch.
Cover and refrigerate the cheese spread for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Before serving, let the cheese spread sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes to soften slightly.
Garnish with additional chopped parsley, chives, or a sprinkle of cranberries and nuts for presentation, if desired.
Serve with crackers, sliced baguette, or fresh veggies, and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
294 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 22.4 g | 29% | |
| Saturated Fat | 11.0 g | 55% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 54 mg | 18% | |
| Sodium | 246 mg | 11% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 18.8 g | 7% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.4 g | 5% | |
| Total Sugars | 15.6 g | ||
| Protein | 6.8 g | 14% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 142 mg | 11% | |
| Iron | 0.5 mg | 3% | |
| Potassium | 101 mg | 2% | |
*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.
