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Pepper Jelly Cheese Spread Recipe

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  • Author: admin
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5-10 minutes (for toasting nuts)
  • Total Time: 1 hour (including chilling time)
  • Yield: 2 cups
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This Pepper Jelly Cheese Spread is a creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet appetizer perfect for entertaining or casual snacking. Made by blending cream cheese and goat cheese with spicy-sweet pepper jelly, and optionally enhanced with toasted nuts, this spread pairs beautifully with crackers, baguette slices, or fresh vegetables. Easy to prepare and chill, it offers a flavorful and elegant option for parties or gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Cheese Spread

  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 4 ounces goat cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup pepper jelly (red pepper jelly recommended)

Optional Add-ins

  • 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts, toasted

To Serve

  • Crackers, baguette slices, or vegetables

Instructions

  1. Soften the Cheeses: Remove the cream cheese and goat cheese from the refrigerator 30 to 60 minutes before starting to allow them to soften for easier mixing.
  2. Combine the Cheeses: In a medium bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese and goat cheese until well blended.
  3. Mix Until Smooth: Whip or stir the cheeses using a hand mixer or spoon until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy.
  4. Measure Pepper Jelly: Measure 1/2 cup of your preferred pepper jelly; if there are large pieces of pepper, chop them for a more uniform spread.
  5. Incorporate Pepper Jelly: Fold the pepper jelly gently into the cheese mixture to distribute evenly without deflating the texture.
  6. Taste and Adjust: Sample the spread; add more pepper jelly if you prefer it sweeter, or add red pepper flakes or hot sauce for extra heat according to your taste.
  7. Toast the Nuts (Optional): If using nuts, toast them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 to 10 minutes until fragrant and lightly browned, or toast in a dry skillet over medium heat.
  8. Chop the Nuts: Once toasted and cooled, chop the nuts into small pieces.
  9. Fold in the Nuts: Gently fold the chopped toasted nuts into the cheese and pepper jelly mixture for added texture and flavor.
  10. Chill the Spread: Transfer the mixture to a serving bowl or container, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes until firm enough to spread.
  11. Serve: Remove from the refrigerator a few minutes before serving to soften slightly. Serve with crackers, baguette slices, or fresh vegetables.
  12. Garnish (Optional): Garnish with extra chopped toasted nuts or fresh herbs for enhanced presentation and flavor.

Notes

  • Allowing the cheeses to soften before mixing makes blending easier and smoother.
  • Adjust sweetness and heat by varying the amount and type of pepper jelly and additional spices.
  • Toasting nuts brings out their flavor and adds a delightful crunch to the spread.
  • The spread can be made a few hours ahead and stored covered in the refrigerator.
  • Serve at room temperature for the best texture and flavor experience.

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Find it online: https://chachaathairestaurant.com/pepper-jelly-cheese-spread-recipe/