Atheroma Spread
A rich, cheesy spread with caramelized onions and a hint of sherry, perfect for gatherings and enjoyed with bread and crackers. Creamy, savory, and crowd-pleasing.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute thinly sliced sweet onions in butter until transparent, avoiding browning.
- Add cooking sherry and cook until reduced.
- Mix the cooked onions with shredded Jarlsberg cheese, mayonnaise, ground pepper, and garlic salt.
- Bake the mixture in an 8x8 inch glass dish at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes.
- Pour the spread into a hollowed round French or Italian bread.
- Sprinkle with paprika and broil for 2 minutes.
- Serve with crackers and bread.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using caramelized onions instead of just sautéing them. If you don't have Jarlsberg cheese, Gruyère or Swiss cheese can be excellent substitutes. To add a kick, try incorporating some diced jalapeños or using a spicy mayo in place of regular mayonnaise. This spread works wonderfully as a party appetizer or a savory addition to a light lunch.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Atheroma Spread warm, directly from the hollowed bread, alongside an assortment of crackers and sliced vegetables for a colorful platter. It pairs beautifully with Finger Sandwiches for a delightful brunch. For a complete meal, consider serving it with a fresh garden salad or a bowl of Creamed Broccoli Pudding for a comforting combination.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the spread in an oven-safe dish and warm it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the cheese rubbery.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Atheroma Spread contains roughly 253 calories, with 5g protein, 30g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (37% of the Daily Value) and iron (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. It also contributes 10g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this spread ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the mixture a day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator and assemble it in the bread shortly before baking. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making it even tastier.
What can I serve with this spread?
This spread is perfect with a variety of dippers. Try serving it with crusty bread, fresh vegetable sticks, or even potato chips. It also complements a nice glass of white wine for a sophisticated touch.
Can I freeze the Atheroma Spread?
Freezing is not recommended as it may alter the texture of the cheese and mayonnaise. However, you can freeze the mixture before baking it. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before baking it as directed.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).