Blue Cheese Pate
A creamy, tangy blue cheese pâté with bacon, water chestnuts, and olives, perfect as an elegant appetizer for parties or cheese platters.
Ingredients
- 2 slices bacon ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese, softened ⓘ
- 1 (4 3/4 oz.) can liver spread ⓘ
- 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese (2 oz.)
- 2 tablespoons dry sherry ⓘ
- 1/2 (8 oz.) can water chestnuts, drained and chopped ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons minced onion ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons chopped pimiento-stuffed green olives ⓘ
- raw vegetables
Instructions
- Cook bacon until crisp; drain and crumble, then set aside.
- In a small mixing bowl, beat together cream cheese, liver spread, blue cheese, and sherry until fluffy.
- Stir in chopped water chestnuts, minced onion, chopped olives, and crumbled bacon.
- Turn the mixture into a small bowl or mold and chill until firm.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother texture, ensure the cream cheese is fully softened before mixing. If you don't have dry sherry, white wine or apple cider vinegar can work as substitutes. You can also add some finely chopped herbs like chives or parsley for added flavor. If you're not a fan of bacon, consider using turkey bacon or omitting it altogether for a vegetarian version.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the blue cheese pate with an assortment of raw vegetables like carrots, celery, and bell peppers for dipping. It also pairs beautifully with crackers or toasted baguette slices. For an elegant touch, consider serving alongside a refreshing salad or as part of a cheese board featuring other American recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld beautifully over time, making it even tastier the next day. To serve, simply remove from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving to soften.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Blue Cheese Pate contains roughly 318 calories, with 13g protein, 8g carbohydrates, and 26g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 674mg per serving (29% of the Daily Value).
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 use a different type of cheese instead of blue cheese?
Yes, you can substitute blue cheese with feta or goat cheese for a milder flavor. Just keep in mind that the taste profile will change, but it will still be delicious.
How can I make this recipe ahead of time?
This pate can be made up to two days in advance. Prepare it as directed, then cover and refrigerate until you're ready to serve. Just remember to let it sit at room temperature for a bit before serving for the best texture.
What are some good pairings for this pate?
This blue cheese pate pairs well with a variety of items. Consider serving it with crusty bread, assorted crackers, or even alongside a fruit platter featuring grapes or sliced apples to balance the richness of the cheese.
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).