Charleston Cheese
A creamy, cheesy appetizer with crispy bacon and savory flavors, perfect for parties or casual gatherings, served with crunchy crackers for added texture.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, softened cream cheese, grated Cheddar cheese, and chopped green onions.
- Transfer the mixture into a greased quiche dish.
- Top the mixture with crushed buttery crackers.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes.
- Remove from oven and sprinkle with crumbled bacon.
- Serve with additional crackers if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, ensure the cream cheese is fully softened before mixing. You can substitute the Cheddar cheese with Swiss cheese for a different flavor profile. If you're looking to cut down on calories, consider using light mayonnaise. Adding herbs like dill or chives can also elevate the taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Charleston Cheese warm, garnished with extra crumbled bacon on top. It pairs wonderfully with additional buttery crackers, fresh vegetable sticks, or even sliced baguette. This dish also makes a great appetizer at parties or can be enjoyed as a flavorful side with American recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the cheese mixture in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid microwave reheating as it can change the texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Charleston Cheese contains roughly 553 calories, with 15g protein, 5g carbohydrates, and 53g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (30% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (28% of the Daily Value), and calcium (26% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 717mg per serving (31% 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 make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just bake it before serving. This will save you time and allow the flavors to meld nicely.
What can I use instead of bacon?
If you're looking for a vegetarian option, you can substitute the bacon with toasted walnuts or pecans for crunch. For a smoky flavor, consider using smoked paprika or liquid smoke.
Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply use gluten-free crackers for the topping, and ensure that all other ingredients are certified gluten-free. This will allow everyone to enjoy this delicious dish without gluten concerns.
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).