Cheese Crock Blend
A rich, creamy cheese spread blending Cheddar, Blue cheese, and walnuts, flavored with sherry or Port, perfect for entertaining or snacking with various breads and crackers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Beat cream cheese until smooth.
- Beat in Cheddar and Blue cheese.
- Gradually beat in wine to make the spread creamy.
- Add red pepper and stir in walnuts.
- Pack into crocks or jars, cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate until serving time.
- Let stand at room temperature 1/2 hour before serving.
- Serve with small thin slices of rye or French bread, crackers, toasted water biscuits or Scandinavian flatbread.
- If warm canapes are desired, spread and place in oven until bubbly.
- Decorate with walnut halves, if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother texture, make sure your cream cheese is very soft before mixing. You can experiment with different cheese combinations; for instance, substituting goat cheese for Blue cheese can add a tangy twist. If you're looking for a lighter option, try reducing the amount of cream cheese and adding Greek yogurt instead. Adding herbs like chives or dill can elevate the flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Cheese Crock Blend with an assortment of breads or crackers like toasted water biscuits or Scandinavian flatbread for a delightful appetizer. It pairs beautifully with small thin slices of rye or French bread. For an elegant touch, consider adding fresh fruit like apple slices or grapes on the side to balance the richness of the cheeses.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Cheese Crock Blend in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving, or gently warm in a microwave for a few seconds, being careful not to overheat, which can change the texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cheese Crock Blend contains roughly 546 calories, with 23g protein, 34g carbohydrates, and 36g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (80% of the Daily Value), calcium (49% of the Daily Value), and protein (46% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 972mg per serving (42% 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 recipe ahead of time?
Yes, this Cheese Crock Blend can be prepared a day in advance. Just follow the instructions and refrigerate. Allow it to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving to enhance its flavor and spreadability.
What can I substitute for the walnuts?
If you're looking for alternatives to walnuts, pecans or almonds work well in this recipe. For a nut-free version, consider using sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds to maintain that crunchy texture without the allergens.
How can I make this dish more visually appealing?
To enhance presentation, serve the Cheese Crock Blend in a decorative bowl or crock and garnish with walnut halves or fresh herbs. You can also arrange the accompanying breads and crackers in an attractive manner around the cheese to create a lovely platter.
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).