Curried Cheese Spread
A creamy, flavorful curried cheese spread with chutney and toasted almonds, perfect for entertaining or snacking, offering a delightful blend of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix the cream cheese, chopped chutney, curry powder, and dry mustard well.
- Refrigerate the mixture for a few hours before serving.
- Serve with crackers.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, let the cream cheese soften at room temperature before mixing. You can substitute the chutney with a fruit-based salsa or even a sweet and spicy jam for a different flavor profile. If you prefer a nuttier taste, try using pecans or walnuts instead of almonds. This spread can also be made a day ahead to enhance the flavors, similar to how one prepares Chocolate Nut Cakes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the curried cheese spread with an assortment of crackers or toasted baguette slices for a delightful appetizer. It pairs beautifully with a refreshing Peach Cooler Beverage, making it perfect for gatherings. You can also add sliced vegetables like cucumbers and bell peppers for a colorful platter, enhancing the presentation and adding a healthy crunch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover curried cheese spread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. To keep the texture smooth, avoid freezing as it may alter the consistency. If you want to serve it warm, gently reheat in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds, stirring to ensure even heating, but be careful not to overheat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Curried Cheese Spread contains roughly 380 calories, with 17g protein, 64g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (216% of the Daily Value), iron (121% of the Daily Value), and calcium (46% of the Daily Value). At about 380 calories per serving, it is a lighter, protein-rich choice.
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 cheese spread ahead of time?
Yes, this curried cheese spread can be made a day in advance. Preparing it ahead allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator. When you're ready to serve, simply take it out to soften slightly for easier spreading.
What can I use instead of cream cheese?
If you want a lighter option, you can substitute cream cheese with Greek yogurt or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative. Keep in mind that using Greek yogurt will result in a tangier flavor, so adjust the spices accordingly to balance it out.
Is this spread suitable for vegetarian diets?
Yes, this curried cheese spread is vegetarian-friendly, as it contains no meat ingredients. It can be a great addition to vegetarian recipes or served at a gathering where vegetarian options are needed. Just ensure that your chutney does not contain any non-vegetarian ingredients.
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).