Herb Cheese Spread
A flavorful herb cheese spread wrapped in flaky puff pastry, perfect as an elegant appetizer with crackers, apples, or pears, featuring creamy cheese and fresh herbs.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Spread Dijon mustard over the top of the Havarti cheese; sprinkle with dried parsley flakes, dried chives, dried dill weed, dried basil, and fennel seeds.
- Place the cheese, mustard side down, in the center of the thawed puff pastry.
- Wrap the pastry around the cheese package style, trimming excess pastry as needed.
- Seal the seam and place seam side down on a lightly greased baking sheet.
- Brush the top with beaten egg and chill for 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 375°F and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove from oven, brush with egg again, and bake an additional 10 minutes or until golden brown.
- Serve warm with assorted crackers or sliced apples or pears.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider mixing in a bit of cream cheese with the Havarti cheese. If you can't find Havarti, Gouda or Monterey Jack make great substitutes. Be sure to keep the puff pastry cold until you're ready to bake, as this will help achieve a flaky texture. For a twist, add a pinch of garlic powder to the herb mixture for extra flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Herb Cheese Spread warm, accompanied by a selection of assorted crackers or sliced apples and pears for a delightful contrast. It also pairs beautifully with Holiday Ribbon Ring for a festive gathering. Consider adding a glass of white wine for a perfect appetizer experience.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the spread in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving as it can make the pastry soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Herb Cheese Spread contains roughly 92 calories, with 2g protein, 12g carbohydrates, and 4g fat.
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 ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the wrapped cheese spread a day in advance. After wrapping in puff pastry, cover and refrigerate until you're ready to bake. Just remember to allow it to chill for at least 30 minutes before baking to maintain its shape.
What can I serve with the herb cheese spread?
This spread pairs well with a variety of accompaniments. Try serving it with a selection of crackers, sliced fresh fruits like apples or pears, or even toasted baguette slices. A light salad or vegetable platter can also complement this rich dish.
How do I know when the puff pastry is done?
The puff pastry is done when it is golden brown and puffed up. You can check the underside to ensure it’s cooked through. If it's still pale after the initial baking time, give it a few extra minutes while keeping an eye on it to prevent burning.
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).