Hot Sour Cream-Pecan Spread
A rich, savory spread blending cream cheese, sour cream, chopped dried beef, green pepper, and toasted pecans, perfect for entertaining or as a flavorful appetizer. Serves 25.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine the cream cheese and milk in a bowl until smooth.
- Tear the dried beef into small pieces and mix with pepper, onion flakes, garlic salt, salt, and seasonings.
- Add the seasoned beef mixture to the cream cheese mixture and mix well.
- Fold in the sour cream until evenly combined.
- Spoon the mixture into a 9 x 13 x 2-inch baking dish.
- In a skillet, brown the chopped pecans in butter with salt until golden.
- Sprinkle the toasted pecans over the sour cream mixture.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes until hot and bubbly.
- Serve hot with Triscuits or your favorite crackers.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper for some heat. If you can't find dried beef, chopped cooked ham or turkey can be a great substitute. Make sure the cream cheese is softened for easier mixing. Also, if you're short on time, you can skip the baking step and serve it as a cold dip.
Serving Suggestions
This Hot Sour Cream-Pecan Spread pairs beautifully with Triscuits or your favorite crackers. For a complete appetizer spread, consider serving it alongside fresh vegetable sticks or slices of baguette. It also makes a great accompaniment to cocktails during casual gatherings or parties. Serve with a light salad to create a more balanced meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the spread in a baking dish and cover with foil. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. Stir before serving to restore the creamy texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hot Sour Cream-Pecan Spread contains roughly 212 calories, with 4g protein, 15g carbohydrates, and 15g 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 spread ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the spread a day in advance. Just mix all the ingredients and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, bake it just before your guests arrive for a warm, delicious dip that’s sure to impress.
Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?
Certainly! You can replace the dried beef with sautéed mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes for a vegetarian version. This will still provide great flavor and texture while maintaining the creaminess of the spread.
What can I serve with the Hot Sour Cream-Pecan Spread?
This spread is versatile and pairs well with various dippers like pita chips, celery sticks, or toasted baguette slices. It also complements dishes like Spicy Chuck Wagon Soup or a light salad, making it a perfect addition to any gathering.
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).