Refrigerated Cheese Spread
A savory, layered cheese spread with corned beef, sauerkraut, and spices, perfect for serving warm with crackers at gatherings or as a hearty appetizer.
Ingredients
- 8 oz. cottage cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 cup grated Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon paprika ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon vinegar ⓘ
- 3 oz. package cream cheese ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1 tablespoon catsup ⓘ
- 8 oz. cream cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 cup sour cream ⓘ
- 1 cup drained and chopped sauerkraut (optional) ⓘ
- 1/2 pound lean corned beef, chopped fine ⓘ
- rye crackers ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons finely chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon ketchup ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons spicy brown mustard ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- In a bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, drained and chopped sauerkraut, chopped corned beef, chopped onions, ketchup, mustard, and grated Swiss cheese.
- Transfer the mixture to a medium-sized ovenproof casserole dish.
- Cover the casserole and bake for 30 minutes or until bubbles form around the edges.
- Remove cover and bake for an additional 5 minutes or until the top turns golden.
- Serve warm with crackers.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, blend the cottage cheese before mixing it with the other ingredients. You can substitute the corned beef with shredded chicken or omit it entirely for a vegetarian option. If you prefer a spicier kick, add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. This spread can be made a day ahead, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully, similar to how they do in classic American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this cheese spread warm alongside rye crackers for a delightful appetizer. It pairs beautifully with a fresh vegetable platter or a simple salad for a light lunch. Consider serving it with a glass of crisp white wine or a light beer to complement the flavors. For a hearty meal, enjoy it with Beef Noodles Casserole to create a satisfying dining experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the spread in an oven-safe dish and warm it in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions on low power for a quick snack.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Refrigerated Cheese Spread contains roughly 863 calories, with 32g protein, 86g carbohydrates, and 45g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (64% of the Daily Value), calcium (51% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (50% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1741mg per serving (76% 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 use different types of cheese in this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different cheese varieties. For example, swapping in pepper jack for a spicy kick or using a sharp white cheddar can add a unique flavor. Mixing in some crumbled blue cheese or smoked gouda can also enhance the taste, making it more personalized to your preference.
Is it necessary to bake the cheese spread?
While baking helps to meld the flavors and create a warm, gooey texture, you can serve it as a cold dip if you prefer. Simply mix all the ingredients together and refrigerate for at least an hour before serving. This can be a refreshing option for summer gatherings.
What can I do if I don't have sauerkraut?
If sauerkraut is unavailable, you can substitute it with finely chopped pickles or relish for a tangy flavor. Alternatively, you could use shredded carrots or even chopped spinach for added texture and nutrition, ensuring the spread remains delicious and satisfying.
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).