Walnut Cheese Spread
A creamy, nutty cheese spread with a hint of spice and sherry, perfect for entertaining, served with crackers or bread, appealing to cheese lovers and appetizer enthusiasts.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix grated Monterey Jack cheese, grated sharp Cheddar cheese, and softened butter thoroughly in a bowl.
- Stir in cayenne pepper, mace, and dry sherry until well combined.
- Add coarsely grated or chopped walnuts to the mixture.
- Refrigerate the spread until chilled, then let it warm to room temperature before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For optimal flavor, let the cheeses and butter sit at room temperature before mixing; this makes it easier to blend. If you want to reduce the richness, consider substituting half of the butter with Greek yogurt or cream cheese. For a different kick, try using smoked paprika instead of cayenne pepper. This spread works well as a base for other flavors, so feel free to experiment with herbs or spices.
Serving Suggestions
This walnut cheese spread pairs beautifully with crackers, toasted baguette slices, or fresh vegetable sticks. For a delightful appetizer, serve it alongside a fresh fruit platter. It can also be used as a topping for baked potatoes or spread on sandwiches. Consider offering it with a side of Irish Sweet Bread for a comforting touch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover walnut cheese spread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. To reheat, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving; this helps restore its creamy texture. If desired, you can briefly microwave it in 10-second intervals, but avoid overheating as it can change the consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Walnut Cheese Spread contains roughly 1648 calories, with 58g protein, 71g carbohydrates, and 141g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (311% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (117% of the Daily Value), and protein (115% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1235mg per serving (54% 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 for this spread?
Absolutely! While Monterey Jack and sharp Cheddar provide a nice balance of creaminess and sharpness, you can experiment with other cheeses like Gouda or Gruyère for unique flavors. Just keep in mind that the texture may vary slightly depending on the cheese used.
How can I make this spread spicier?
To increase the heat level, you can add more cayenne pepper, or incorporate finely chopped fresh jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture. Adjusting the spices to your taste will help achieve the desired level of spiciness.
Is there a way to make this spread vegan?
Yes! You can create a vegan version by substituting the cheeses with nut-based cheese alternatives or tofu blended with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. Use vegan butter or a combination of avocado and olive oil to achieve a similar creamy texture.
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).