Port wine cheese spread is a rich, creamy appetizer that is perfect for entertaining and holiday gatherings. This tangy spread combines the bold flavors of port wine and cheddar cheese to create a crowd-pleasing dip or spread that is sure to become a favorite.
Port wine has a rich, sweet flavor that pairs wonderfully with the sharpness of cheddar cheese. The alcohol cooks off during the preparation process, leaving behind deep fruit flavors that complement the cheese. This guide will walk through the key aspects of making port wine cheese spread, from ingredients and preparation to storage and serving suggestions. We'll also answer some common questions about this popular party food.
Whether you are looking for a quick yet elegant starter for a dinner party or a decadent spread for a holiday event, port wine cheese spread is sure to impress your guests. The rich, balanced flavors make this dip highly addictive. Read on to learn everything you need to know to make the perfect batch of this savory cheese spread.
Pine River Port Wine Cheese Spread
You will love the smooth and creamy texture of this port wine cheese spread from Pine River. It has the perfect balance of aged cheddar and sweet fruity port wine that gives it a unique flavor. This spreadable cheese is great for crackers, chips, pretzels, and can be used for entertaining. It comes in convenient 8 ounce tubs that are easy to open, use, and reseal.
Key features:
- Made with aged cheddar and port wine
- Smooth, creamy texture
- Balanced sweet and savory flavor
- Convenient 8 oz tub
Pros:
- Unique and nostalgic flavor
- Very spreadable straight from the fridge
- Long shelf life unopened
- Travels well for picnics and parties
Cons:
- Must refrigerate after opening
- Only sold in bulk packs online
- Not as widely available as other brands
Shullsburg Port Wine Cold Pack Cheese Spread
Give your cheese board a flavor boost with the Shullsburg port wine cold pack cheese spread. This rich, tasty cheese blend has port wine added to give it a sweet fruitiness. The cold pack cheese texture is smooth, creamy, and easy to spread straight from the fridge. It works great as an appetizer on crackers, a dip with chips or veggies, or even spread on a sandwich. The 14 ounce tub provides plenty to share at a party or save for later.
Key features:
- Real Wisconsin cheese
- Aged cheddar and port wine
- Cold pack style - spreadable when cold
- 14 oz resealable tub
Pros:
- Sweet fruity flavor from the port wine
- Very smooth, creamy texture
- Convenient tub for serving and storage
- Generous 14 ounce size
Cons:
- Needs refrigeration at all times
- Not widely available in stores
- Shipping cost if bought online
Deli Direct Port Wine Cheese Spread
Deli Direct's port wine cheese spread puts a fun twist on classic cheddar. They blend creamy Wisconsin cheese with sweet port wine to create a cheese dip that is tangy, smooth, and irresistible. This spreadable cheese is a go-to for entertaining - serve it with crackers, chips, pretzels, or fresh veggies. The 8 ounce size tub is convenient for snacking at home or bringing to a party. Keep a few on hand to always be ready for unexpected guests.
Key features:
- Real Wisconsin cheddar cheese
- Aged cheddar and port wine blend
- Smooth, creamy, spreadable texture
- 8 ounce tub with screw top lid
Pros:
- Sweet and tangy flavor
- Easy to spread straight from fridge
- Versatile snacking and entertaining
- Convenient size for home or parties
Cons:
- Must refrigerate after opening
- Only available online
- Shipping costs unless bought in bulk
Pine River Port Wine Cold Pack Cheese
Get ready to fall in love with Pine River's award-winning port wine cold pack cheese spread. They blend juicy port wine into aged cheddar cheese curds to create a sweet and savory flavor that is truly special. The texture is rich and creamy, perfect for spreading onto crackers and bread. It is made in Wisconsin using traditional cheesemaking techniques. The 8 ounce cold pack tubs allow you to stock up for entertaining, gifts, or everyday snacking.
Key features:
- Cold pack aged cheddar cheese
- Infused with sweet port wine
- Award-winning flavor
- 3 convenient 8 oz tubs
Pros:
- Unique sweet yet savory flavor
- Smooth, creamy texture
- Convenient for serving and storage
- Generous 3 pack for value
Cons:
- Must be refrigerated
- Not widely available in stores
- Shipping charges if ordered online
Deli Direct Port Wine Cheese Spread 15oz 3Pk
This bulk pack of Deli Direct's port wine cheese spread is perfect for entertaining and snacking. You get three 15 ounce tubs of their popular smooth, creamy cheese blend made with aged cheddar and sweet port wine. It has a tangy yet fruity flavor that tastes great on crackers, chips, and veggies. Stock up your fridge with this handy 3-pack so you always have some on hand for impromptu gatherings with friends. It also makes a nice Wisconsin-themed gift.
Key features:
- Blend of cheddar cheese and port wine
- Smooth, spreadable texture
- Sweet yet tangy flavor
- Three 15 oz tubs
Pros:
- Generous amount for price
- Handy for entertaining
- Easy to spread when cold
- Versatile flavor
Cons:
- Must refrigerate after opening
- Bulk pack not ideal for small households
- Limited availability - online only
Kaukauna Wisconsin Port Wine Cheddar Spread 6.5 Ounce
You will love the authentic flavor of this Wisconsin cheddar cheese spread from Kaukauna. It is made using a cold pack method that perfectly combines aged cheddar cheese with port wine to create a smooth, spreadable texture while maintaining the sharp, tangy taste you expect.
This cheese spread is the perfect addition to any charcuterie board. Spread it on crackers or bread for an instant appetizer, or melt it over veggies or pasta for a hearty comfort food dish. The port wine gives it a subtle sweetness that pairs nicely with meat and fruit.
Because it comes in a 6.5 ounce container, this spread is easy to store in the refrigerator after opening. It's great for snacking and recipes. You'll want to keep several on hand because it can be hard to stop after just one bite!
Key features:
- Made with real Wisconsin cheddar cheese
- Aged for bold, tangy flavor
- Port wine adds sweetness
- Cold pack method creates spreadable texture
Pros:
- Full cheddar flavor
- Smooth, creamy texture
- Versatile for snacks and cooking
- Convenient 6.5 ounce size
Cons:
- Port wine flavor may be too subtle for some
Deli Direct Port Wine Cheese Spread 15 oz
This port wine cheese spread from Deli Direct is a must-have for cheese lovers. Made with real Wisconsin cheddar cheese, it delivers the full, tangy flavor you crave in a smooth, spreadable texture. The addition of port wine gives it a touch of natural sweetness that perfectly balances the sharp cheddar.
At 15 ounces, this spread comes in a generous sized tub. It's great to have on hand for assembling charcuterie and cheese boards. Simply spread it on crackers or sliced baguette, add cured meats, nuts and fruit for an easy appetizer. It also makes a delicious topping for bruschetta or flatbread pizzas.
Beyond snacking, this spread adds big flavor to cooking. Mix it into mashed potatoes or pasta, or use it as a savory topping for roasted vegetables or nachos. A little bit goes a long way thanks to the bold, aged cheddar taste. This versatile cheese spread will quickly become a go-to item in your refrigerator.
Key features:
- Made with aged Wisconsin cheddar
- Added port wine provides sweetness
- Generous 15 ounce tub
- Spreadable texture
Pros:
- Tangy, bold cheddar flavor
- Versatile for snacks and recipes
- Generous 15 ounce tub
- Touch of sweetness balances sharpness
Cons:
- Slightly higher price for artisanal quality
StarSun Depot Port Wine Cheese Spread 6.5 oz
This port wine cheese spread from StarSun Depot offers the irresistible flavor combination of sharp cheddar cheese and sweet port wine. It delivers the tangy bite of real cheddar in a smooth, spreadable texture that works wonderfully on crackers, bread and vegetables.
At just 6.5 ounces, this is a nice size tub to keep on hand for quick snacks, appetizers and recipes. Thanks to the rich, aged cheddar cheese flavor, a little bit of this spread goes a long way. The addition of port wine gives it a touch of natural sweetness to balance the sharpness.
This spread is sure to become a go-to item for assembling charcuterie boards anytime you need an easy appetizer. It also shines when added to cooked dishes like omelets, pasta or baked potatoes to take the flavor up a notch. For an instant snack, spread it on crackers or apple slices. With its bold cheddar taste and hint of sweetness, this spread offers cheesy goodness in every bite.
Key features:
- Real cheddar cheese flavor
- Aged for sharp, tangy taste
- Port wine adds touch of sweetness
- 6.5 ounce tub
Pros:
- Rich, bold cheddar flavor
- Smooth, spreadable texture
- Port wine balances sharpness
- Good size for snacking
Cons:
- Smaller 6.5 oz tub
Deli Direct Port Wine Cheese Crock 8 oz
This port wine cheese spread from Deli Direct comes in an adorable 8 ounce crock, perfect for serving alongside crackers and fruit. You'll love the authentic flavor combination of sharp cheddar cheese and sweet port wine.
Open the crock and dig into the smooth, creamy cheese spread. The aged cheddar cheese delivers a tangy bite while the port wine adds just a touch of natural sweetness. This cheese pairs wonderfully with bold red wines and dry crackers or crunchy vegetables.
Use this spreadable cheese to assemble easy charcuterie boards in minutes. Pair it with cured meats, nuts, olives and grapes for an impressive appetizer board. Bring out the crock for your next cocktail party or holiday gathering - it makes for a great presentation!
Key features:
- Aged cheddar cheese flavor
- Sweetness from port wine
- Comes in reusable crock
- 8 ounce size
Pros:
- Sharp, tangy cheddar flavor
- Port wine balances sharpness
- Cute crock for serving
- Perfect size for appetizers
Cons:
- Crock not ideal for storage
Pine River Port Wine Cheddar Cheese 16 oz
This port wine cheddar cheese spread from Pine River offers incredible flavor in every bite. It's made using aged natural cheddar cheese for bold, tangy taste along with a touch of sweetness from port wine.
At 16 ounces, it comes in a nice large tub that's convenient to scoop right out of the fridge whenever you need a quick appetizer or snack. Simply spread it onto crackers, bread, apple slices - anything that needs a flavor upgrade! It's also great in recipes like mac and cheese or potato skins.
As a Wisconsin-based company, Pine River knows how to make excellent cheddar cheese products. This spread has an irresistible creamy, smooth texture thanks to the cold pack cheese making process. But it still delivers the full, robust flavor that cheddar cheese is known for. The addition of port wine provides a nice balance.
Key features:
- Made with aged cheddar cheese
- Added port wine for sweetness
- Generous 16 ounce tub
- Spreadable cold pack texture
Pros:
- Sharp, authentic cheddar flavor
- Port wine balances tanginess
- Generous 16 ounce size
- Smooth, creamy texture
Cons:
- Cheddar flavor may be too strong for some
Port Wine Cheese Spread Buying Guide
Making port wine cheese spread is easy, but there are some key steps to follow and ingredients to have on hand. Here is a purchasing guide for the essential items you’ll need for a successful batch of port wine cheese spread.
Cheese
The key ingredient in this recipe is cheese. For best results, use a good quality sharp cheddar cheese. The tanginess of the cheddar balances beautifully with the sweet port wine. Purchase a block of cheddar and grate it yourself rather than using pre-shredded cheese, which contains added ingredients that can change the texture.
Aged cheddar provides the most robust flavor, but any good quality sharp cheddar will work well. White cheddar or orange cheddar offer slightly different flavors, so choose your preference. The cheese needs to be fully grated so it melts smoothly into the spread.
Port Wine
Splashy ruby port wine adds distinctive fruit flavor and stunning color to the spread. Choose a good quality port rather than cooking wine. Ruby port has a rich, sweet flavor that gives this spread its signature taste.
The alcohol cooks off during baking, so no need to worry about that. However, the ripe fruit flavors of cherry, blackberry, and plum remain behind. Pour about half a cup of port for a single batch of the recipe.
Cream Cheese
Cream cheese provides a velvety base and creamy texture to the port wine cheese spread. Regular full-fat cream cheese works best. It binds everything together smoothly. Allow the cream cheese to soften to room temperature before mixing it into the recipe for the ideal creamy consistency.
Butter
A few tablespoons of unsalted butter add even more richness and depth of flavor. The butter integrates into the spread for next-level creaminess. Use high quality real butter rather than margarine or butter substitutes.
Spices
A blend of spices adds warmth and dimension of flavor. Dry mustard powder contributes a zesty, peppery taste. Ground cayenne pepper brings subtle heat. And paprika gives it all a savory kick. Adjust the amounts to suit your taste preferences.
Nuts
Chopped nuts provide delightful crunch and texture contrast. Pecans or walnuts both pair nicely with the cheese and wine flavors. Toast them lightly for the best flavor. Then pulse them briefly in a food processor so they are finely chopped but not completely pulverized.
Crackers
Sturdy crackers are ideal for serving alongside the creamy spread. Water crackers are a classic choice with just the right amount of saltiness to complement the spread. Buttery shortbread cookies provide richness to balance the sharp cheddar. Toasted baguette slices are nice if you want a neutral crunchy vehicle for the decadent dip.
Preparation Guide
Follow these steps for foolproof port wine cheese spread every time:
- Grate the cheese. Use the large holes on a box grater or food processor to break the cheddar into small shreds. This helps it melt evenly.
- Soften the cream cheese. Let a block of full-fat cream cheese sit out to reach room temperature before starting. This prevents lumps.
- Chop the nuts. Coarsely chop toasted pecans or walnuts by hand or use the pulse setting on a food processor for texture.
- Combine everything. Mix together the port wine, spices, and butter. Then add in the cream cheese and cheddar. Fold in the nuts.
- Spread into a baking dish. Scrape the mixture into a small oven-safe baking dish. Smooth the top evenly.
- Bake until bubbling. Bake at 350°F for 30-40 minutes until completely heated through and bubbling at the edges.
- Cool before serving. Allow to cool for at least 15 minutes once out of the oven. The dip will set up to the perfect creamy, spreadable texture after cooling.
- Garnish with extra nuts. Sprinkle a few toasted nuts on top for an attractive presentation.
- Serve with crackers. Provide an assortment of crackers, breads and vegetables for spreading the luscious dip.
Port wine cheese spread holds well in the refrigerator for up to a week. Let it come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of port wine works best?
Ruby port has the richest fruit flavor for balance with the sharp cheddar. Tawny port and white port can also work but may have less dramatic color and flavor.
Can I use wine instead of port?
Port wine provides unique sweet fruit flavors. Dry red or white wine lacks the sweetness and depth needed for this recipe. Sherry or Marsala wine are the next best substitutes.
What cheese has the best flavor?
Aged sharp cheddar gives the boldest cheese punch. Mild cheddar may become overwhelmed by the wine and spices. White cheddar imparts a hint of tang. Avoid pre-shredded cheeses as they can make the texture grainy.
Is the spread smooth or chunky?
Proper preparation yields a smooth, creamy spread. Be sure to completely grate the cheese and fully soften the cream cheese to prevent texture issues. Gently fold the mixture to evenly incorporate the ingredients.
How spicy is it?
That depends on how much cayenne pepper you add. The spread has a mild spicy kick from the mustard and paprika. Add cayenne to taste for more heat. Start with 1/4 teaspoon and add more as desired.
How long does it keep in the fridge?
The spread keeps well covered in the refrigerator for 5-7 days. The texture may firm up when chilled. Allow it to sit out at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving to soften spreadability.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare a batch up to a week in advance. Allow it to cool completely then cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. Make sure to take it out ahead to warm up before setting it out.
What is the baking time?
Check for bubbling at the edges after 30 minutes. Continue baking up to 40 minutes until completely warmed through and thickened. Watch closely near the end to prevent burning.
What do I serve with it?
The spread pairs well with crackers, bread slices, pita chips and cut vegetables. Provide a variety of crunchy, salty items that offset the creamy dip. Sturdy crackers stand up best to the rich spread.
Can I freeze it?
You can freeze port wine cheese spread for 2-3 months. Make sure it is completely cooled first. Seal the container tightly. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving. Add a splash of cream or milk to smooth out the texture after thawing.
Conclusion
Port wine cheese spread is an easy yet elegant addition to any holiday table or party. The sweet fruit flavors of the port wine balance beautifully with the sharpness of aged cheddar. A hint of spice and crunch from toasted nuts rounds out this addictive spread.
Follow the tips in this guide for selecting the best ingredients and proper preparation. With a few simple steps, you can whip up the perfect batch of port wine cheese spread. Bake until hot and bubbly then let cool and slightly firm up. Serve at room temperature alongside a variety of crackers, breads, and fresh vegetables.
This luscious, crowd-pleasing dip travels well to parties and potlucks. Make a batch ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to serve. Port wine cheese spread also makes a great gift; just package it up in a holiday jar or container.
The next time you need an easy but impressive appetizer, port wine cheese spread is sure to be a hit. The rich, balanced flavors appeal to a wide range of tastes. Keep this guide handy for a foolproof recipe and tips for success. Your guests will be asking for the recipe to this new favorite versatile dip or spread.
Resources:
- Merkts Port Wine Cheese Spread - Bel Brands Foodservice
- This website provides information about Merkts Port Wine Cheese Spread, made from 100% Wisconsin Cheddar. It includes recipe ideas and flavor profiles.
- Port Wine Cheese Spread - Gourmet Dash
- Gourmet Dash offers a delicious Port Wine Cheese Spread made with cheddar cheese and port wine. It provides a tangy and sweet taste with a creamy smooth texture.
- North Country Gourmet Port Wine Cheese Spread
- North Country Gourmet offers a Port Wine Cheese Spread made with premium cuts of Wisconsin Sharp Cheddar Cheese, Cream Cheese, and Port Wine. It is available in an 8oz size.
- Merkts Port Wine Cold Pack Cheese Spread, Port Wine - EWG's Food Scores
- EWG's Food Scores provides a food score and rating for Merkts Port Wine Cold Pack Cheese Spread. It offers information on the ingredients and nutritional value.
- Kaukauna Port Wine Cheese Spread 10 lb. - 2/Case - WebstaurantStore
- WebstaurantStore offers Kaukauna Port Wine Cheese Spread in a 10 lb case. It is made with aged cheddar and tangy port wine, with a spreadable and velvety texture.