Cheese spread is a delightful way to add flavor to snacks, appetizers, and meals. It comes in many delicious varieties and can be used in so many ways.
There are a few main types of cheese spread. Natural soft cheese that is spreadable includes ricotta, mascarpone, chevre, and stracciatella. These can be spread right onto bread or crackers.
Processed cheese spreads are packaged cheese products like The Laughing Cow wedges, Cheez Whiz, and Velveeta. These tend to be softer and more spreadable.
Cheese spreads also refers to dips and spreads made from blending soft cheese with other ingredients. An example is tirokafteri, a Greek feta cheese spread with olive oil and roasted peppers.
Popular Varieties of Cheese Spread
There are countless cheese spread varieties to discover. Here are some of the most popular kinds to try:
- Pimento cheese is a Southern United States specialty, often called "Carolina caviar." It blends cheddar or other cheese with pimentos, mayo, and spices.
- Port wine cheese is a mass-produced American cheese spread with port wine flavor.
- Pub cheese is a creamy spreadable cheese served at bars in America.
- Liptauer is a traditional Central European cheese spread with spices like caraway seeds.
- Almogrote is a Spanish Canary Islands cheese spread made by melting hard cheese with olive oil and peppers.
- Beer cheese is a cheese spread from Kentucky made with beer, cheddar, and spices.
- Cervelle de canut is a French fromage blanc and herb spread.
How to Use Cheese Spread
Cheese spread is extremely versatile in the kitchen. Here are some delicious ways to use cheese spreads:
- Spread it onto crackers, bread, bagels, English muffins, or vegetables for a snack or appetizer. Feel free to experiment with flavor combinations like cheese spread with fruit, cured meats, nuts, or pickles.
- Make a cheese spread dip by simply softening cream cheese or cheese spread. For added flavor, blend in herbs, roasted garlic, or other ingredients.
- Stir cheese spread into pasta sauce or pasta bakes to make them extra creamy and cheesy. The cheese will melt right in.
- Use flavored cheese spreads like garlic herb or smoked gouda spread to make unique cheese balls for parties.
- Add dollops of cheese spread on top of pizza or flatbreads before baking for added creamy flavor. Ricotta works well.
- Make an easy cheese sauce for steaks, fish, or chicken by melting cheese spread into warmed heavy cream.
- Use sweet flavors like fruit or honey cheese spread in cookies, scones or other baked goods.
- Spoon cheese spread over the top of egg dishes like frittatas and quiches before baking for extra richness.
- Swap out some of the cream cheese called for in dips and spread recipes for flavored cheese spreads.
Tips for Making Homemade Cheese Spread
Making homemade cheese spread is easy and allows you to create any flavor you want. Here are some tips:
- Use a food processor or blender for quick cheese spread mixing.
- Soften room-temperature cheese before blending for the smoothest texture.
- Add milk, cream, or even wine or beer to thin out the cheese to spread consistency.
- Mix in any additional ingredients like herbs, roasted garlic, caramelized onions, bacon, or hot peppers.
- For best flavor, allow the cheese spread to chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving.
- Store homemade cheese spreads in a sealed container in the fridge for 5-7 days.
Serving Ideas for Cheese Spread
Once you've made or purchased cheese spread, it's time to dig in! Here are some fun ways to serve your cheese spreads:
- Offer a variety of cheeses spread in small bowls with accompaniments like crackers, bread, fresh vegetables, olives, and cured meats.
- Spread cheese onto sandwiches or panini for added flavor.
- Top bruschetta with a spread like ricotta cheese before adding toppings.
- Stir cheese spread into mashed potatoes or macaroni and cheese.
- Use cheese spread as a burger topping instead of traditional cheese slices.
- Make homemade Lunchables with cheese spread, crackers, meat, and veggies for kids.
- Fry cheese spread mixed with breadcrumbs as cheese fritters or croquettes.
- Make a cheese spread grilled cheese sandwich on the panini press or griddle.
So grab your favorite cheese spread and start spreading the joy! With so many possibilities, cheese spread makes snacking, appetizing, and cooking more fun.
FAQ
What ingredients are used to make cheese spreads?
Cheese spreads are made by blending cheese with additional ingredients like milk, cream, herbs, spices, vegetables, cured meats, nuts, and fruit. Almost any type of soft, semi-soft, or semi-hard cheese can be used including cheddar, cream cheese, feta, brie, and gouda.
What is the difference between cheese spread and cheese dip?
Cheese dips are generally served warm or hot, and have a thinner, more liquidy consistency for dipping chips, vegetables, or other snacks. Cheese spreads are thicker and served chilled or at room temperature on crackers or bread. However, chilled cheese spreads can also be used as dips.
Can I make my own flavored cheese spreads at home?
Yes, it's easy to make homemade cheese spreads. Simply blend softened cheese with your choice of mix-ins like roasted garlic, caramelized onions, bacon, hot peppers, figs, or blueberries. You can flavor cheese spreads to your own taste.
What is a good way to use up leftover cheese?
One of the best ways to use leftover cheese pieces is to make them into an easy homemade cheese spread. Even small amounts of different cheeses can be combined into spread. Just soften the cheese, add seasonings, a liquid like wine or cream, and blend.
How long does homemade cheese spread last in the fridge?
Properly stored in an airtight container, most homemade cheese spreads will last 5-7 days refrigerated. Make sure to use clean utensils each time you take some out to prevent contamination. Discard if mold appears.
Conclusion
It's easy to see why cheese spreads have remained popular for so many years. Their smooth, creamy texture complements both snacks and full meals.
With so many ways to serve cheese spreads and endless flavor combinations to try, there's a cheese spread for every taste. Experiment with making your own homemade cheese spreads to put your personal spin on these timeless recipes.
Or seek out new cheese spread flavors from artisanal cheese makers and specialty food stores.
However you choose to enjoy them, cheese spreads are a convenient way to add big, bold flavor anywhere.