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Pepper Jelly Cheese Spread Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4 from 34 reviews
  • Author: admin
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5-10 minutes (for toasting nuts, optional)
  • Total Time: 1 hour (including chilling time)
  • Yield: 2 cups
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This easy and flavorful Pepper Jelly Cheese Spread combines creamy cream cheese and tangy goat cheese with zesty pepper jelly for a perfect appetizer. Toasted nuts add a delightful crunch, making it ideal for serving with crackers, baguette slices, or fresh vegetables. Chilled to firm up, this spread is quick to prepare and bursting with sweet and spicy flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Cheeses

  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 4 ounces goat cheese, softened

Main Flavoring

  • 1/2 cup pepper jelly (red pepper jelly recommended)

Optional Add-ins

  • 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts, toasted

For Serving

  • Crackers, baguette slices, or vegetables

Instructions

  1. Soften the Cheeses: Remove the cream cheese and goat cheese from the refrigerator and allow them to soften at room temperature for 30 to 60 minutes to ensure easy mixing.
  2. Combine the Cheeses: In a medium-sized bowl, add the softened cream cheese and goat cheese together.
  3. Mix Until Smooth: Using a hand mixer or a spoon, mix the cheeses thoroughly until the mixture is completely smooth and well blended.
  4. Measure Pepper Jelly: Measure out 1/2 cup of your chosen pepper jelly. If the jelly has large pepper chunks, chop them into smaller pieces for better distribution.
  5. Incorporate Pepper Jelly: Add the pepper jelly to the cheese mixture and gently fold it in until evenly distributed throughout the spread.
  6. Taste and Adjust: Sample the spread and adjust to your liking by adding extra pepper jelly for sweetness or red pepper flakes/hot sauce if you prefer it spicier.
  7. Toast the Nuts (Optional): If using nuts, toast them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 to 10 minutes or in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant and lightly browned.
  8. Chop the Nuts: Once toasted and cooled slightly, chop the nuts into small pieces suitable for mixing.
  9. Fold in the Nuts: Gently fold the chopped nuts into the cheese and pepper jelly spread, ensuring an even mix.
  10. Chill the Spread: Transfer the completed spread into a serving bowl or storage container. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up the spread.
  11. Serve: Before serving, remove the spread from the refrigerator and let it sit a few minutes to soften slightly for easy spreading. Serve alongside crackers, baguette slices, or fresh vegetables.
  12. Garnish (Optional): For extra flair, garnish with additional chopped toasted nuts or fresh herbs just before serving.

Notes

  • Allowing the cheeses to fully soften makes mixing easier and ensures a smooth texture.
  • Toasting the nuts enhances their flavor and adds a nice crunch to the spread.
  • The spread can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 2 days.
  • Adjust the amount of pepper jelly to balance sweetness and heat according to personal preference.
  • Serve with a variety of dippers like crackers, toasted baguette slices, or colorful fresh vegetables for a vibrant appetizer.

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Find it online: https://world4recipes.com/pepper-jelly-cheese-spread-recipe/