Description
This French Quarter Cheese Spread is a flavorful appetizer featuring a creamy cream cheese base infused with finely grated onion and seasonings, topped with a warm, sweet and tangy pecan glaze. Perfect for entertaining, it combines smooth, savory, and nutty textures for a delicious crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Spread
- 8 ounce package cream cheese (softened)
- 1 teaspoon onion (grated)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (divided)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Pecan Topping
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1 teaspoon brown mustard
- 1 cup pecans (chopped)
Instructions
- Grate Onion: Peel a small onion and grate it finely using a cheese grater to yield about 1 teaspoon of very finely grated onion. This pureed texture ensures it blends smoothly into the cream cheese without chunks.
- Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a small mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, grated onion, garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce. Mix thoroughly, then transfer onto a sheet of plastic wrap and form into a disk shape. Wrap tightly and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to allow flavors to meld. Once chilled, unwrap and place the disk on a serving plate.
- Make Pecan Sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add brown sugar, brown mustard, and the remaining 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce. Cook while stirring frequently until the sugar is completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Coat Pecans: Stir the chopped pecans into the warm sauce to coat them evenly.
- Assemble and Serve: Pour the warm pecan mixture over the chilled cream cheese disk and serve immediately with crackers for dipping.
Notes
- Grating the onion finely is key to avoiding chunks and ensuring a smooth texture in the cheese spread.
- Chilling the cream cheese mixture allows the flavors to develop fully and makes the spread easier to serve.
- Serve this spread immediately after topping with the pecan glaze to maintain contrast between warm pecans and chilled cheese.
- Pairs well with a variety of crackers, sliced baguette, or toasted bread slices.
