Best 2 Zesty Cheese Spread Recipes

**Discover a burst of flavors with our Zesty Cheese Spread: A Culinary Journey for Appetizers, Sandwiches, and More**

Elevate your culinary experience with our tantalizing Zesty Cheese Spread, a versatile and flavorful dip that will transform your appetizers, sandwiches, and snacks into extraordinary delights. Prepared with a blend of cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, and a symphony of seasonings, this spread offers a perfect balance of tanginess and zest. Whether you're hosting a party or seeking a quick and easy snack, our collection of Zesty Cheese Spread recipes will cater to your every need. Embark on a culinary journey as we unveil three distinct variations: a classic Zesty Cheese Spread, a spicy jalapeño-infused version, and a bacon-enriched delight. Each recipe promises an unforgettable taste experience, leaving your taste buds craving more. So, gather your ingredients, prepare your taste buds, and let's embark on this delectable adventure together!

Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!

ZESTY/PEPPERY/SWEET-BLUE CHEESE AND DATE SPREAD -- OR BALLS!

Zesty/Peppery/Sweet-Blue Cheese and Date Spread -- or Balls! image

Modified from an Atlanta Journal-Constitution (AJC.com) online What's For Dinner recipe, made famous by Ann Sprague of Smyrna, who got the recipe from neighbor Velinda Warda. ---- NOTE: Serve this zesty spread chilled or at room temperature, or make into balls. Great with apple slices, celery sticks, tortilla chips, and/or crackers. I really like this spread with tortilla chips -- you get zesty, peppery-sweet, and salty!

Provided by KerfuffleUponWincle

Categories Spreads

Time 2h5m

Yield 4 1/4 cups, 60 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 9

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups pecans (measured, then toasted and chopped fine)
16 ounces low-fat cream cheese, softened (lower fat Neufchatel suggested)
4 ounces blue cheese (crumbled)
4 ounces sharp cheddar cheese (grated ~ equals 1 cup)
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 large lemon, zest of (save lemon pulp or juice for another purpose)
1/4-1/2 teaspoon freshly grated black pepper
8 ounces chopped dates
1 1/2 cups pecans (if making into balls ~ Toasted and chopped fine) (optional)

Steps:

Measure 1 1/2 cups pecans (or double that amount if making cheese balls) into an large iron skillet, toasting over medium heat, stirring constantly ~ remove from heat and finely chop! (Or, preheat oven to 350 degrees ~ Spread pecans on a baking sheet and toast 5 minutes.).
Set nuts aside; they will be added last!
In a mixing bowl, combine (by hand or using an electric mixer), cream cheese, blue cheese cheddar cheese, salt, lemon zest, and freshly grated black pepper until fluffy!
Stir in dates and 1 1/2 cups toasted pecans.
For easier handling, chill for an hour to firm up, if making into cheese balls. Coat with additional toasted, chopped pecans.
Serve this zesty spread (or balls) chilled, or at room temperature, with apple slices, celery sticks. tortilla chips, and/or crackers.
NOTE: Cooking time is the chill time, although I thought the flavor greatly improved after chilling overnight! The recipe can easily be doubled to serve a larger number of people!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 63, Fat 4.9, SaturatedFat 1.9, Cholesterol 9, Sodium 73.2, Carbohydrate 3.6, Fiber 0.6, Sugar 2.8, Protein 1.9

ZESTY CHEESE SPREAD

Zesty Cheese Spread image

I USUALLY MAKE this spread a day before I plan on serving it, since it needs time for the flavors to meld. But it also keeps well for a few weeks. It's an appetizer, that can be served with snack rye bread or assorted crackers.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Appetizers

Time 10m

Yield 1-1/4 cups.

Number Of Ingredients 9

Ingredients

2 teaspoons ground mustard
2 teaspoons hot water
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 tablespoon minced shallot
1 teaspoon capers, drained
1 teaspoon minced fresh parsley
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Assorted crackers

Steps:

In a small bowl, combine mustard and water; let stand for 10 minutes. In a small bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Beat in the shallot, capers, parsley, paprika and mustard mixture until blended., Transfer to a serving bowl; cover and refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight. Serve with crackers.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 164 calories, Fat 17g fat (11g saturated fat), Cholesterol 49mg cholesterol, Sodium 140mg sodium, Carbohydrate 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 2g protein.

Tips:

Use high-quality cream cheese: Opt for full-fat cream cheese for a rich and creamy spread.
Soften the cream cheese: Bring the cream cheese to room temperature before mixing to ensure a smooth and lump-free spread.
Choose flavorful cheese: Select cheese varieties that offer distinct flavors and textures, such as cheddar, Parmesan, or crumbled blue cheese.
Add zest for extra freshness: Incorporate citrus zest, such as lemon or orange, to brighten up the spread and add a pop of citrusy flavor.
Experiment with herbs and spices: Enhance the spread's flavor profile by adding a variety of herbs and spices, such as garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or chopped fresh herbs like chives or parsley.
Adjust the consistency: If the spread is too thick, add a splash of milk or cream to achieve a desired consistency. For a thicker spread, refrigerate it for a longer duration.

Conclusion:

With its versatile nature and endless flavor possibilities, this zesty cheese spread is a culinary delight that caters to various palates. Perfect for social gatherings, picnics, or as a quick and easy snack, this spread is sure to impress. Its vibrant flavors, creamy texture, and customizable nature make it an ideal accompaniment to crackers, bread, vegetables, or even as a filling for sandwiches and wraps. Whether you prefer a classic cheddar blend or a more adventurous combination of cheeses and herbs, this versatile spread offers endless opportunities for culinary creativity.