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- 8 oz cream cheese, softened - 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated - 1/2 cup blue cheese, crumbled - 1/4 cup mayonnaise - 1/4 cup sour cream - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper - 2 green onions, finely chopped - Salt and freshly ground black pepper When making French Quarter Cheese Spread, the right ingredients matter. Each cheese brings a unique taste. The cream cheese gives a smooth base. Sharp cheddar adds a rich flavor, while blue cheese gives a bold kick. Mayonnaise and sour cream make it creamy and tangy. Dijon mustard brings in a nice bite. Garlic and onion powders add depth. Cayenne pepper gives it a touch of heat, which you can adjust. Fresh green onions brighten the spread with color and flavor. Finally, salt and pepper balance everything out. - Calories per serving: 150 - Macronutrient breakdown: - Protein: 6g - Fat: 12g - Carbohydrates: 2g This cheese spread packs flavor and nutrition. Each serving has about 150 calories. You get a nice dose of protein from the cheeses. The fats come mainly from the cream cheese and oils in the mayonnaise. This spread is low in carbs, making it a great option for many diets. The taste of French Quarter Cheese Spread is a blend of creamy, tangy, and spicy. The creaminess hits first, followed by the sharpness of cheddar and the boldness of blue cheese. The mustard adds a kick, while garlic and onion flavors deepen the taste. Cayenne pepper gives a little warmth that lingers. Pair this spread with crunchy crackers or fresh veggies. It also tastes great on toasted bread. You can even use it as a dip for chips. The flavors work well with sweet fruits like apples or grapes. The spread is versatile enough for any gathering. Try this Full Recipe to experience the delightful mix of flavors yourself. To start, I make sure my cream cheese is softened. This step is key. It helps the cheese blend smoothly with the other ingredients. I take it out of the fridge at least 30 minutes before mixing. Next, I grate the sharp cheddar cheese and crumble the blue cheese. I like to use a box grater for the cheddar. It gives me nice, even shreds. For the blue cheese, I use a fork to break it apart. This way, I have small, tasty bits mixed in. In a large bowl, I combine the softened cream cheese, grated cheddar, and crumbled blue cheese. Then, I add the mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. I stir well to mix everything. This step is important for great texture. Using a handheld mixer or a spatula, I blend until smooth. I check for lumps, and if I find any, I keep mixing. Once everything looks creamy, I gently fold in the chopped green onions. Finally, I season with salt and pepper to taste. Now comes a crucial step: refrigeration. I cover the bowl with plastic wrap and pop it into the fridge. Letting it chill for at least 2 hours is a must. This time allows the flavors to blend and become richer. For the best results, I suggest covering the cheese spread tightly. This prevents it from absorbing other smells in the fridge. When I’m ready to serve, I give it a good stir to recombine any separated parts. To make this cheese spread shine, adjust the spice levels. Start with half a teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Taste it, then add more if you like heat. For a smooth texture, ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature. This step helps it mix easily with other cheeses. Serve your cheese spread with a colorful array of crackers and fresh veggie sticks. Carrots, celery, and bell peppers add crunch and color. For a fancy touch, garnish with chopped green onions or a sprinkle of paprika. This makes your dish look as good as it tastes. One big mistake is overmixing the ingredients. This can make the spread too soft. Mix just until combined for the best texture. Another mistake is skipping the refrigeration step. Letting it chill for at least two hours helps the flavors blend well. Trust me; this step is key to a great taste. {{image_4}} You can change up the recipe for French Quarter Cheese Spread based on your needs. If you want a lower-fat option, use low-fat cream cheese. This keeps the taste but cuts some calories. For a vegan version, try using cashew cream or a store-bought vegan cheese. Both options give you a creamy base without dairy. To make your cheese spread even better, add some fresh herbs. Chives and dill work great. They add a burst of flavor and freshness. You can also spice things up. A pinch of smoked paprika or some cumin can give it a nice kick. Experiment and see what you like best! Don’t just spread it on crackers! Use this cheese spread in stuffed sandwiches. It makes a great filling for a grilled cheese. You can also use it as a topping for baked potatoes. Just add a sprinkle of cheese or some crispy bacon for a tasty twist. The options are endless! To keep your French Quarter Cheese Spread fresh, store it in the fridge. Place it in an airtight container. This will help keep the flavors intact and prevent it from drying out. If you want to freeze it, use a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space at the top, as it may expand. You can freeze it for up to three months. In the fridge, your cheese spread can last about five days. Check for any signs of spoilage before using it. If you see mold or notice an off smell, it’s best to toss it. Always trust your senses; if it doesn’t smell right, don’t eat it. You may want to warm up the spread before serving. To do this, take it out of the fridge and let it sit for about 30 minutes. This helps bring back its creamy texture. You can also gently heat it in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds. Stir it well after warming to keep the flavors balanced. Avoid overheating, as this can change the taste and texture. French Quarter Cheese Spread is a creamy delight from New Orleans. It blends rich cheeses with spices. This spread is known for its bold, tangy flavor. The mix of cream cheese, cheddar, and blue cheese gives it depth. The addition of green onions adds a fresh taste. Its origin comes from the lively food scene of the French Quarter. This spread captures the essence of Cajun and Creole cooking. Yes, you can make this cheese spread ahead of time. It’s best to prepare it at least 2 hours before serving. This time allows the flavors to blend well. For a great taste, I suggest making it the night before. Store it in the fridge until you need it. You can serve this cheese spread with many tasty items. Here are some ideas: - Crackers - Fresh baguette slices - Veggie sticks like carrots and celery - Pita chips - Sliced apples or pears These pairings will enhance the spread's rich flavors. Absolutely! You can change this recipe to fit your taste. Here are some suggestions: - Swap blue cheese for goat cheese for a milder taste. - Add herbs like chives or dill for a fresh kick. - Adjust the cayenne pepper to make it milder or spicier. - Mix in roasted garlic for a deeper flavor. Feel free to experiment and find your favorite combo! For the full recipe, check the earlier sections. This blog post covers all you need to know about French Quarter Cheese Spread. We explored key ingredients, mixing techniques, and storage tips. Remember, resting is vital for the best flavor. Avoid common pitfalls like overmixing. You can easily make variations by changing cheeses or spices. This spread can bring joy to many meals. With its rich taste and simple prep, it's a must-try. Enjoy creating your own version and share it with friends!

French Quarter Cheese Spread

Elevate your appetizer game with this delicious French Quarter Cheese Spread! Made with a blend of cream cheese, sharp cheddar, and tangy blue cheese, this recipe is perfect for parties or cozy gatherings. With just 10 minutes of prep, you’ll create a creamy, flavorful dip that pairs wonderfully with crackers and veggies. Ready to impress your guests? Click through to discover the full recipe and serving tips!
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Ingredients
  

8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature

1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated

1/2 cup blue cheese, crumbled

1/4 cup mayonnaise

1/4 cup sour cream

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)

2 green onions, finely chopped

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions
 

In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with the grated sharp cheddar cheese and crumbled blue cheese. Ensure the cream cheese is softened for easier blending.

    Add the mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper to the cheese mixture. This combination will impart a rich and tangy flavor.

      With a handheld mixer or a sturdy spatula, blend all ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and thoroughly combined, ensuring no lumps remain.

        Gently fold in the finely chopped green onions, and season the mixture with salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your taste preference.

          Carefully transfer the cheese spread into a decorative serving bowl or onto a stylish cheese board for an inviting presentation.

            Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours. This resting time allows the flavors to meld beautifully together, enhancing the overall taste.

              Just before serving, give the cheese spread a good stir to recombine any separated ingredients, tasting for seasoning and adjusting if necessary.

                Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes | Servings: 6-8

                  - Presentation Tips: To create a vibrant appetizer spread, serve the cheese spread alongside a variety of crackers, fresh baguette slices, and crisp vegetable sticks like carrots and celery. For an extra touch of color and flair, garnish the spread with additional chopped green onions or a light sprinkle of paprika.