The Best Savory Cheese Spread Appetizer

Learn how to make this amazingly delicious savory cheese spread appetizer in minutes!

This amazingly delicious savory cheese spread is a blend of sharp white cheddar cheese, chopped pecans, finely minced green onion, and a pinch of cayenne pepper for an unexpected kick.

This is not your ordinary cheese spread. Put it on crackers, hamburgers, bagel sandwiches and the list goes on. It's just that good.

The best thing about this spread is it can be made days ahead of time and goes together in a pinch! I promise it's sure to be a crowd favorite.

I promise that if you make a batch you won't be disappointed either.

The best part about this cheese spread is how totally customizable it is.

Prefer more heat? Easy enough-just add more cayenne pepper. Prefer no heat? Omit it completely.

Don't fancy pecans? Use a different nut altogether. 

Literally the perfect snack for a Friday night at home on the couch binge-watching your favorite show on Netflix.

Of course, you can always wow your guests at your next dinner party or holiday event.

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Savory Cheese Spread Ingredients

• 2 cups grated extra sharp white cheddar (any brand of extra sharp white cheddar will do)

• 1 bunch of green onions

• ¾ cup pecans

• 1 cup mayonnaise (not miracle whip)

• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (or more to taste)

OPTIONAL: Top with jelly or jam (you determine the amount) or can be omitted if you prefer a savory spread.

How to make a sharp cheddar spreadable cheese

1. Grate extra sharp white cheddar. You'll need 2 cups. You can use a food processor or a hand grater to accomplish this. I have done it with both. The food processor just makes the process faster.
2. Wash and chop 1 full bunch of green onions.
3. Measure and set aside 1 cup mayonnaise.
4. Chop pecans (to desired piece size). You'll need ¾ cup chopped pieces. Tip: you can find small bags of pieces already chopped in the baking aisle of most grocery stores if you don't want to buy a large bag. I prefer to buy bulk bags since I do a lot of baking.
5. Measure out ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper and set aside.
6. Add 2 cups grated extra sharp white cheddar to a large mixing bowl or stand mixer. I prefer to mix mine in my kitchen-aid stand mixer, but by hand works just as well.
7. Combine 1 cup mayonnaise to shredded cheese and mix until mostly incorporated.
8. Add chopped pecans and mix again.
9. Incorporate cayenne pepper to taste. ½ teaspoon is recommended and doesn't offer extreme heat. Some people don't like spicy food. My husband prefers this recipe with 1 full teaspoon. It's really up to you. Keep in mind that the longer this recipe sits, the more incorporated the ingredients become.

Ideas for serving spreadable cheeses

1. You can put this delicious spread into a bowl lined with cling wrap. When ready to serve, tip bowl over onto a serving platter. This step isn't at all necessary. You can also put the spread into a bowl with a lid or any serving platter desired and cover until ready to serve.
2. When ready to serve, slightly warm (not hot), some jam or jelly of your choice. I prefer raspberry. Drizzle over the top of the cheese spread. If you prefer, set in a dish on the side and let your guests decide if they want the jelly or not. Note: jelly can be spread on top without being warmed at all. I just find that it's easier to drizzle it rather than spread it.
3. Serve with crackers, baguette, or bagels.
4. Add to a fresh sliced fruit platter. Cheese and fruit always pair well together.

Variations

1. Try a different type of hard cheese. There are so many different types of cheese out there-why not experiment! Try and use cheese that are hard and have a bold flavor. I have found that they usually turn our better then more mild cheese flavors. Bold is better for this recipe.
2. Try using a different type of nut in the recipe. I have made this recipe with chopped walnuts as well as cashews. Both were equally as delicious. Pecans are still my preferred though.
3. Add some dried cherries or dried cranberries into the mix. If you don't want to add jam or jelly to the top or have on the side, why not try something sweet mixed in. Just make sure the pieces are small.

Allergy Considerations

It seems there are a lot of people these days with nut allergies or sensitivities. It may be a good idea to inform guests that this dish contains nuts.

Be specific on what type of nut. Most nut allergies are peanut and not pecan but it's better to be safe than sorry. 

Sharp Cheese Spread

This recipe works really well with many different kinds of sharp cheeses.

Sharp cheeses tend to be firm which are going to hold up well when being blended. The texture of the shredded cheese is still visible in the recipe.

Using is a spread for bagels is one of my favorite ways to use up any leftover cheese I may have after serving at a party or event.

What combinations of this cheese spread appetizer have you tried?

Do you have a favorite or most requested cheese spread recipe that you'd like to share? Feel free to link below.

Have you made this recipe with a variation that was a hit?  We'd love to hear from you! Leave your comments below.

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• Stand Mixer (you can also mix by hand if you don't have a stand mixer)
• Food processor or Cheese grater
• Cutting board
• Measuring spoons

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I hope you all enjoy this simple appetizer recipe. It really is the perfect side for any occasion.

Try these other delicious recipes

• Zucchini Soup
• Pumpkin Muffins
• Breakfast Bake

Enjoy!