Get ready to elevate your appetizer game with a mind-blowing Blue Cheese Walnut Spread that's about to become the star of every gathering! This creamy, tangy, and nutty sensation is not just another dip – it's a flavor explosion that will have your guests begging for the recipe. Imagine a luxurious blend of rich blue cheese, smooth cream cheese, and perfectly toasted walnuts that creates an irresistible spread guaranteed to impress even the most discerning food lovers.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz blue cheese, crumbled
- 1 cup walnuts, toasted and chopped
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Toast the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Once fragrant and lightly golden, remove from heat and let cool completely.
- Allow cream cheese to soften at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes to ensure smooth mixing.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and crumbled blue cheese. Use a fork or electric mixer to blend until smooth and well incorporated.
- Add sour cream to the cheese mixture and mix thoroughly until the consistency is creamy and uniform.
- Finely chop the fresh chives using a sharp knife, ensuring uniform small pieces.
- Fold the chopped chives and toasted walnuts into the cheese mixture, reserving a few walnuts for garnish.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, mixing gently to distribute seasonings evenly.
- Transfer the spread to a serving bowl and garnish with reserved chopped walnuts and additional chives if desired.
- Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld. Serve with crackers, toasted baguette slices, or fresh vegetables.
Tips
- Toasting Walnuts: The secret to incredible flavor is in perfectly toasted nuts. Watch them carefully and stir frequently to prevent burning – they should be golden and fragrant, not dark and bitter.
- Cheese Temperature Matters: Let your cream cheese soften at room temperature for 15-20 minutes. This ensures a smooth, lump-free mixture that blends effortlessly.
- Flavor Balancing: Start with less salt and pepper, then taste and adjust. Blue cheese is already quite salty, so you'll want to be conservative with additional seasoning.
- Make Ahead Friendly: This spread actually tastes better after chilling for a few hours, allowing the flavors to meld together perfectly.
- Serving Suggestions: For the most impressive presentation, garnish with extra chopped chives and walnuts, and serve with a variety of dippers like crisp crackers, toasted baguette slices, or fresh vegetable sticks.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 55mg
