Elevate your next gathering with a delightful twist on classic cheese spreads! Our Cranberry Rosemary Cheese Spread is a perfect blend of creamy, tangy, and nutty flavors, guaranteed to impress your guests and tantalize their taste buds. With just 10 minutes of prep time, this easy-to-make spread combines the sweetness of dried cranberries, the aromatic freshness of rosemary, and the crunch of walnuts, creating a sensational appetizer that pairs beautifully with your favorite crackers or toasted bread. Don’t miss out on this crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for the recipe!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh rosemary
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Crackers or bread for serving
Instructions
- Remove cream cheese from refrigerator and allow it to soften at room temperature for about 30 minutes to ensure smooth mixing.
- In a medium mixing bowl, place the softened cream cheese and use a spatula or electric mixer to create a smooth, creamy base.
- Finely chop dried cranberries into smaller pieces to distribute evenly throughout the spread.
- Carefully strip fresh rosemary leaves from stems and chop them finely to release their aromatic oils.
- Gently fold chopped cranberries, fresh rosemary, and chopped walnuts into the cream cheese, mixing until all ingredients are well combined.
- Season the mixture with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper, tasting and adjusting seasoning as needed.
- Transfer the cheese spread to a serving bowl, using a spatula to create a smooth surface.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together before serving.
- Serve chilled with crackers, toasted bread, or fresh baguette slices.
- Store any leftover spread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Tips
- Soften the Cream Cheese: For the best texture, allow your cream cheese to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before mixing. This will help achieve a smooth and creamy consistency.
- Chop Ingredients Finely: Make sure to finely chop the dried cranberries and fresh rosemary. This ensures that every bite is bursting with flavor and that the ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the spread.
- Taste as You Go: After mixing in the salt and pepper, taste your spread and adjust the seasoning to your liking. A little extra salt can enhance the flavors beautifully!
- Chill for Flavor: For optimal flavor, refrigerate the spread for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the ingredients to meld together and develop a richer taste.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve your cheese spread with a variety of options like crackers, toasted baguette slices, or even fresh vegetable sticks for a colorful and inviting appetizer platter.
- Storage Tips: If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they will keep well for 3-4 days. Just give it a good stir before serving again!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 40mg