Savory Warm Blue Cheese and Pecan Spread
Indulge in this delightful Warm Blue Cheese and Pecan Spread, a perfect appetizer for gatherings or a sophisticated addition to your cheese board. This creamy blend of sharp blue cheese and rich cream cheese, accented with crunchy toasted pecans, is topped with a savory breadcrumb and parsley mixture. Baked until golden and bubbly, this warm spread pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, crackers, or fresh vegetables. Elevate your entertaining game by serving this enticing dish that is sure to impress your guests!
48
Servings
67
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
chopped pecans
1 cup (chopped)
butter
2 tablespoons (melted)
cream cheese
16 ounces (2 packages) (softened)
blue cheese
8 ounces (2 packages) (crumbled)
breadcrumbs
1 cup (plain, for topping)
fresh parsley
1/4 cup (chopped)
butter
1 tablespoon (melted, for topping)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and add the chopped pecans. Toast the pecans for about 5-7 minutes, stirring constantly, until they're fragrant and golden. Remove from heat and let them cool.
3
In a food processor, combine the softened cream cheese and blue cheese. Process until the mixture is smooth and creamy, pausing to scrape down the sides as necessary.
4
Once combined, fold in the toasted pecans with a spatula, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the cheese mixture.
5
Transfer the cheese and pecan mixture into a greased 1.5-quart baking dish, spreading it evenly.
6
In a separate bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs, chopped fresh parsley, and 1 tablespoon of melted butter until well combined. Evenly sprinkle this breadcrumb mixture over the cheese spread.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is warm and bubbly.
8
Serve immediately while warm, accompanied by slices of crusty bread, crackers, or an assortment of fresh vegetables.
Nutrition Information
1.7g
Protein
25mg
Sodium
9mg
Cholesterol
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main flavor profile of this Savory Warm Blue Cheese and Pecan Spread?
This spread features a creamy blend of sharp blue cheese and rich cream cheese, accented with crunchy toasted pecans and a savory breadcrumb and parsley topping.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve approximately 48 people.
What is the recommended oven temperature for baking the spread?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C) before baking.
How long does it take to bake the cheese spread?
Bake the spread for 20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is warm and bubbly.
What size baking dish should I use for this recipe?
A greased 1.5-quart baking dish is the ideal size for this recipe.
How do I toast the pecans for this spread?
Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium heat, add the chopped pecans, and stir constantly for 5-7 minutes until fragrant and golden.
Should the cream cheese be cold or softened?
The cream cheese should be softened to ensure it blends smoothly with the blue cheese in the food processor.
What are the best items to serve with this warm blue cheese dip?
It pairs wonderfully with slices of crusty bread, crackers, or an assortment of fresh vegetables.
How many calories are in one serving of this spread?
Each serving contains approximately 67 calories.
What is the protein content per serving?
There is 1.7g of protein per serving.
Does this recipe contain cholesterol?
Yes, each serving contains approximately 9mg of cholesterol.
How much sodium is in a single serving?
The sodium content is approximately 25mg per serving.
What ingredients are used for the crunchy topping?
The topping is a mixture of 1 cup of breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley, and 1 tablespoon of melted butter.
Can I use a food processor for this recipe?
Yes, a food processor is used to combine the softened cream cheese and blue cheese until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
How much blue cheese is required for this spread?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces (2 packages) of crumbled blue cheese.
Should the pecans be added to the food processor?
No, you should fold the toasted pecans into the cheese mixture with a spatula after the cheeses have been processed.
What kind of breadcrumbs should I use?
The recipe specifies plain breadcrumbs for the topping.
Is the parsley cooked or raw in the topping?
The fresh parsley is chopped and mixed with breadcrumbs and butter, then baked on top of the spread.
How much cream cheese is needed?
The recipe requires 16 ounces (2 packages) of cream cheese.
Can this spread be served cold?
While it can be eaten cold, it is designed to be served immediately while warm and bubbly for the best experience.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 7 ingredients: pecans, butter, cream cheese, blue cheese, breadcrumbs, fresh parsley, and additional butter for the topping.
Is there a specific preparation for the pecans?
The pecans should be chopped and then toasted in butter before being added to the cheese mixture.
What should I do if the cheese sticks to the sides of the food processor?
Pause the processor to scrape down the sides as necessary to ensure a smooth, creamy consistency.
How much butter is used in total for this recipe?
A total of 3 tablespoons of butter are used: 2 for toasting pecans and 1 for the breadcrumb topping.
What is the texture of the finalized spread?
The spread has a smooth, creamy cheese base with crunchy toasted pecans and a golden, crispy breadcrumb topping.
Is this recipe suitable for a cheese board?
Yes, it is described as a sophisticated addition to any cheese board or a perfect appetizer for gatherings.
How do I ensure the breadcrumbs are evenly distributed?
Mix the breadcrumbs, parsley, and melted butter in a separate bowl first, then sprinkle the mixture evenly over the cheese spread.
Can this be made ahead of time?
You can prepare the cheese and pecan mixture and the topping ahead of time, but it is best to bake it just before serving.
What is the primary tag for this recipe?
The recipe is categorized under tags such as spread, appetizer, and warm dip.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
The nutritional information indicates that there is no sugar recorded for this savory spread.