Ultimate Cheesy Indulgence Spread
Elevate your snacking experience with this Ultimate Cheesy Indulgence Spread, a delightful blend of smoked gouda and sharp white cheddar, enhanced with the crunch of walnuts and the freshness of green onions. This rich, creamy spread is perfect for entertaining, slathering on crackers, or even as a gourmet sandwich filling. A touch of homemade Creole mayonnaise adds an unexpected twist, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Easy to prepare and incredibly versatile, this spread is bound to become a staple at your gatherings!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
smoked gouda cheese
1 lb (shredded)
sharp white cheddar cheese
1 lb (shredded)
green onions
3 (chopped)
walnuts
1 cup (chopped)
vegetable oil
1 1/2 cups (none)
large egg
1 (none)
creole mustard
1 tablespoon (or any coarse grainy brown mustard)
white vinegar
1 1/2 tablespoons (none)
fresh lemon juice
1 1/2 tablespoons (none)
paprika
1/4 teaspoon (none)
prepared yellow mustard
1 teaspoon (none)
salt
1 teaspoon (none)
Tabasco sauce
1 dash (none)
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Ultimate Cheesy Indulgence Spread?
It is a rich and creamy appetizer made from a blend of smoked gouda, sharp white cheddar, walnuts, green onions, and a homemade Creole mayonnaise.
What types of cheese are used in this recipe?
This recipe specifically calls for one pound of shredded smoked gouda and one pound of shredded sharp white cheddar.
Can I use pre-shredded cheese for this spread?
While you can use pre-shredded cheese, shredding your own from blocks provides a better texture and more intense flavor.
What kind of nuts are included in the spread?
The recipe uses one cup of chopped walnuts to add a delightful crunch to the creamy mixture.
How do I make the homemade Creole mayonnaise mentioned?
The base is created by emulsifying vegetable oil, a large egg, Creole mustard, white vinegar, lemon juice, paprika, yellow mustard, salt, and Tabasco.
Is this cheese spread spicy?
It has a mild kick from the Creole mustard and a dash of Tabasco sauce, but it is generally considered savory rather than spicy.
Can I substitute the walnuts?
Yes, you can substitute walnuts with pecans or almonds, or omit them entirely if you have a nut allergy.
What is the best way to serve this spread?
It is perfect when served with crackers, toasted baguette slices, or used as a gourmet sandwich filling.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes, making it a few hours or a day ahead allows the flavors of the smoked gouda and Creole spices to meld together.
How long does the spread keep in the refrigerator?
When stored in an airtight container, the spread will remain fresh for up to 5 to 7 days.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but always check your mustard and Tabasco labels to ensure no gluten-containing additives are present.
What can I use instead of Creole mustard?
Any coarse, grainy brown mustard will work as a suitable substitute for Creole mustard.
How many green onions should I use?
The recipe requires 3 chopped green onions to provide a fresh, sharp contrast to the rich cheeses.
Can I freeze the Ultimate Cheesy Indulgence Spread?
Freezing is not recommended as the mayonnaise-based emulsion may break and become oily upon thawing.
Does the recipe use raw egg?
Yes, the homemade mayonnaise component uses one large raw egg. Use pasteurized eggs if you have safety concerns.
Can I use an immersion blender for the mayonnaise part?
Yes, an immersion blender is the most efficient tool for creating the thick, creamy mayonnaise base for this spread.
What kind of oil is best for this recipe?
A neutral-flavored vegetable oil is best so that it does not overpower the flavors of the smoked gouda and cheddar.
Can I use store-bought mayonnaise instead?
You can, but you will need to add the Creole mustard, paprika, and other seasonings manually to mimic the intended flavor profile.
What makes this spread 'Creole'?
The addition of Creole mustard, paprika, and Tabasco sauce gives it a signature Louisiana-inspired flavor profile.
Can I add more heat to the spread?
Absolutely. You can increase the amount of Tabasco or add a pinch of cayenne pepper if you prefer a spicier spread.
Is this spread suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat products.
What if I don't have fresh lemon juice?
You can use bottled lemon juice or slightly increase the amount of white vinegar to maintain the necessary acidity.
Can I use red onions instead of green onions?
You can, but red onions are much stronger. Green onions are preferred for their mild flavor and bright color.
Should I toast the walnuts?
Toasting the walnuts for a few minutes in a pan can enhance their flavor, though the recipe works perfectly with raw chopped walnuts.
What is the texture of this spread?
The texture is thick and creamy with noticeable chunks of shredded cheese and crunchy walnut pieces.
Can I double the recipe for a large party?
Yes, the recipe scales up very easily for large gatherings or holiday parties.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 13 total ingredients, including the various components for the homemade mayonnaise base.
Can I use a different type of vinegar?
Apple cider vinegar can be used as a substitute for white vinegar if you prefer a slightly fruitier acidity.
Is this spread considered a low-carb snack?
Yes, the primary ingredients are cheese, nuts, and fats, making it very low in carbohydrates.
What is the weight of the cheese used?
The recipe uses a total of 2 pounds of cheese: 1 pound of gouda and 1 pound of cheddar.