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Cheese Spread Recipe

Cheese is one of our favorite foods, but its main drawback is that it’s usually high in fat and sodium content.

If you want to enjoy this tasty treat without all those extra calories or additives, then try out these easy homemade recipes.

What Is A Cheese Spread Recipe?

A cheese spread is the perfect way to add flavor to any meal, whether it be sandwiches, salads, or even desserts.

You can also use a cheese spread as an appetizer at parties or gatherings.

This versatile dish requires just three basic ingredients: cream cheese, sour cream, and grated cheddar cheese (or other hard cheese).

The rest is up to your creativity!

1. Cream Cheese

  • Chill the tub of cream cheese until it becomes firm enough to cut into cubes.
  • Add heavy whipping cream and mix with an electric hand mixer until smooth and creamy.
  • Store in refrigerator until ready to serve.

2. Sour Cream

  • Stir together 1 cup whole milk and 2 tablespoons lemon juice in a small bowl.
  • Mix well with an electric hand mixer until light and fluffy.
  • Refrigerate until needed.

3. Grated Cheese

  • Grind cheese using a food processor or blender until fine pieces are formed.
  • Transfer mixture to serving container and store in fridge until ready to serve.

How Do You Make A Cheese Spread Recipe?

This recipe is extremely simple and requires just four basic ingredients:

  • Parmesan cheese
  • Mozzarella cheese (or cheddar)
  • Bread (I used white bread)
  • Butter
  • Salt

Note that the amount of butter will vary depending on how much you like your spread.

You can always adjust the salt if you don’t think it tastes right with the rest of the ingredients.

The first thing you should know about making a cheese spread is that it needs to be cooked at low heat so as not to melt the cheeses.

The second step is to add the cheeses to the pan while stirring constantly until they are melted together.

Then you can add some salt and serve immediately with crackers.

What Ingredients Do You Need For A Cheese Spread Recipe?

In order to create the best homemade cheese spreads and dips, you will need some basic food items.

These include:

  • Cream cheese – A popular ingredient used in cheese spreads due to its creamy texture. Also known as cream cheese, it can be found in most grocery stores. You should use low-fat varieties if you are trying to cut down on fats.
  • Butter – Butter has a rich flavor which makes it an excellent addition to many dishes. Try adding butter to your cheeses for added richness.
  • Salt – Salt gives the dish a savory taste and adds variety to your creations. Always add salt at the end when baking, so you don’t burn anything. For example, instead of using 1/4 teaspoon of salt, use half of it and add another quarter later. This way, you won’t ruin the whole batch with too much salt.
  • Pepper – Pepper plays a major role in making any type of meal more flavorful and appetizing. However, just like salt, pepper must not go into the mix until after cooking is complete. Otherwise, you might get burned by hot spices.
  • Vinegar – Vinegar also contributes to the overall flavor of the mixture. The acidity from vinegar helps improve the consistency of the final product.
  • Sugar – Sugar brings moisture to the dish, while keeping the sweetness balanced. Adding sugar to the dish early allows it to stay moist longer.

How Long Does It Take To Make A Cheese Spread Recipe?

The amount of time needed to prepare a cheeseburger may vary depending on whether you are cooking at home or eating at a fast food restaurant.

The good news is that most restaurants offer grilled cheese sandwiches with cheese spreads as an option.

So if you can get them, they will be much healthier than what you would find in a typical burger joint.

If you don’t have access to grilled cheese sandwich options when visiting a restaurant, then here’s how to make a cheese spread recipe from scratch.

All you need is a few simple ingredients like cream cheese, butter, salt, pepper, and milk.

  • Step 1 – Make sure that all the ingredients are at room temperature before starting. Also, use very cold butter so that it won’t melt during mixing.
  • Step 2 – Add the cream cheese into the bowl of your electric mixer and mix until smooth. Then add the butter and continue mixing until everything comes together.
  • Step 3 – Once everything is mixed well, you can start adding the other ingredients. Mix until all ingredients are incorporated properly.
  • Step 4 – Pour the mixture onto parchment paper and place in the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes. When ready, remove from the fridge and cut into pieces using a sharp knife. You can also put some slices between two sheets of waxed paper and roll up like a jelly roll.
  • Step 5 – Serve immediately by spreading on bread or crackers.
  • You can store leftover cheese spread in the fridge for up to 7 days.

Health benefits of a cheese spread

There are many health benefits associated with making a homemade cheese spread recipe.

Aside from being delicious, it has fewer calories and less saturated fats compared to commercially prepared versions.

What Is The Nutritional Value Of A Cheese Spread Recipe?

The nutritional value of any food depends on how much protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals, etc., it has.

The following chart shows the nutrition facts of some popular cheeses including cheddar, mozzarella, feta, American, cottage, blue, goat, and cream cheese.

  • Cheddars contain more calcium, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, niacin, vitamin B12, and riboflavin compared to other types of cheese.
  • Mozzarellas have more iron, zinc, copper, manganese, and folate compared to others.
  • Fetas have higher amounts of calcium, phosphorous, selenium, thiamine, biotin, and pantothenic acid compared to others.
  • American cheese contains more niacin, folic acid, thiamine, riboflavin, pantothenic acid, and biotin compared to others.
  • Cottage cheese has the highest amount of cholesterol among dairy products, while regular white cheese has the lowest amount.
  • Blue cheese tends to be lower in saturated fat compared to other kinds of cheese.
  • Goat cheese has very little fat and no cholesterol at all.
  • All milk-based cheeses contain lactose, which means they need to be digested before being absorbed into the body. In most cases, people can digest lactose naturally, but if their bodies don’t do so well, they may experience symptoms such as bloating, gas, diarrhea, nausea, constipation, cramps, or flatulence.
  • Some varieties of cheese (such as brie) also contain small amounts of sulfites, which cause an unpleasant smell when exposed to air or light.

Homemade Cheese Spread Recipe

For this recipe, we will use cheddar cheese since it is low in fat, yet still tastes great.

However, feel free to substitute with another variety of cheese.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • ¼ teaspoon dried basil
  • ½ tablespoon butter
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Method:

  • Place shredded cheese and basil in bowl.
  • Add butter and mix thoroughly until melted.
  • Season with salt and pepper.
  • Enjoy immediately.

How Many Calories Are In A Cheese Spread Recipe?

The average calorie count per serving of traditional cheese spreads ranges from around 100-300 calories depending on how much butter or other fats were used when making them.

But if you’re trying to cut back on calories, there are plenty of healthy alternatives available.

Check out some of the best healthy cheese spread recipes below:

  • Easy Homemade Roasted Garlic & Herb Cheese Spread Recipe – 100 calories per tablespoon (30g)
  • Homemade Mozzarella Cheese Sticks Recipe – 110 calories per stick (25g)
  • No Bake Creamy Blue Cheese Dip Recipe – 120 calories per cup (40g)
  • Creamy Artichoke Spinach Hummus Recipe – 160 calories per half cup (50g)
  • Sour Cream Cheesecake with Fresh Fruit Swirls Recipe – 190 calories per slice (45g)

If you’re looking for even more ideas, check out this list of delicious cheeseburger recipes.

What Are The Benefits Of Eating A Cheese Spread Recipe?

If you love cheese spreads like I do, then you know how difficult it can be to find a low-calorie version of such an iconic food item.

The good news is that you don’t have to compromise on taste by making a cheesy snack at home.

These recipes will give you exactly what you need while keeping things healthy.

So let’s take a look at some great ways to add cheese to your diet and still get plenty of nutrients from it.

  • 1. Cheese Spread Recipe – Low Fat, Easy To Make And Delicious
  • 2. Cheesy Ranch Dip – A Great Way To Add Protein To Your Diet
  • 3. Homemade Queso Dip – A Healthy Version Of Traditional Mexican Food
  • 4. Creamy Peanut Butter & Banana Sandwich Spread – An Awesome Snack For Kids
  • 5. Avocado Hummus – Perfectly Balanced With Nutritional Value
  • 6. Tomato Basil Pesto – A Versatile Sauce That Can Be Used As A Marinade Or Dressing
  • 7. Spicy Salsa Roja – A Fresh, Flavored Choice For Summertime Snacks
  • 8. Cheddar Jalapeno Poppers – A Tasty Twist On Popcorn
  • 9. Pizza Stuffed Mushrooms – A Fun New Take On Classic Italian Cooking
  • 10. Grilled Cheese Sandwiches – Quick And Easy Recipes To Try At Home

Are There Any Risks Associated With Eating A Cheese Spread Recipe?

There are no known health risks related to consuming cheese spreads as long as they follow the USDA guidelines on portion size.

However, if you have a medical condition such as diabetes, heart disease, or hypertension, you should consult your doctor before trying out a new food product like cheese spreads.

If you do decide to eat cheese spreads, be sure to check the nutritional information first because many brands contain more salt, fat, and sugar than necessary.

You can also use low-fat varieties of most cheeses to reduce their overall calorie count.

What Are Some Tips For Making A Cheese Spread Recipe?

Here are the best tips from foodie websites on how to make a great cheese spread recipe:

  • Use low-fat milk (or skimmed) and reduced fat cream cheese. You don’t need much because it will melt quickly.
  • You can add herbs like rosemary, thyme, basil, chives, parsley, etc., to enhance the flavor.
  • Make sure to use a medium sized pan so that you won’t have to cook the mixture too long.
  • Don’t overheat the mixture as it can curdle if cooked at too high heat.
  • Add salt to taste to balance the flavors.

How Can I Make A Cheese Spread Recipe More Healthy?

You don’t have to sacrifice flavor when making delicious spreads at home because there are plenty of ways to reduce the amount of fat and salt while still maintaining taste and texture.

Here are three simple methods you can use to improve your cheese spread recipe:

  • Use low-fat cheeses instead of full-fat ones. Full-fat varieties tend to be higher in saturated fats (which contribute to heart disease) so they should be avoided if possible. Low-fat versions on the other hand contain significantly fewer calories and much lower amounts of saturated fat, which makes them an excellent choice for any type of cooking or baking.
  • Spray your pan with nonstick spray before adding oil. This will help prevent sticking issues as well as add another layer of protection against harmful chemicals found in many types of oils.
  • Use fresh herbs instead of dried herbs. Dried herbs lose their potency over time, meaning they won’t provide the same level of flavor as fresh herbs do. They also cost more money, so consider using fresh herbs whenever possible.

Cheese Spread Recipe

Cheese is one of our favorite foods, but its main drawback is that it’s usually high in fat and sodium content.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Cheese Spread Recipe
Servings: 4
Calories: 428kcal

Equipment

  • The bowl

Ingredients

  • 8 oz. shredded cheddar cheese
  • 4 oz. Shredded pepper jack cheese
  • 2 oz. cream cheese
  • ½ cup half and half
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon paprika

Instructions

  • In a food processor or a blender with a micro tamper (mixing stick), combine all the cheeses and seasonings. Process or blend for one minute. Remove the cover, then scrape the sides with a spatula.
  • When the cheese spread is totally smooth, add the half and half and blend for an additional one to two minutes.
  • Place the bowl with the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
  • Serve with your preferred vegetables and crackers.

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 428kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 22g | Fat: 36g | Saturated Fat: 21g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Cholesterol: 107mg | Sodium: 1186mg | Potassium: 137mg | Fiber: 0.2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 1330IU | Vitamin C: 0.3mg | Calcium: 660mg | Iron: 0.4mg
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