Raspberry Cheese Spread

Cheese is the ultimate appetizer for any occasion, whether it’s book club night, a backyard barbecue or a fancy celebration. And while cheese and charcuterie boards are easy default options, this raspberry cheese spread ups the ante with its combination of cream cheese, shredded cheeses and flavorful mix-ins like chopped green onions and pecans. The clincher: Raspberry preserves on top add a sweet contrast to the salty cheese spread. It’s a cheese appetizer recipe that Taste of Home contributor Jane Montgomery never fails to serve for gatherings with friends and family.

Ingredients for Raspberry Cheese Spread

• Cream cheese: Make sure the cream cheese is softened so it’s easier to work with.
• Mayonnaise: Mayonnaise adds extra creamy texture to this spread. Any of the best mayo brands will do.
• Mozzarella cheese: Shredded mozzarella cheese is a key building block for texture and flavor.
• Cheddar cheese: Shredded cheddar cheese adds bold flavor to this cheese spread. Use medium or sharp cheddar, as you prefer.
• Green onions: Green onions or scallions add vibrant flavor and subtle flavor.
• Pecans: Stir chopped pecans into the cheese spread mixture for a touch of crunch.
• Raspberry preserves: Raspberry preserves add sweetness to balance out the savory punch of this cheese spread. Choose your favorite store-bought option or make a homemade batch of raspberry jam.
• Crackers: Plate this spread with a variety of crackers for serving. Choose just one option or put together a platter with a mixture of your favorite crackers.

Directions

Step 1: Combine the cheeses and mayo

In a small bowl, beat the cream cheese and mayonnaise until they’re smooth. Beat in the mozzarella, cheddar and onions. Stir in the pecans.

Step 2: Spread and chill the cheese spread

Spread the cheese mixture into a plastic wrap-lined 9-inch round dish. Refrigerate until set, about one hour.

Editor’s tip: A 9-inch round dish provides plenty of space for a beautiful molded cheese spread with excellent height. If you don’t have a 9-inch dish, feel free to use an 8-inch dish instead.

Step 3: Add the preserves

Invert the cheese spread onto a serving plate. Spread the top with preserves. Serve the cheese spread with crackers.

Raspberry Cheese Spread Variations

• Try other flavors: Raspberry is the star of the show in this recipe, but you can mix and match. Try other preserves or jams, such as cherry, apricot or strawberry.
• Incorporate alternate nuts: Pecans add crunch, and other nuts can do the same. Try making this cheese spread with chopped walnuts or pistachios, or use a mixture of nuts. For even deeper flavor, toast the nuts ahead of time.
• Add other toppings: Sprinkle additional chopped nuts on top, add dried cranberries or cherries, or try this cream cheese spread with a salty topping such as pepperoncini.
• Use other dippers: While crackers are an excellent match for this cheese spread, you can serve it with just about anything. Spread the mixture on toasted or grilled bread, pita bread, pretzel crisps and more.

How to Store Raspberry Cheese Spread

With plenty of cheese in the mixture, raspberry cheese spread should be covered and refrigerated. It will last up to four days. Keep in mind that the pecans may lose their crunch in the refrigerator.

Raspberry Cheese Spread Tips

Why is my raspberry cheese spread not smooth?

This raspberry cheese spread isn’t whipped or blended, and the shredded cheese and pecans give it texture. That said, the key to any cheese spread is to start with softened cream cheese. This lets you incorporate it more easily with the other ingredients and makes it smoother.

What else can you serve with raspberry cheese spread?

This raspberry cream cheese spread is an easy appetizer to serve ahead of a small dinner, but it can also be put out with other appetizers for a bigger spread. Pair it with options like Buffalo chicken dip and bacon-wrapped smokies to fill a buffet table for any occasion.