Homemade Cheddar Pepper Jack Cheese Spread Recipe
Introduction
This homemade cheese spread is a creamy, flavorful blend of cheddar and pepper jack cheeses with just the right hint of spice. It’s perfect for entertaining or a simple snack paired with crackers and fresh vegetables.
Ingredients
- 8 oz. shredded cheddar cheese (~2 cups)
- 4 oz. shredded pepper jack cheese (~1 cup)
- 2 oz. cream cheese
- ½ cup half and half
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Step 1: Place all of the shredded cheeses, cream cheese, kosher salt, and paprika into a food processor or blender equipped with a mini tamper.
- Step 2: Blend the mixture for 1 minute, then remove the lid and use a spatula to scrape down the sides to ensure even mixing.
- Step 3: Pour the half and half into the cheese mixture and blend for another 1 to 2 minutes, or until the spread is completely smooth and creamy.
- Step 4: Transfer the cheese spread to a bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and firm up.
- Step 5: Serve chilled with your favorite crackers, sliced vegetables, or as a sandwich spread.
Tips & Variations
- For a milder taste, substitute pepper jack cheese with Monterey Jack or mild cheddar.
- Add a small pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce for extra heat.
- If you prefer a thicker consistency, reduce the amount of half and half slightly.
- Use a high-quality sharp cheddar for more depth of flavor.
Storage
Store the cheese spread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Before serving again, give it a good stir. It can be served chilled or brought to room temperature for 15 minutes to soften slightly. Do not freeze, as the texture may change upon thawing.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this cheese spread without a food processor?
Yes, you can finely grate all the cheeses and soften the cream cheese before mixing everything together by hand with the half and half and seasonings. It will take more effort to achieve a smooth consistency but is still possible.
What can I serve with this cheese spread?
This spread pairs wonderfully with crackers, fresh vegetable sticks like carrots and celery, toasted baguette slices, or as a flavorful addition to sandwiches and wraps.
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Homemade Cheddar Pepper Jack Cheese Spread Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 3 cups of cheese spread, serves 8 1x
Description
A creamy, flavorful homemade cheese spread made with a blend of cheddar, pepper jack, and cream cheese, smoothly blended with half and half and seasoned with kosher salt and paprika. Perfect for serving with crackers and vegetables as a delicious appetizer or snack.
Ingredients
Cheeses
- 8 oz. shredded cheddar cheese (~2 cups)
- 4 oz. shredded pepper jack cheese (~1 cup)
- 2 oz. cream cheese
Liquids & Seasonings
- ½ cup half and half
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Prepare the ingredients: Gather all cheeses (cheddar, pepper jack, and cream cheese) along with the kosher salt and paprika to have them ready for blending.
- Blend cheeses and seasonings: Place all cheeses and the seasonings into a food processor or blender equipped with a mini tamper. Blend for about 1 minute to begin combining the ingredients well.
- Scrape sides: Remove the lid and use a spatula to scrape down the sides of the processor or blender to ensure all cheese is blended evenly.
- Add half and half and blend again: Pour the half and half into the cheese mixture, then blend for an additional 1-2 minutes or until the cheese spread reaches a completely smooth and creamy consistency.
- Chill the spread: Transfer the cheese mixture into a bowl, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld and the spread firm up slightly.
- Serve: Present the chilled cheese spread with your favorite crackers and fresh vegetables for a tasty snack or appetizer.
Notes
- The cheese spread can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce before blending.
- Feel free to substitute half and half with whole milk for a lighter version, but the texture may be less creamy.
- This recipe can be doubled easily for larger gatherings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: cheese spread, homemade cheese dip, cheddar cheese, pepper jack cheese, cream cheese spread, appetizer, snack, cheese dip recipe
