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This DIY French Quarter Cheese Spread blends silky cream cheese with sweet, crunchy sugared pecans on top for a mouthwatering sweet-meets-savory starter that's just right for parties. Though super easy to whip up, this New Orleans-style treat looks fancy and tastes amazing with crunchy crackers. Your guests will definitely want to know how you made it!
What Makes This Spread Special
This appetizer lives up to its fancy name with tons of flavor. The smooth, rich base has subtle hints of onion and garlic, while the sweet, buttery pecans on top give it an irresistible crunch. You'll love how the savory and sweet flavors play together when spread on crackers or bread slices. It tastes great whether it's warm or just sitting out, making it perfect for fancy holiday parties or casual hangouts with friends.
Ingredients for French Quarter Cheese Spread
- For the Cheese Base:
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 small onion, finely grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- For the Pecan Topping:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon spicy brown mustard
- 1 1/2 cups pecans, toasted and chopped
- For Serving:
- Assorted sturdy crackers
- Sliced baguette
- Fresh herbs for garnish
Easy Preparation Steps
- Mix Up the Cream Cheese Base
- Grab a medium bowl and mix together the soft cream cheese, grated onion, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until everything's smooth. Shape it into a 6-inch round on your serving dish.
- Get the Pecans Ready
- Put your pecans on a baking sheet and toast them at 350°F for about 8-10 minutes, giving them a stir halfway. They're done when they smell nutty. Let them cool then chop them up.
- Cook the Sweet Topping
- Put your butter, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and mustard in a saucepan over medium heat. Keep stirring until the sugar melts and the mix thickens a bit, around 3-4 minutes.
- Mix in the Nuts
- Take the pan off the heat and stir in your toasted, chopped pecans until they're all coated with the sweet mixture.
- Put It All Together
- Pour the warm pecan mix over your cream cheese round. Add some fresh herbs on top if you want. Serve right away with crackers.
Helpful Tricks for Best Results
Make sure your cream cheese is really soft before mixing. Don't walk away from the pecans while they're toasting or they'll burn. Let the topping cool for a minute before pouring it on so the cream cheese doesn't melt too much. Room temp butter works better for the caramel sauce. Use the smallest grater holes for the onion so it blends in nicely.
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Creative Ways to Serve
Set it out on a pretty plate with different crackers and bread pieces around it. Sprinkle extra chopped pecans or fresh herbs on top to make it look fancy. If you want to keep the topping warm, put the dish on a warming tray. It goes great as part of a bigger cheese spread with other options. Works perfectly at holiday parties or anytime you have friends over for drinks.
Keeping It Fresh and Planning Ahead
You can mix up the cream cheese part two days early and keep it in the fridge. Wait to make the pecan topping until you're ready to serve for the best taste. Any leftovers will stay good in a sealed container in your fridge for about 4 days. You can warm up the topping in the microwave if you want it hot again. Don't try freezing it though, as it'll get a weird texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why should cream cheese be softened?
- Softening cream cheese makes it easier to mix smoothly, leaving no lumps behind.
- → Can I prep this in advance?
- Yes, you can get the cheese base ready, but add the warm pecan layer just before serving for the best taste.
- → What are the best crackers to use?
- Firm crackers work best since this dip is thick. Try wheat, water crackers, or another sturdy option.
- → Is using pre-chopped pecans okay?
- Pre-chopped pecans work, but chopping fresh ones keeps the texture crisp and the flavor bright.
- → Why should I grate onions?
- Grated onions release their flavor evenly without leaving big chunks in the spread.