Why You’ll Love This Sourdough With Jalapeno Cheese Spread Recipe
If you’re looking for a delicious twist on a classic appetizer, you’ll love this Sourdough with Jalapeno Cheese Spread recipe.
It’s the perfect blend of creamy, spicy, and savory flavors that will keep your taste buds dancing. The crunchy sourdough baguette complements the rich cheese spread beautifully, making each bite a delightful experience.
Plus, it’s incredibly easy to whip up, so you won’t spend hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a cozy night in, this appetizer will impress your guests and satisfy your cravings.
Trust me, you won’t want to share these tasty bites!
Ingredients of Sourdough With Jalapeno Cheese Spread
When it comes to making something delicious that’s sure to wow your friends or just elevate your snack game, this Sourdough with Jalapeno Cheese Spread is a total winner. Imagine this: a crusty baguette, crunchy on the outside and warm and inviting on the inside, topped with a creamy cheese spread that brings a kick of heat and a burst of flavor. You might find yourself sneaking bites straight from the bowl, and who could blame you?
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients, it’s about bringing people together over something tasty and a little bit fun. Plus, it’s so simple that even if you’re a kitchen novice, you can totally pull it off.
Here’s everything you need to whip up this delightful dish:
- 1 sourdough baguette (or any crusty bread)
- 1 (8 ounce) package neufchatel cheese (you can use low-fat cream cheese if you prefer)
- 1 fresh jalapeno, seeded and finely diced
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper (fresh cracked is ideal, but ground works too)
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon Mrs. Dash garlic and herb seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon Cavender’s All Purpose Greek Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon Budweiser beer or milk
- 1 tablespoon dried onion, minced
- 4 tablespoons 2% cheddar cheese, shredded
Now, let’s talk about those ingredients for a moment. You might be wondering about the jalapeno and how spicy it’ll be. The truth is, it all depends on the jalapeno itself. Some are mild while others pack a real punch, so taste a tiny bit first before diving in.
If you’re not a fan of spice, you can always use less or even skip the jalapeno altogether. And don’t fret if you can’t find neufchatel cheese; cream cheese will do just fine. As for the seasonings, feel free to play around with them based on your taste preferences. Maybe you love a little more garlic or want to add some extra herbs—go for it! Cooking is all about making it your own, right?
How to Make Sourdough With Jalapeno Cheese Spread
Making Sourdough with Jalapeno Cheese Spread is as easy as pie—or should I say, as easy as a warm, toasty baguette? First, let’s get that cream cheese ready. Grab your 8-ounce package of neufchatel cheese, and let it sit out until it softens to room temperature. I don’t know about you, but I’ve been known to forget about my cream cheese sitting on the counter, only to realize it’s still rock-hard when it’s time to mix. No worries if that happens; just give it a few seconds in the microwave, but keep an eye on it. You don’t want a melted puddle instead of a creamy base.
Once your cheese is soft and ready, toss it into a medium-sized mixing bowl. Now, here comes the fun part—adding all those tasty ingredients. Start with your finely diced jalapeno; if you’ve bravely decided to keep the seeds in, well, good luck. You’ll also need 1/8 teaspoon black pepper, 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper, and a sprinkle of onion and garlic powders—each at 1/4 teaspoon. Add the Mrs. Dash garlic and herb seasoning and Cavender’s All Purpose Greek Seasoning for that extra flavor punch.
Mix in a tablespoon of either Budweiser beer or milk, along with a tablespoon of minced dried onion, and finally, 4 tablespoons of shredded cheddar cheese. Give everything a good stir until it’s all combined. You might want to take a taste and see if you want to adjust any seasonings. This is your masterpiece, after all.
With your cheese spread done, it’s time to bring it all together. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. Grab that lovely sourdough baguette (or any crusty bread you have) and slice it in half lengthwise. Generously slather both sides with your creamy cheese mixture. Don’t hold back; this is no time to be shy.
Once you’ve made it look all spread-tastic, pop it into the oven for about 10 minutes. You want that crust to be crunchy and the spread to bubble up, giving you that delightful contrast in texture. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even broil it for 3-5 minutes instead, but keep a watchful eye—no one likes a burned baguette.
When it’s ready, take it out, let it cool for a minute (or not, if you’re impatient like me), and dig in. You might just find it hard to stop at one slice.
Sourdough With Jalapeno Cheese Spread Substitutions & Variations
There are plenty of ways to customize your Sourdough with Jalapeno Cheese Spread to suit your taste or dietary needs.
For a creamier texture, I sometimes swap neufchatel cheese for goat cheese or ricotta. If you’re not a fan of heat, try using mild bell peppers or skip the jalapeno altogether.
You can also experiment with different cheeses, like pepper jack for extra spice or a sharp cheddar for more flavor.
For a vegan option, I’ve used cashew cream blended with nutritional yeast.
Additional Tips & Notes
While preparing your Sourdough with Jalapeno Cheese Spread, remember to adjust the seasoning to fit your personal preference.
If you love a kick, consider adding more jalapeno or cayenne. For a creamier texture, mix in a bit more cream cheese.
I like to experiment with different cheeses too; pepper jack can add a nice twist!
If you’re making this ahead, let the spread sit longer to enhance the flavors.
When baking, keep an eye on it to avoid burning.
Finally, don’t forget to store leftovers in the fridge—if there are any!
Enjoy your delicious creation!