The Ultimate Blue Cheese Spread with Pecans is the perfect holiday appetizer. I have made this easy appetizer recipe every year now for over 20 years for a special holiday party with girlfriends. I wouldn't think of bringing anything else. It's a long-standing tradition, and who am I to mess with tradition.
½cuppecanschopped and roasted, plus 1 tablespoon for garnish
½cupchiveschopped, plus 1 tablespoon for garnish
¼cupcream sherry
Instructions
Add the cream cheese, butter, pecans, blue cheese, chives, and sherry to a medium-size bowl and stir to combine.
Mix with an electric mixer, if necessary, to combine all ingredients into a smooth spread.
Cover and refrigerate for at least eight hours to allow the flavors to come together.
Let it come to room temperature before serving and garnish with chives and or pecans.
Serve with crackers or toasted baguette slices.
Video
Notes
Sharon's Expert Tips:Allow this spread to set out for at least two hours before serving so it will soften and come to room temperature.To freeze, place in an airtight container and freeze up to a month. Before serving, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight and set it on the counter for at least two hours to come to room temperature.You can leave out the cream sherry altogether or substitute brandy or cognac. I used pecans in this recipe because they are readily available where we live, and I have a freezer full of them. However, you can use any nut you like, or even substitute sunflower or pumpkin seeds.My friend Sylvia Fuller gave me this tip for quickly roasting a small number of pecans. Place the chopped nuts on a microwavable plate and microwave for 5 minutes. Taste and if necessary, microwave for an additional minute. I was skeptical at first, but it works like a charm.Speaking of microwaves, to quickly soften cream cheese, unwrap it and place it in a microwaveable bowl — microwave for a total of 35-45 seconds for the three packages of cream cheese.Nutritional values are for one cup of the spread.