Easy sweet and salty French Quarter Cheese Spread. Topped with sugared pecans, it makes a festive appetizer for holiday gatherings!
Well, I guess anything named after the French Quarter is bound to be naughty, right?
And this French Quarter Cheese Spread really is.
But you don’t need to draw your blinds to enjoy it! HA.
Sister Jen made it for Yom Kippur last month and I had to force myself to slowly back away from the counter or I wouldn’t have room for dinner. Crazy good. Even Haley and Trevor, who aren’t big cream cheese fans, begged me to let them “ruin their appetite.”
I’ve since made this countless times during the year, and always revisiting it over Thanksgiving. Everyone looks forward to it.
It’s the perfect sweet and salty combo and makes a festive appetizer for holiday get togethers. For convenience, you can make it ahead of time, then bring it to room temperature before serving.
Watch the video for French Quarter Cheese Spread
Other cheese appetizers you might like!
Cheesy Corn Dip – Belly Full
Mini Pizza Cheeseballs – Belly Full
Fromage Fort Cheese Spread – Foodie with Family
Caramel Apple Cheese Spread – She Wears Many Hats
French Quarter Cheese Spread
Ingredients
- 8 ounce package cream cheese ,softened
- 2 tablespoons grated onion
- 1 clove garlic , finely minced
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter , cubed
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon spicy brown mustard
- 3/4 cup finely chopped toasted pecans
- assorted crackers ,for serving
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the cream cheese, onion, and garlic. Transfer to a serving plate; shape into a 6-inch disk. Set aside.
- In a small saucepan, combine the butter, brown sugar, worcestershire sauce, and mustard. Cook and stir over medium heat for 2-3 minutes or until sugar is dissolved. Remove from the heat; stir in pecans.
- Cool slightly. Spoon over cheese. Serve with crackers.
Angela G says
how would you serve if you’re making it to take somewhere else? does it need to be chilled? do you top the cheese w/pecan mixture, then cover and chill till you arrive?
Amy @Belly Full says
I would make the cream cheese mixture, place on the serving plate, then refrigerate until ready to transport. Make the pecan mixture and transfer to a bowl and cover. Then when you get to your destination, reheat the pecan sauce and pour over the cream cheese, then serve.
Lorraine slazas says
Thank you, happy holidays
Jodi Brown says
What type of cracker do you recommend servings with this recipe?
Amy @Belly Full says
Hi Jodi – I usually serve it with water crackers/biscuits (as shown in the pictures.) They’re very light and mild, which is a good contrast for the rich dip.
Rebecca {foodie with family} says
This is my kind of appetizer for sure! I love the sugared pecans!
Keri Olsen says
Delicious!!!
Shilpa says
this is AWESOME!!! yummy. I can’t wait to try this! Pinned! so healthy!!
Roshani Khanna says
Wow, really, I can’t get over that delicious taste! So simple and yet – sooo great. Thank you for this recipe – it’s a real keeper
Andy says
Here is a copy of that spread .Hope you and your family Enjoy and have a wonderful Break !! Charlotte
Stephanie says
This sounds amazing! Definitely a different type of cheese ball!
Joanne says
Why do I feel like I would need a cold shower after eating this…
Andrea says
This will be terrific for our family Christmas party–all appetizers and wine. Thank you!
Amy @Very Culinary says
Oh FUN. What a great idea!
Amanda says
This looks fantastic! Definitely putting this on my Thanksgiving app list!!!
Amy @Very Culinary says
Awesome! Thanks, Amanda!