Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 (8-oz.) pkg. cream cheese, softened
- 1 Tbsp. grated sweet onion (from 1 small [4 oz.] onion)
- 1/2 tsp. grated fresh garlic (from 1 medium clove)
- 1/4 cup (2 oz.) unsalted butter, cut into cubes
- 2 Tbsp. light brown sugar
- 1 Tbsp. tap water
- 1 1/2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp. Creole mustard
- 1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper
- 1/2 cup chopped, toasted pecans
Serving
- Buttery crackers, for serving (such as Ritz)
Instructions
- Prepare Onion and Garlic: Grate the sweet onion and fresh garlic clove finely to release their flavors and set aside.
- Blend Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, grated onion, grated garlic, unsalted butter cubes, light brown sugar, tap water, Worcestershire sauce, Creole mustard, and cayenne pepper. Using a hand mixer or a sturdy spoon, mix until all ingredients are smoothly blended and creamy.
- Add Pecans: Fold in the chopped toasted pecans gently, ensuring even distribution without crushing them completely.
- Chill the Spread: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the spread for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and the texture to firm up.
- Serve: Remove from the refrigerator 10 minutes before serving to soften slightly, then serve with buttery crackers, such as Ritz, for dipping.
Notes
- For best flavor, use fresh grated onion and garlic rather than dried powders.
- Toast pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant, about 3-5 minutes, to enhance their flavor.
- Adjust cayenne pepper quantity according to your preferred spice level.
- This cheese spread can be made a day ahead and stored covered in the refrigerator.
- Room temperature serving helps the cream cheese soften for easier spreading on crackers.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Creole
