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This Cream Cheese Spread recipe is perfect for pairing with crackers! The perfect party snack and it’s easy to whip up with three different types of cheese for a creamy, cravable cheese spread that is so much better than the store bought version!
My husband used to request I buy tubs of cheese spread from the store, but now we just make this homemade version!
Cheese Is The Way To My Heart.
Have you seen those commercials that say “Ahh, the power of cheese?” Well, I don’t want to be weird or anything, but cheese! It is powerful.
Everyone loves it (and I don’t want to hear about it if you don’t!) which means it is the perfect food to serve at get-togethers, parties, funerals, weddings, baby showers, and late-night television watching marathons.
Just in case I forgot to mention a time when serving cheese would be appropriate, a good rule of thumb is this: If people will be present, cheese should be on the menu. Hallelujah and amen.
Our Cream Cheese Spread is made with three different types of cheese + a little scoop of mayo for the ultimate creamy goodness + loads of seasonings because we like flavor around here.
This keeps in the fridge quite nicely, so it’s perfect to make ahead or keep on hand for unexpected late night snacking.
♥ What We Love About This Recipe:
- Cheesy: This one is kind of obvious but we love all that cheese! With three kinds of cheese there is no shortage. And when you use freshly grated cheese it’s even better. This is the ultimate cheesy spread!
- Versatile: You can serve this cream cheese spread as an appetizer for game days, at events, or just when you need a snack. Plus, you can serve it with just about anything you’d like for dipping! Crackers, chips, veggies, you name it.
- Meltable: You think this is good as a cracker spread? Yes, you’re right – now try it sandwiched in a grilled cheese or dolloped on a hot burger. Oh my heavens.
Ingredient Notes:
Cheese – This dip is using a combination of sharp cheddar cheese, pepper jack cheese, and cream cheese. Start with room temperature cream cheese for easy mixing, and freshly grate the cheddar and pepper jack if possible.
Mayonnaise – We use real mayo here to add a touch more creamy goodness. If you use Miracle Whip, the cheese spread will have a hint of tangy sweetness to it. Either works!
Garlic – A freshly minced clove of garlic is a simple way to add lots of great flavor to the dip.
Herbs & Seasoning – You’ll need chopped fresh parsley, onion powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. The red pepper adds a little bit of spicy heat but not too much. You can use more or less to taste.
Worcestershire Sauce – It doesn’t take much of this to add savory flavor to just about anything and that includes this three cheese dip.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
How to Make Three Cheese Spread:
Grate the cheddar and pepper jack cheeses into a large bowl. We highly recommend grating cheese from a block for the best flavor and texture.
Add all of the remaining ingredients including the cream cheese and stir well to combine. You can add more milk if you want a thinner consistency.
Spread this on crackers or serve it with chips or pretzels for dipping. This is also delicious melted into a grilled cheese sandwich or spread on top of a hot smashburger.
Variations:
This cheese spread is simple, tasty, and perfect for your next get together. Feel free to play with the flavors of this and make it your own.
I have a feeling that a bit of that powdered ranch dip mixed in would be quite tasty.
Swap the milk for beer and give it more of a beer cheese vibe.
Use any variety of cheese that you like! A smoky cheese adds a nice depth.
Helpful Tip!
Freezing & Storage Instructions:
You can store this cheesy dip recipe in an airtight container in your refrigerator for about a week!
I have not tried freezing this cheese spread but readers have commented that they’ve done it with success.
Three Cheese Spread
Ingredients
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese
- 8 ounces pepper jack cheese
- 8 ounces cream cheese room temperature
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 cup milk or more, depending on what consistency you want
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Shred the cheddar and pepper jack cheese.
- Add all ingredients to a large mixing bowl and stir well to combine. Add more milk if you want a thinner consistency.
- Refrigerate to let the flavors meld a bit or serve immediately.
Seena Shinn says
Have you tried to freeze this?
Karly says
No, I haven’t. Not sure how it would do.
Erin says
I freeze this all the time and it is great. I actually freeze it in the little serving cups I use and just pull one out when I need it.
Dave says
Very similar to our cheese ball recipe which is delicious.
M says
I abhor mayonnaise… Would sour cream or yogurt work well with this? I absolutely LOVE cheese though!! ?
Karly says
I’ve only made this with mayo, but I think sour cream would work.
Deb says
How long does this keep in the frig? Trying to figure out how far in advance I can make it. Thanks!!
Karly says
It should keep about a week. 🙂
Jill says
My mom makes a cheese dip like this and I lurve it with a capital urve!
Also, I once met a woman who didn’t like cheese. Of any kind. When she announced that to the group we were in people were utterly dumbfounded. It’s not that she didn’t like certain types of cheese or something. She. Didn’t. Like. Cheese.
Obviously, she never hung out with us again.
michelle says
I LOVE the looks of that cheese dip/spread- yum!! You can never go wrong with cheese.