“Smoked Gouda Nut Spread”

Do you ever find something new in your local market, buy it, get it home and find the purchase to be absolutely delicious? Several weeks later you make a trip back to that same market. That delicious purchase is no longer available. This has happened to me so many times and boy is it disappointing. Did you know many items found in your market can be made in your own kitchen? As a result recreating your own version and most noteworthy, something that tastes as good if not better than store-bought. Sounding good so far. This post leads me to a fantastic dip to serve on Super Bowl Sunday or anytime you need a quick party food. Meet my Smoked Gouda Nut Spread. Made with smoked Gouda cheese, cream cheese, pecans, shallot, mayonnaise, heavy cream, vinegar, lemon juice, and salt is simply out of this world.

Smoked Gouda Nut Spread

As I mentioned, nothing is as disappointing as visiting your local market wanting to pick up groceries for a party only to find the item unavailable. I’d run out of finger counting how many times this has happened to me so I have no doubt this has happened to you. So I figured a way to make this fantastic spread in my own kitchen. I was tired of going back to my market only to find the shelf empty. When I would ask for their spread, the answer would be sorry. We didn’t make any today or only make it around holidays. Grrrrrr…not the reply I was expecting at all.

What the heck! I thought I’ll ask about the ingredients and solve this problem by recreating Smoked Gouda Nut Spread myself or either go without. No way could I go without because this spread is fantastic. Consequently my version tastes even better than the market creation. I mean holds barred, crazy good.

Smoked Gouda Nut Spread

To make Smoked Gouda Nut Spread, all you need is a food processor. All ingredients can be placed in the bowl at one time. No need to place in a little at a time. You can whip up the nut spread in minutes. Finally, let the spread chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving. I suggest to prepare ahead of time and refrigerate overnight. The flavors just meld and become more savory the longer it sits. Yum…yum…and yum!

When you’re ready to serve, bring to room temperature and garnish with pecan halves or chopped pecans. Smoked Gouda Nut Spread is delicious served atop pita chips, crostini or water crackers. Even club crackers work well but I suggest using lightly seasoned ones. You need to get the full flavor of this spectacular creamy, savory spread. I promise one cracker and you’ll be hooked.

Smoked Gouda Nut Spread

I guarantee your guests will ask for this recipe. Double the recipe to ensure you have enough to go around. Smoked Gouda cheese can be found in the specialty cheese section at your local market. Click here for more on Smoked Gouda cheese and here for info on Gouda cheese in general. Smoked Gouda is one delicious cheese and should be tried if you’ve never had the pleasure. If you’re a cheese lover like myself, go out, purchase this cheese. Several different brands are available and like anything else each palate varies to taste. I have no doubt you’ll enjoy the creamy, smokey goodness and don’t be afraid to experiment. Eat Gouda with fresh fruit, salads, or alone. A flavor not to be missed especially in my Smoked Gouda Nut Spread. Enjoy the Super Bowl!

Smoked Gouda Nut Spread

Smoked Gouda Nut Spread

1 – 8 oz. package cream cheese, softened

1 ¼ cups shredded Smoked Gouda cheese

1 T. Olive oil mayonnaise (I use Hellmann’s)

1/4 cup chopped pecans

1 small shallot, roughly chopped

1 T. heavy cream

1 t. fresh lemon juice

1 t. white vinegar

1/4 t. kosher

1/4 t. black pepper

In the bowl of a food processor, blend all ingredients until smooth and no lumps remains. This takes about 30-45 seconds.

Spoon nut spread in a serving bowl and refrigerator for at least 1 hour to overnight.

Bring to room temperature and garnish with chopped pecans or pecan halves.

Serve with club or water crackers, crostini, or pita chips.