Smoked-Almond Cheese Toasts

Name: Smoked-Almond Cheese Toasts
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: about 3 dozen.
Ingredients: 3/4 cup whipped cream cheese, softened; 2 tablespoons 2% milk; 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese; 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese; 3/4 cup chopped smoked almonds; 1/2 cup soft sun-dried tomato halves (not packed in oil), chopped; 1/8 teaspoon pepper; 1 French bread baguette (10-1/2 ounces), cut into 1/4-inch slices

I created my recipe for appetizer toasts while planning the menu for a friend's bridal luncheon. Smoked almonds add a special touch to the chunky cheese spread.—Laura Murphy, Columbus, Mississippi

Ingredients

3/4 cup whipped cream cheese, softened
2 tablespoons 2% milk
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
3/4 cup chopped smoked almonds
1/2 cup soft sun-dried tomato halves (not packed in oil), chopped
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1 French bread baguette (10-1/2 ounces), cut into 1/4-inch slices

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and milk until smooth. Stir in cheeses, almonds, tomato and pepper; spread over bread slices.
Place on ungreased baking sheets. Bake 10-12 minutes or until cheese is melted.

Editor’s Note: This recipe was tested with sun-dried tomatoes that are ready-to-use without soaking. When using other sun-dried tomatoes that are not oil-packed, cover with boiling water and let stand until soft. Drain before using.

Originally published as Smoked Almond Cheese Toasts in Taste of Home Christmas Annual 2014