French Quarter Cheese Spread

Total Time

Prep/Total Time: 20 min.

Makes

8 servings

Updated: Jun. 30, 2023
Topped with toasty pecans, this sweet-and-savory cheese ball makes a festive hostess gift for holiday parties. Says Heidi: “It’s always a hit; there’s never anything left over, and everyone asks for the recipe.” At home, make it ahead of time for convenience, then bring to room temp and serve. Heidi Blaine Hadburg - Safety Harbor, FL
French Quarter Cheese Spread Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Ingredients

  • 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 tablespoon grated onion
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1/4 cup butter, cubed
  • 1/4 cup packed dark brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon prepared mustard
  • 1 cup finely chopped pecans, toasted
  • Assorted crackers

Directions

  1. In a small bowl, combine the cream cheese, onion and garlic. Transfer to a serving plate; shape into a 6-in. disk. Set aside.
  2. In a small saucepan, combine the butter, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce and mustard. Cook and stir over medium heat for 4-5 minutes or until sugar is dissolved. Remove from the heat; stir in pecans.
  3. Cool slightly. Spoon over cheese mixture. Serve with crackers.

Nutrition Facts

1/4 cup: 280 calories, 26g fat (11g saturated fat), 46mg cholesterol, 138mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.