Randy Chandler
Processed cheese spread is a versatile and convenient product with a range of uses. It is typically made with one or more cheeses, additional ingredients, and sometimes food additives. It can be used as a spread on toast, bagels, crackers, or sandwiches, and paired with sweet or savoury toppings. It can also be used as a dip with crackers or vegetables, or as an ingredient in more complex dishes. It can be purchased or made at home using a food processor or blender, and leftover cheeses can be used to make a homemade cheese spread.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Texture | Soft, spreadable, adhesive |
| Ingredients | Pasteurized processed cheese, emulsifiers (e.g. potassium phosphate, tartrate), food stabilizers (e.g. carrageenan, xanthan gum), cream, milkfat, sweeteners, water, salt, various seasonings, artificial color, multiple cheeses, fruits, vegetables, meats, various spices |
| Nutritional Information | >= 51% cheese products, >= 20% milkfat, 44-60% moisture content, >= 23% fat |
| Use Cases | Spread on toast, bagels, crackers, sandwiches, or vegetables |
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What You'll Learn
Use as a spread on toast, bagels, crackers, or bread
Processed cheese spread is a versatile and straightforward product. It can be used as a spread on toast, bagels, crackers, or bread. This is a quick and easy option for breakfast, lunch, or a snack.
To make a simple cheese spread, you can use a food processor to blend shredded cheese with cream cheese and heavy cream to make it extra creamy. You can also add in extra ingredients such as herbs, garlic, butter, and spices to create a medley of flavors. For a smoother texture, blend for longer, and add a little liquid if the spread is too thick.
For a more substantial meal, you can make a cheese sandwich with crusty homemade bread and a cheese spread. This could be a simple combination of sharp cheddar, butter, and pepper, or you could add in fresh garlic for an extra kick.
Processed cheese spread can also be used as a substitute for sandwich margarine, providing a low-fat alternative. It can be paired with sweet or savory toppings, such as cured meats or fruit, to make a tasty and quick snack.
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Make a sandwich with it
Processed cheese spread is a versatile ingredient that can be used to make delicious sandwiches. Here are some ways to make a sandwich with it:
Grilled Cheese Sandwich:
- Butter each slice of bread on both sides. You can use softened butter and spread it directly on the bread, or melt butter in a pan and toast the bread slices until golden on both sides.
- Place the toasted bread slices on a plate and spread the processed cheese spread on the hot bread. You can use as much spread as you like to achieve your desired level of cheesiness.
- Sprinkle some chili flakes and herbs on top of the cheese spread if you want to add some extra flavour.
- Cover the bread slice with another slice, placing the hotter side down over the cheese. This will help the cheese to melt and create a gooey, delicious filling.
- Grill the sandwich on low to medium heat until the cheese begins to melt and the bread is golden brown.
- Halve the sandwich and serve it warm. Enjoy the crispy, buttery, and toasted bread with melted cheesy goodness!
Cold Cheese Sandwich:
- Take your favourite bread, preferably soft and fresh slices.
- Spread a generous amount of processed cheese spread on one slice of bread. You can also add some vegetables like lettuce, tomatoes, or cucumbers to add some crunch and freshness to your sandwich.
- Sprinkle some salt and pepper to taste, and maybe even some red chilli flakes for an extra kick.
- Cover the sandwich with another slice of bread.
- Cut off the crusts if desired, and then slice the sandwich into triangles or rectangles. You can also cut it into smaller, bite-sized pieces for a fun presentation.
- Serve the sandwich cold and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness!
Toasted Cheese Sandwich:
- Lightly butter the bread slices on one side and place them butter-side down on a baking sheet or directly into a sandwich toaster.
- Spread a generous amount of processed cheese spread on the bread slices. You can also add some sliced or grated cheese on top for an extra cheesy sandwich.
- Sprinkle some herbs or spices of your choice, such as oregano, basil, or paprika, to add some extra flavour.
- Cover each slice with another slice of bread, with the buttered side facing up.
- Toast the sandwiches in a sandwich toaster or oven until the bread is golden and the cheese is melted.
- Serve the toasted cheese sandwiches warm and enjoy the crispy, melted goodness!
Veggie Cheese Sandwich:
- Choose your favourite bread, preferably soft and fresh slices.
- Heat some olive oil in a pan and sauté your favourite vegetables. You can use bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, or any veggies you like. Sauté until they are slightly softened and cooked to your liking.
- Spread the processed cheese spread on one slice of bread. You can also add some mayonnaise or ketchup to the other slice for extra flavour.
- Place the sautéed vegetables on top of the cheese spread and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cover the sandwich with another slice of bread and cut into halves or triangles.
- Serve the veggie cheese sandwich fresh or toasted, enjoying the combination of melted cheese and crunchy vegetables!
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Add to a charcuterie board
A charcuterie board is a great way to showcase processed cheese spread. Here are some tips and ideas to elevate your charcuterie game:
Choose the Right Board:
Select a board that complements your spread. Marble, wood, or slate serving boards are excellent options, adding a rustic charm to your presentation. Consider the number of guests when choosing the size of the board. For larger gatherings, multiple boards or a cutting board laid with butcher paper can be a good option.
The Main Attraction – Cheese:
When it comes to cheese, variety is key. Aim for a mix of hard and soft cheeses, and cheeses made from different types of milk (cow, sheep, goat). An odd number of cheeses, typically 3, 5, or 7, is recommended for visual appeal. If using processed cheese spread, it can be a versatile base for other flavors. Try blending it with herbs, garlic, or even sweet ingredients like berries or cream to create unique flavors.
Meats:
Charcuterie boards traditionally feature cured meats. Salami, prosciutto, ham, chorizo, and summer sausage are popular choices. An assortment of meats adds interest and allows your guests to find their favorite combinations.
Crackers and Bread:
Provide a variety of crackers, mini toasts, or sliced baguette. Different shapes, sizes, and flavors add texture and interest to your board. Don't forget to include some crusty bread if you plan to use the processed cheese spread as a spread or for sandwiches.
Fruits and Vegetables:
Fruits and vegetables add a burst of color and freshness to your board. Fresh or dried fruits like berries, apples, or pears can be delicious paired with cheese. Vegetables like olives or sliced peppers can also be a nice addition.
Spreads and Dips:
In addition to your processed cheese spread, consider offering other dips and spreads like fig butter, artichoke dip, or hummus. These can complement the cheeses and meats beautifully.
Nuts and Chocolates:
Nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, add crunch and flavor to your board. Chocolate-covered nuts or dark chocolate can also be a decadent addition. Just remember to inform your guests about potential nut allergies.
Presentation:
Arrange the items on the board with care. Separate similar textured cheeses and meats to offer visual variety. Allow the cheese to come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor. You can also get creative with decorations, like small pumpkins for a fall-themed board.
Processed cheese spread is a versatile ingredient that can be the star of your charcuterie board. With a little creativity, you can create a spread that's both delicious and visually stunning.
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Use as a dip
Processed cheese spread is a versatile ingredient that can be used in many ways, one of which is as a dip. Here are some tips and ideas for using processed cheese spread as a dip:
Flavour Combinations
When using processed cheese spread as a dip, consider adding other ingredients to amplify the flavour. You can add some cream cheese to make it creamier, or even swap out the regular cream cheese for a different variety of spreadable cheese. Adding some mayonnaise will also add a touch of creamy goodness and a hint of tangy sweetness. You can also add some freshly minced garlic for extra flavour. If you're looking for a kick of spice, add some hot pepper sauce or horseradish. Alternatively, you can add some herbs to your cheese spread to elevate the flavours and add depth to your dip.
Dippers
There are endless options for what you can dip into your cheese spread. The classic option is crackers, but you can also use pretzel chips, bread, or even veggies like carrots, celery, cucumbers, peppers, snap peas, cherry tomatoes, and green pepper strips. If you're looking for something a little more indulgent, try using chips or even pretzels.
Consistency
If you're using the cheese spread as a dip, you might want a softer consistency. To achieve this, serve the dip immediately after making it, or add more milk to thin it out. If you prefer a firmer consistency, simply refrigerate the dip before serving.
Storage
If you have any leftover cheese spread, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. However, it's important to bring the dip back to room temperature before serving, as this will ensure it retains its fluffy and creamy texture. Simply remove the dip from the fridge about 30 minutes to 1 hour before serving.
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Make a cheese paste
Cheese paste is a popular sandwich filling in the Caribbean, enjoyed by both adults and children. It is typically made with a sharp cheddar cheese, butter or margarine, and sometimes coloured red and green. The spread is then placed between slices of bread, with or without meat and vegetables.
To make a basic cheese paste, you will need the following ingredients:
- Grated cheese (a sharp cheddar is recommended, but any cheese will work)
- Butter (soft or at room temperature)
- Milk (optional, to make the paste more spreadable)
You can also add a variety of other ingredients to taste, such as:
- Grated carrot (for colour and flavour)
- Mayonnaise (for a smoother paste)
- Mustard
- Black pepper
- Grated onion
- Hot pepper sauce
- Fresh or dried herbs
- White wine
- Garlic
To make the cheese paste, start by grating your chosen cheese as finely as possible. Place the cheese in a large bowl and add the butter a little at a time, mixing well to combine. If you are using milk, add it now and continue mixing until you have a smooth paste. You can use a food processor to make the process faster and easier, and to ensure a very smooth and creamy texture.
Once your cheese paste is ready, you can use it immediately as a sandwich filling or store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
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Frequently asked questions
Processed cheese spread is a soft, spreadable cheese product made from one or more cheeses and sometimes additional ingredients such as vegetables, fruits, meats, and various spices and seasonings.
Processed cheese spread is typically spread on foods such as bread, toast, crackers, and vegetables. It can also be used as a dip or as an ingredient in recipes.
You can spread it on toast or crackers and pair it with fruit for a sweet option or cured meats for a savory one. You can also use it in sandwiches or as part of a charcuterie board.
Yes, you can make your own cheese spread at home by blending shredded cheese with other ingredients such as cream cheese, heavy cream, butter, herbs, and garlic in a food processor until smooth.
If your homemade cheese spread is too thick, you can add a liquid ingredient such as wine or cream to thin it out. You can also adjust the ingredients to your preference, such as using hot paprika in place of pepper jack cheese.
