Red Bell Pepper & Cheddar Cheese Spread

This vibrant Red Bell Pepper and Cheddar Cheese Spread is a delightful twist on classic appetizers. The deep, sweet flavor of roasted red peppers blends seamlessly with the sharp, tangy bite of Tillamook cheddar, creating a rich and creamy texture that is both comforting and sophisticated. Aromatic roasted garlic and a hint of cayenne add warmth, while fresh chopped chives provide a bright, herbal finish. Perfectly smooth yet rustic, this spread is ideal for spreading on crusty country bread, pairing with sturdy crackers, or serving alongside fresh crudites. It&# 226;ÂÂs an excellent choice for potlucks, parties, or as a quick starter before dinner. Simple to prepare with pantry staples, this recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort.

Cooking Method: Baking

Cuisine: Mediterranean

Courses: Appetisers

Difficulty: Advanced

Servings: 12

Calories: 517.0

Dietary: Gluten-free, Vegetarian

Description

This vibrant Red Bell Pepper and Cheddar Cheese Spread is a delightful twist on classic appetizers. The deep, sweet flavor of roasted red peppers blends seamlessly with the sharp, tangy bite of Tillamook cheddar, creating a rich and creamy texture that is both comforting and sophisticated. Aromatic roasted garlic and a hint of cayenne add warmth, while fresh chopped chives provide a bright, herbal finish. Perfectly smooth yet rustic, this spread is ideal for spreading on crusty country bread, pairing with sturdy crackers, or serving alongside fresh crudites. It&# 226;ÂÂs an excellent choice for potlucks, parties, or as a quick starter before dinner. Simple to prepare with pantry staples, this recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort.

Ingredients

1/2 small Onion, Quartered
3 lg Cloves Garlic, Peeled
2 teaspoon Olive Oil
2 Red Bell Peppers
1 1/2 cup Tillamook Cheddar Cheese, Or
1/2 cup Other Sharp Cheddar, Grated And Packed
1/4 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper
2 tablespoon Chives, Fresh, Chopped

Directions

1
Preheat oven to 375ÃÂ°F (190ÃÂ°C).
2
Place quartered onion and peeled garlic cloves in a small baking dish.
3
Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat evenly.
4
Bake until soft and golden, stirring occasionally, about 50 minutes.
5
Remove from oven and allow to cool completely.
6
Meanwhile, char red bell peppers over a gas flame or under a broiler until the skin is blackened on all sides.
7
Place charred peppers in a bowl, cover with plastic wrap or a plate, and let steam for 10 minutes.
8
Peel off the charred skin, remove seeds and stems, and pat the peppers dry with paper towels.
9
Place roasted onion, garlic, red peppers, cheddar cheese, and cayenne pepper in a food processor.
10
Pulse and puree until the mixture is almost smooth and well combined.
11
Transfer the spread to a serving bowl.
12
Stir in fresh chopped chives by hand.
13
Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
14
Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow flavors to meld.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 12

Amount Per Serving
Calories 517.0kcal

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 32.7g51%
Saturated Fat 19.3g97%
Cholesterol 87.3mg30%
Sodium 574.1mg24%
Total Carbohydrate 30.6g11%
Dietary Fiber 3.0g12%
Sugars 3.8g
Protein 27.9g56%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Storage: This spread can be prepared up to 1 day in advance. Store covered in the refrigerator.

Serving Suggestions: Excellent served with sturdy crackers, on slices of crusty country bread, or as a dip for fresh crudites like carrot sticks and celery.

Yield: Makes about 1-1/2 cups of spread.

Tip: Ensure the roasted vegetables are completely cool before blending to prevent the cheese from becoming oily or separating.

Keywords: red pepper, cheddar, spread, dip, appetizer, vegetarian, roasted garlic, chives, smoky, creamy, party food, crackers, crudites, cheese dip, mediterranean, easy recipe, make ahead, sharp cheddar, bell pepper, garlic

Read it online: https://www.chefs-mate.com/recipe/red-bell-pepper-cheddar-cheese-spread/