How to Make Company Cheese Spread
December 1, 2024
source: 12 Tomatoes
I have a confession: I’m the kind of person who loves to bring a “wow” dish to a party. You know, the one that looks fancy, tastes amazing, and gets people talking. That’s why I always turn to this Company Cheese Spread. It’s a recipe that’s been passed around in my circle for years, and for good reason. It’s creamy, cheesy, smoky, crunchy, and just a little sweet. Basically, it hits all the notes you want in an appetizer.
What I love most about it is that it looks like you spent hours making it, but it’s actually one of the easiest recipes ever. Plus, it’s one of those dishes you can prep ahead of time, which is a huge win when you’re trying to juggle a million things before guests arrive. Trust me, if you want something that will have people asking for the recipe (and believe me, they will), this is it.
What You’ll Need
For this recipe, you’ll need some classic party dip staples along with a few extras that take it over the top. Here’s the rundown:
For the Cheese Mixture:
- 1 (8 oz) block of cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 3 green onions, chopped
- 1 cup bacon crumbles
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
For the Topping:
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- ⅓ cup bacon crumbles
- 2 green onions, chopped
To Serve:
- ¾ cup pepper jelly (or your favorite jam)
- Crackers, bread, or pretzels
Now, I know pepper jelly might sound a little unusual, but trust me on this one. That sweet and spicy kick is the magic ingredient that ties everything together. My mom introduced me to pepper jelly years ago, and now I can’t imagine making this spread without it.
How to Make It
Let’s get to the fun part—putting it all together!
First, grab a bundt pan. If you don’t have one, a round cake pan will work, but the bundt pan makes it look extra fancy. Line the pan with plastic wrap, letting it hang over the edges so you can lift the cheese spread out later.
In a medium-sized bowl, mix the cream cheese, mayo, and sour cream until it’s smooth and creamy. Add the mozzarella, cheddar, green onions, bacon crumbles, salt, pepper, and garlic powder, then stir until everything is combined. This part is where the magic happens. The smell alone will make you want to dive in right away, but resist the temptation. It’s worth the wait.
Next, sprinkle the chopped pecans, bacon crumbles, and green onions evenly across the bottom of your bundt pan. This will be the decorative top layer once it’s flipped out. When I first made this recipe, I was worried this step wouldn’t work out perfectly, but honestly, the toppings always come out looking great no matter how you spread them.
Spoon the cheese mixture into the pan, pressing it down as you go to make sure there are no air pockets. Smooth the top with a spatula, then cover the whole thing with plastic wrap. Pop it in the fridge for at least two hours, though I usually make it the night before and let it chill overnight. The longer it sits, the more the flavors come together.
When it’s time to serve, take the pan out of the fridge, peel back the top layer of plastic wrap, and place a serving plate on top. Flip it over, and carefully lift the pan. Then, remove the plastic wrap, and voilà—a perfectly molded cheese ring! The first time I did this, I actually gasped because it came out so pretty.
Finally, spoon the pepper jelly into the center of the cheese ring. This step is totally optional, but it adds such a nice balance to the rich, savory cheese. Serve it with crackers, bread, or pretzels, and watch it disappear in minutes.
Why I Love This Recipe
This dish is a total party hero. It’s impressive without being fussy, and it’s super versatile. Sometimes I switch up the cheeses depending on what I have in the fridge, or I’ll add a little heat with diced jalapeños. It always turns out amazing.
What really makes this recipe special is the reaction it gets from people. At one party, my friend literally stood by the platter, eating it with a spoon because she loved it so much. Another time, someone asked me to bring it to every gathering from then on. That’s when you know you’ve got a winner.
If you’re looking for a simple appetizer that’s guaranteed to impress, give this Company Cheese Spread a try. It’s my go-to for holidays, game days, and any time I want to bring something extra special. You won’t regret it!
Thank you, 12 Tomatoes, for introducing me to my all-time favorite party dish. Now, I can’t host a gathering without it.