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Ilina

Company Cheese Spread

This savory, creamy appetizer is a showstopper for any holiday gathering. Shaped into a beautiful ring using a bundt pan and crusted with pecans and bacon, it offers the perfect balance of salty, savory, and sweet flavors when topped with pepper jelly.  
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • For the Cheese Spread
  • 1 8 oz block cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup mayo
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 1/2 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 pecans chopped
  • 2 green onions chopped
  • 1/3 cup bacon crumbles
  • For Serving
  • 3/4 cup pepper jelly or other jam
  • Crackers bread, or pretzels

Method
 

  1. Prepare the Pan
  2. Place plastic wrap on the inside of a 8-cup bundt pan to fully line the pan. Ensure the wrap hangs over the outside edges to make removal easy later.
  3. Mix the Spread
  4. In a medium sized bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mayo, sour cream, shredded mozzarella, shredded cheddar, chopped green onions, bacon crumbles, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
  5. Layer the Toppings
  6. Sprinkle the chopped pecans, remaining bacon crumbles, and green onions evenly into the bottom of the lined bundt pan. This will become the beautiful top crust when the spread is inverted.
  7. Fill and Chill
  8. Carefully spoon the cheese mixture into the pan over the toppings. Press down firmly on the top to evenly pack the pan and remove air pockets. Cover the pan with the overhanging plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours to allow the shape to set.
  9. Serve
  10. When ready to serve, peel off the top plastic wrap and invert the bundt pan onto a serving plate. Lift the pan off and gently peel away the plastic wrap liner. Spoon the pepper jelly into the center well of the cheese ring and serve with crackers or pretzels.

Notes

  • Using full-fat mayo and sour cream provides the best texture and flavor.
  • Ensure the cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps in your mixture.
  • If you do not have a bundt pan, you can line a small bowl for a dome shape, though the wreath shape is traditional for this recipe.
  • For a nut-free version, simply omit the pecans and increase the bacon or use crushed pretzels (added immediately before serving).
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.