Port Wine Cheese Spread

Indulge in the elegance of Port Wine Cheese Spread! A creamy blend of cheddar & cream cheese kissed with port wine. Pair with crackers, veggies, and fresh fruit.

Your family will love the Port Wine Cheese Spread for its irresistible combination of creamy cheddar and cream cheese, enhanced by the rich, nuanced flavor of port wine. It’s a sophisticated yet approachable treat that adds a touch of luxury to any occasion.

Perfect for gatherings, the smooth texture and delightful taste make it a crowd-pleaser. Whether paired with crackers, breadsticks, or fresh veggies, this spread promises a flavor adventure that will leave everyone craving more. It’s not just a snack; it’s a delicious experience that elevates family moments with each indulgent bite.

Ingredients

This combination of ingredients suggests a luxurious and flavorful Port Wine Cheese Spread with layers of taste and texture.

• Port Wine: This is a key component, as the reduced port wine will infuse a sweet and sophisticated flavor into the spread, elevating it to a gourmet level.
• Cream Cheese: The base of the spread, contributing a creamy texture and a mild flavor that complements the other cheeses and the richness of the port wine reduction.
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Adds boldness and a savory kick to the spread. The sharpness of cheddar pairs well with the sweetness of the port wine, creating a well-balanced taste.
• Fresh Chives: Chopped chives add a fresh and herbaceous element to the spread. They provide a burst of flavor that enhances the overall profile.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning, salt enhances the flavors, while pepper adds a subtle heat. Adjusting to taste ensures a well-balanced and seasoned spread.
• Chopped Pecans, Walnuts, or Hazelnuts: These nuts bring a crunchy texture and nutty flavor, creating a delightful contrast to the creamy spread. Toasting enhances their nuttiness.

How to make Port Wine Cheese Spread

Create a gourmet Port Wine Cheese Spread effortlessly! Mix softened cream cheese, sharp cheddar, reduced port wine, fresh chives, and season to taste. Top with toasted nuts for a crunchy finish. Indulge in a rich and flavorful treat in minutes!

1. Reduce the wine into a syrup and boil off the alcohol.
2. Cream together the cheeses and season with herbs and spices.
3. Swirl in the port reduction.
4. Transfer into a crock for serving and top with chopped nuts.

Why this recipe works

This recipe works because it combines rich and creamy textures from cream cheese and sharp cheddar with the sweet sophistication of reduced port wine. The fresh chives add a burst of herbaceous flavor, while toasted nuts provide a delightful crunch. Simple steps result in a gourmet Port Wine Cheese Spread that’s both easy to make and incredibly flavorful. The balance of ingredients creates a harmonious blend, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

Recipe Tips and Kitchen Tricks

1. Perfect Consistency: Ensure cream cheese is softened at room temperature for a smooth texture. Gradually add the reduced port wine to prevent lumpiness and achieve a velvety spread.
2. Enhance Flavor: Adjust seasoning gradually, tasting as you go. Freshly ground black pepper adds depth, and toasting nuts intensifies their flavor, elevating the overall taste experience.
3. Presentation Matters: Shape the spread into a ball and roll it in toasted nuts for an appealing look. Garnish with extra chives or a drizzle of port wine for a touch of elegance. A visually pleasing presentation enhances the dining experience.

Recipe Variations

1. Fruit Infusion: Add a fruity twist by incorporating dried cranberries or apricots into the spread. Their sweetness complements the richness of the cheese and port wine, creating a delightful contrast.
2. Spicy Kick: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper or finely diced jalapeños. The spicy element adds an exciting dimension to the spread, balancing the sweetness and creaminess.
3. Herb Garden Blend: Experiment with a variety of fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, and parsley. This herb-infused variation brings a fragrant and earthy profile, enhancing the overall complexity of flavors.

Serving Suggestions

1. Cracker Platter: Arrange a variety of crackers, from plain to whole grain, on a platter. Let guests spread the Port Wine Cheese on their choice of crackers for a delightful appetizer.
2. Breadstick Basket: Serve the spread alongside a basket of crispy breadsticks. The combination of the creamy spread and the crunchy breadsticks creates a satisfying texture contrast.
3. Veggie Dip: Pair the Port Wine Cheese Spread with an assortment of fresh vegetable sticks such as celery, carrots, and bell peppers. The crisp veggies provide a refreshing balance to the richness of the spread.
4. Charcuterie Board Inclusion: Elevate your charcuterie board by featuring the Port Wine Cheese Spread alongside cured meats, artisanal cheeses, and fresh fruits. It adds a luxurious touch to the overall platter.
5. Gourmet Sandwich Spread: Use the Port Wine Cheese as a gourmet spread for sandwiches or wraps. Its unique flavor profile will transform a simple sandwich into a sophisticated and flavorful meal.

Storing, freezing, and reheating instructions

Storing Instructions:

• Store leftover Port Wine Cheese Spread in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• It can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness.
• Ensure the container is sealed tightly to prevent the spread from absorbing other odors.

Freezing Instructions:

• While cream cheese-based spreads can be frozen, the texture may change slightly upon thawing.
• Port Wine Cheese Spread can be frozen in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap.
• Label with the date and freeze for up to 1-2 months.

Reheating Tips:

• To reheat, allow the spread to thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
• Gently stir the spread to restore its creamy consistency.
• If desired, you can add a small amount of additional softened cream cheese to adjust the texture.
• Serve at room temperature for the best flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Wine & Cocktail Pairings

1. Red Port Wine:
   • Enhances the richness of the spread with its sweet and fruity notes.
   • Complements the sharpness of cheddar and creaminess of the cheese.
2. Tawny Port:
   • Its nutty and caramel undertones harmonize with the toasted nuts in the spread.
   • Balances the sweetness of the wine with the savory elements of the cheese.
3. White Port or Dry Sherry:
   • Offers a refreshing contrast to the creamy spread.
   • The dry profile complements the richness of the cheese, creating a well-balanced pairing.

Cocktail Pairings:

1. Port Wine Spritzer:
   • Mix red port wine with sparkling water and a splash of citrus for a refreshing and effervescent companion.
2. Classic Martini:
   • The clean and crisp flavors of a classic martini contrast with the richness of the spread, creating a sophisticated pairing.
3. Gin and Tonic:
   • The botanical notes in gin complement the fresh chives, while the tonic’s effervescence provides a palate-cleansing element.

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Port Wine Cheese Spread

Ronda Eagle | Kitchen Dreaming

This port wine cheese recipe is typically served as a spread or in a ball. This flavorful cheese also makes a wonderful gift for the wine-lover or foodie on your list.

5 from 5 votes

Print Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American

Servings 10 servings

Calories 319 kcal

Ingredients

  

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• 1 cup Port Wine (for reduction)
• 1 8 oz package cream cheese , softened
• 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 tbsp fresh chives , chopped & divided
• salt and pepper to taste
• 3/4 cup chopped pecans , walnuts or hazelnuts, toasted

Instructions

 

• In a small saucepan [paid link], boil 1 cup of port until it is reduced into a syrup of about 2 tablespoons.
• In a mixing bowl [paid link], cream together the cream cheese and cheddar cheeses. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Then, by hand swirl in the port reduction. Do not fully combine.
• Transfer into a crock for serving and top with a scattering of chopped walnuts and fresh herbs or roll into a 10 – 12 in log or ball and then roll into the nuts and fresh herbs

Notes

Port Wine is a fortified Portuguese wine and is not typically sold in grocery stores. In my area, Port Wine is only available in full-service liquor stores. If Port Wine is not available in your area, chose a sweet, red, Portuguese wine as a viable substitute.

Nutrition

Serving: 11/10 portionCalories: 319kcalCarbohydrates: 6gProtein: 11gFat: 26gSaturated Fat: 13gCholesterol: 64mgSodium: 295mgPotassium: 124mgFiber: 1gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 695IUVitamin C: 1mgVitamin D: 1µgVitamin E: 1mgVitamin K: 3µgCalcium: 277mgFolate: 11µgIron: 1mgZinc: 2mg

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