When I saw this Pub Spread was on the menu for a cooking class I took a few weeks ago, I was in. A few years ago, I discovered a Pub Cheese Spread that Trader Joe’s sells and it quickly became an every-once-in-awhile addiction. At just under four dollars, the little tub of whipped creamy cheddar cheese is the perfect accompaniment for a stack of Wheat Thins. Our local grocery store sells the same Pub Cheese as well now, for two dollars more. Go figure.
There were four recipes made and tasted during the Irish-themed cooking class that night, and this one was my favorite, followed closely by the Guinness Beef Stew. I actually like this better than the Trader Joe’s spread and from a cost standpoint, it’s cheaper for way more.
The recipe calls for shaping the cheese into a ball shape and then rolling it in the chopped fresh parsley and chives. We didn’t do that in class, and I didn’t do it when I made it this weekend either. I just mixed it all together and set it out in a bowl along with a basket of crackers. We’re pretty low-maintenance here.
Using basic ingredients you can easily keep on hand, and might even have already, it’s a great thing to whip up when you have last minute company coming. Or even if you don’t. Simple. No fuss. Full-on flavor. No excuses not to make this one.
Project 365
March 23, 2010, Photo #68
I just can’t believe how big she’s getting.
Homemade Irish Cheddar and Ale Pub Spread
Recipe courtesy of Shop Rite cooking class
2-1/2 cups shredded extra-sharp Irish Cheddar cheese
1 (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons heavy cream
1/8 teaspoon cayenne
1/4 teaspoon sea sealt
1/4 cup Irish ale (I honestly used whatever beer I had on hand)
4 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, divided
4 tablespoons chopped fresh chives, divided (I used scallions)
In a food processor (I used a big bowl and mixed by hand), combine Cheddar, cream cheese, mustard, cream, cayenne and salt. Process 30 seconds. Add ale; process until smooth. Pulse in 2 tablespoons of the parsley and 2 tablespoons of the chives until just combined. Transfer to a bowl; cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight (we didn’t in class, ate right away, and it was fine).
To serve: If desired, shape the chilled spread into a ball, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill at least 1 hour or until ready to serve. Just before serving, roll the ball in remaining chopped parsley and chives. Serve with crackers.
This sounds like fantastic spread to make when friends come over to hang out on the deck! Thanks for sharing.
This is one of those recipes I wish I had found pre-starting-my-new-diet ;)
Looks fantastic! I love a good ball of cheesy yumminess!
Did you just say cheese and guinness? I’m in. I love the sound of cheddar and chives together…although I have to say I might just smear this on some bread and eat it as a sandwich.
Maddie is getting really big! She looks like a real little person now!
You totally turned me onto that Trader Joe’s Pub Spread…I love that stuff (and as a result seldom buy it. Hello! Trying not to overconsume here ;) ).
This looks delicious!
And OMG, Maddie is getting so big and girl-ish. They grow up so fast.
This sounds awesome but not something I could be alone with for very long. Very dangerous.
How funny, I saw a container of pub cheese at my grocery store this past week and almost put it in the basket. Call me weird. Sometimes I spend way more than I need to on something and then sometimes the cost of things make my hackles come up.
Glad to get the recipe!
Yum that sounds delish! Thanks for the recipe! I hope I can find that Trader Joe’s spread too. Sometimes my Trader Joe’s doesn’t have the good stuff other ones do :(
I bought a couple of packs of beer at St. Patrick’s Day but haven’t used it. I have a feeling this beer will be making an appearance at book club soon!
This spread sounds delicious and I still have Irish ale in the fridge from St. Patrick’s Day!
This sounds amazing! I love quick and easy stuff that you can throw together.
Oh yes, this definitely looks like a good spread
i wish all american bars and the like were referred to as pubs–it’s a much more fun word. :)
great spread, cate, and yet again i fight the urge to squeal at the ball of cuteness that is your daughter. :)
This was AMAZING. Simply amazing. Served it on St Patty’s Day and it was a HUGE hit. Thanks SO much!
Thank you so much, this is just the recipe I have been looking for. Clarice