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Canadian Sharp Cheddar Cheese Spread

Attention, cheese lovers! This may be the best cheese spread you've ever had! My friend's mother gave me this recipe over 15 years ago. I always make it around the holidays, or for football and hockey game nights. Everyone begs for this recipe. Turn this into a pub spread by adding a half cup of your favorite dark ale. Use brick cream cheese for a spread, or spreadable cream cheese for a dip. Serve with crispy crackers, toast, or bagels.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 8 hours 45 minutes
Course Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 12 people
Calories 1755 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Microwave-Safe Bowl
  • 1 Knife for slicing cheese and chopping onion
  • 1 Fork or Sturdy Spatula for mixing
  • 1 Airtight Container for chilling and storage

Ingredients
  

Main

  • 1 8 ounce package cream cheese
  • 1 8 ounce container cold pack aged sharp Cheddar cheese (such as MacLaren's Imperial Sharp Cold Pack Cheddar Cheese product)
  • ¼ cup finely chopped red onion
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 dash hot sauce or to taste

Instructions
 

  • Place cream cheese and cold pack Cheddar cheese in a microwave-safe bowl; slice cheese into chunks with a knife. Microwave cheese in 30-second intervals on high just until softened, stirring between intervals.
  • Stir red onion, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, paprika, and hot sauce into cheese mixture with a fork until evenly combined; spoon into an airtight container and refrigerate, 8 hours to overnight.
  • Remove cheese spread from refrigerator about 30 minutes before serving.

Notes

For optimal results, sourcing a quality cold-pack sharp Cheddar, like MacLaren's, is crucial for the signature texture and robust flavor. If unavailable, use a high-quality block sharp cheddar, finely grated and brought to room temperature. When microwaving, aim to *just* soften the cheeses; overdoing it can lead to oil separation and a greasy texture. The red onion should be very finely minced to integrate seamlessly. Don't rush the chilling period – 8 hours to overnight allows all the distinct flavors to meld beautifully and the spread to achieve its ideal firm yet spreadable consistency. Consider adding a half cup of dark ale for a classic pub cheese variation. Always taste and adjust seasonings before the final chill. Serve at room temperature for the best spreadability and flavor perception.