h Warm Cheese Ball Spread & Pecan Crunch Recipe
This festive holiday recipe features warm, gooey cheese ball spread served on crisp flatbreads, topped with a crunchy, caramelized pecan topping and garnished with fresh herbs and a drizzle of honey or balsamic glaze. Perfect for parties or cozy winter nights, these flatbreads combine savory, sweet, and aromatic flavors for an irresistible appetizer.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking, Sautéing
- Cuisine: American, Holiday
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
For the Flatbreads:
- 2 store-bought naan or flatbreads
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp dried thyme or rosemary
For the Warm Cheese Ball Spread:
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup crumbled feta or goat cheese
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Pecan Crunch Topping:
- ½ cup chopped pecans
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp brown sugar or honey
- Pinch of sea salt
For Garnish:
- Fresh thyme or rosemary leaves
- Drizzle of honey or balsamic glaze
Instructions
- Prepare the Flatbreads: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly brush the store-bought naan or flatbreads with olive oil. Sprinkle evenly with garlic powder and your choice of dried thyme or rosemary for an aromatic base. Place the flatbreads on a baking sheet and bake for 6–8 minutes until the edges turn lightly crisp.
- Make the Warm Cheese Spread: In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded sharp cheddar, crumbled feta or goat cheese, honey or maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and cayenne pepper if using. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Beat the mixture until it’s smooth and fluffy. Transfer this to an oven-safe dish and bake for 10–12 minutes until warm and slightly golden on top.
- Prepare the Pecan Crunch: Melt the butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped pecans, brown sugar or honey, and a pinch of sea salt. Stir continuously as the nuts caramelize and become fragrant, approximately 3 minutes. Once done, spread the pecans onto parchment paper to cool slightly and harden into a crunchy topping.
- Assemble: Spread the warm cheese mixture onto the prepared flatbreads or serve the cheese spread in a dish for dipping. Evenly sprinkle the pecan crunch topping on top. Drizzle with honey or balsamic glaze and garnish with fresh thyme or rosemary leaves to enhance the festive presentation.
- Serve: Cut the flatbreads into wedges and serve warm. This appetizer is ideal for holiday gatherings or cozy winter evenings where a comforting yet elegant snack is appreciated.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, increase the cayenne pepper according to your taste.
- Substitute goat cheese with feta to vary the flavor profile.
- Use gluten-free flatbreads to make this recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive guests.
- Warm the honey or balsamic glaze before drizzling for easier application.
- Store any leftovers of the cheese spread in the fridge and reheat gently before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe (approx.)
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 31 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 11 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
Keywords: holiday appetizer, warm cheese spread, flatbreads, pecan topping, festive snack, party recipe, easy holiday recipe