Appetizers

Pinecone Cheese Spread

photo by:kraft

Cute, right? Squirrel this recipe away for your next party: A creamy mix of five cheeses plus Dijon mustard and almond slices will have guests pining for more.

time

prep:

20 min

total:

2 hr 20 min

servings

total:

16 servings, 2 Tbsp. spread and 5 crackers each

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What You Need

pkg. (8 oz.) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, softened

pkg. (7 oz.) KRAFT Mexican Style 2% Milk Finely Shredded Four Cheese

Tbsp. GREY POUPON Dijon Mustard

Tbsp. canned chopped green chiles

1/3

cup PLANTERS Sliced Almonds, toasted

RITZ Crackers

Make It

PROCESS first 3 ingredients in food processor until blended. Stir in chiles.

SHAPE into 4-inch oval on sheet of waxed paper to resemble pinecone. Insert nuts in rows to completely cover cream cheese mixture. Transfer to serving plate.

REFRIGERATE 2 hours. Remove from refrigerator 15 min. before serving. Let stand at room temperature to soften slightly. Serve with crackers.

Kraft Kitchens Tips

Size-Wise

Each 2-Tbsp. serving of this spicy spread packs a flavor punch.

Variation

Prepare using one of the following options: Serve with RITZ Snowflake Crackers. Or, add 1 tsp. hot pepper sauce to cream cheese mixture before shaping as directed.

Make Ahead

Cheese spread can be stored in refrigerator up to 5 days before serving as directed.

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a cook

posted:12/27/2010

I thought it was very tasty....but, I don't have a food processor so I used a blender. I couldn't form it into a pinecone so I had to put mine in a bowl. Because no one knew it was supposed to be a pinecone, no harm done, but, I was disappointed. Any idea why I couldn't form it properly?

Guidance13

posted:6/30/2010

Not much cheesy flavor...taste of mustard and green chilies. Not a favorite...actually went begging

michellefeby

posted:6/24/2009

This is awesome! I wanted more flavor and used a little extra mustard as well as sliced pimentos. Brought it to 2 different parties and everyone loved it...plus was asked to make it again!

drkadkme

posted:1/24/2009

This was good but I would use a little less mustard.

Revangel

posted:12/28/2008

Turned out perfectly! My family loved it and couldn't stop praising me! I used jalapeno peppers instead of chiles and added a bit of hot sauce to taste. I also omitted the mustard and it still turned out great.

GregSiebeneck

posted:12/24/2008

I added 2 tbsp chopped Pimentos for a little added color for the Christmas season and it added more holiday cheer and flavor to the already flavorful spread.

tcwheeler

posted:12/17/2008

I like the unique flavor of mustard in this recipe. Will cut back a little next time. Added a few other of my tried and true seasonings to taste (Tony Cachere's, garlic powder, and onion powder). Definitely make ahead and chill in between so that it will hold its shape. Received compliments!

kslarson

posted:12/10/2008

This looks great to have at a party. I thought the dijon taste was overpowering so I added more cream cheese to balance it back out, and then added some chopped olives to give more texture that the extra cream cheese took away. Definitely will make it again, but without as much grey poupon as the recipe calls for.

rmknisely

posted:11/18/2008

I could eat this everyday!!! I make it all the time, even for just regular dinner parties!

Ruthanne319

posted:3/24/2008

Great cheese ball even without making it into a pinecone. Also made it as individual pinecones so the image wasn't ruined as soon as someone ate some. Very cute.