Appetizer > International Spreads

Latvian Cheese Spread Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Special equipment needed:
- Mixing bowl
- Hand mixer or whisk
- Rubber spatula
- Serving dish

Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a mixing bowl, combine cottage cheese, sour cream, and grated cheddar cheese.
2. Using a hand mixer or whisk, mix until well combined and smooth.
3. Add chopped dill, chives, salt, and black pepper. Mix until evenly distributed.
4. Transfer the cheese spread to a serving dish.
5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.


Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Chilling time: 1 hour
Temperature:
Refrigerate at 40°F or below.
Serving size:
Makes about 2 cups of cheese spread. Serving size is 2 tablespoons.

Nutritional information:
Per serving (2 tablespoons):
- Calories: 48
- Total fat: 4g
- Saturated fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 12mg
- Sodium: 89mg
- Total carbohydrates: 1g
- Protein: 3g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Cottage cheese: Ricotta cheese or cream cheese
- Sour cream: Greek yogurt or crème fraîche
- Cheddar cheese: Gouda cheese or Swiss cheese
- Dill: Parsley or basil
- Chives: Green onions or shallots

Variations:
- Add 1/4 cup chopped cooked bacon for a smoky flavor.
- Substitute fresh herbs with dried herbs.
- Add 1/4 cup chopped roasted red peppers for a sweet and tangy flavor.

Tips and tricks:
- Use room temperature cheese for easier mixing.
- Adjust the seasoning to taste.
- Serve with crackers, bread, or vegetables.

Storage instructions:
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Reheating instructions:
- Serve cold.

Presentation ideas:
- Garnish with fresh herbs or chopped nuts.
- Serve in a bread bowl.

Garnishes:
- Fresh herbs
- Chopped nuts
- Crumbled bacon

Pairings:
- Crackers
- Bread
- Vegetables

Suggested side dishes:
- Salad
- Soup
- Grilled vegetables

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the cheese spread is too thick, add a tablespoon of milk or sour cream at a time until desired consistency is reached.
- If the cheese spread is too thin, add more grated cheese.

Food safety advice:
- Keep refrigerated at 40°F or below.
- Discard if left at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

Food history:
- Cheese is an important part of Latvian cuisine, with many traditional dishes featuring cheese as a main ingredient.

Flavor profiles:
- Creamy
- Tangy
- Herby

Serving suggestions:
- Serve as an appetizer or snack.
- Use as a spread for sandwiches or wraps.

Related Categories

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Region: Latvian

Taste: Savory, Tangy, Creamy, Cheesy, Aromatic