Smoked Gouda Cheese Spread

This smoked gouda cheese spread is easy to throw together as a delicious appetizer or a late-night snack. The creamy, smokiness spread onto a crispy baguette will easily impress your friends--and the topping combinations are endless! 

This is one of my all-time favorite recipes with gouda cheese. The inspiration came from a gouda cheese dip I used to buy at Kroger back in college. I had to come up with a recipe to satisfy my craving without spending all my grocery money on pre-made dip.

Smoked Gouda Cheese Spread Nutrient Notes

I can’t lie, this recipe is delicious because it’s made with cheese and full-fat mayo. But, you can still make swaps to cut the calories! The easiest way to save calories in this recipe is to use mayonnaise that is lower in fat. I’ve outlined some of the options for you in the substitutions list below. Another way to enjoy this recipe is to eat it dip-style with crisp, fresh veggies like carrots, mini sweet peppers, or sugar snap peas. 

Can I use other types of cheese? 

Definitely, feel free to get creative! I recommend using cheeses with bolder flavors, like aged white cheddar, because you want the cheese to be the dominant flavor, not the mayonnaise. 

How should I eat this cheese spread?

The options are unlimited when it comes to this smoked gouda cheese spread—you can eat it with anything--and I have, trust me. Aside from using it as a spread on a crostini or on a cracker, it’s great with taco chips, soft pretzels, or even spread on top of a hot burger, steak, or grilled chicken breast. BUT, if you’re going to eat it crostini-style on a toasted baguette, these are my personal topping recommendations:

Salted Butter Kitchen’s Favorite Topping Combos

Can I prep the gouda cheese spread ahead of time and store it?

Yes! You can prep it 2-3 days ahead of time—if you can manage not to eat it for that long! The spread will last up to one week in the refrigerator. Store in a container with a tightly sealed lid. 

Can I make it spicy?

Yes! Minced jalapeños or Serrano peppers, red pepper flakes, Tabasco sauce, cayenne pepper—go for it! 

Smoked Gouda Cheese Spread Substitutions

Full-fat mayonnaise vs. low-fat mayonnaise: If you’re looking to cut back on the calories in this recipe, changing out the type of mayonnaise is the main option. Yes, the flavor will change slightly, but I’ve tested each of these different options and they are all worthy of this recipe. With that said, I recommend only using Hellmann’s or Best Foods brand mayonnaise. (Fun Fact: They’re actually the same mayonnaise, they’re just named differently depending on where you live in the U.S.!) Here are the main options you have from Hellmann's, listed in order of calorie count (*These calorie counts are accurate as of 05/2021):

Mayonnaise vs. cream cheese: If you’re not a mayo person, you’re welcome to swap in cream cheese instead! This will make for a more substantial dip that can even be rolled to make a cheese ball.  *Pro Tip: Use whipped cream cheese—it's easier to mix!

Red onion vs. yellow onion: This honestly comes down to your taste preference. I personally love the red onion in this recipe because the flavor is a bit milder, allowing for the smokiness of the Gouda cheese to emerge without the overbearing flavor of the onion. Additionally, the deep purple makes the dip more aesthetically pleasing and adds some color variation to an otherwise bland-looking cheese spread. 

Whether you're looking for a casual snack to pair with a glass of wine or an appetizer dressed up & ready to impress your friends and family, this smoked gouda cheese spread earns top marks. Try it topped with crispy bacon & black currant jam. You have my word, it won't disappoint.

All my love and a little butter,

Olivia Sokolowska, MBA-RD