Miniketo
ES

Keto Appetizers

Holiday Cheese Spread

This holiday cheese spread brings back memories of cozy family gatherings, where a creamy savory dip was always the star. I’ve transformed it into a keto-friendly recipe that retains all the rich, tangy flavor without the carbs. It’s incredibly simple to make, and it disappears from the table faster than anything else. Whether for a festive party or casual get-together, this low-carb appetizer is sure to become a favorite.

15 min Prep time 0 min Cook time 15 min Total time 12 Servings 388 Calories
Holiday Cheese Spread

Ingredients

  • (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
  • (4.5 ounce) cans deviled ham
  • pound Colby cheese, shredded
  • /4 cup chopped green olives
  • tablespoons prepared mustard
  • /2 teaspoon dry mustard
  • /2 teaspoons chopped fresh chives
  • /2 teaspoon celery salt
  • /2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • /2 teaspoon garlic salt

Instructions

  1. Step 1

    Start by placing the softened cream cheese and deviled ham in a large mixing bowl. Using a rubber spatula, blend them together until the mixture is completely smooth and uniform. Next, fold in the shredded Colby cheese and chopped green olives, distributing them evenly throughout. Sprinkle in the prepared mustard, dry mustard, fresh chives, celery salt, cayenne pepper, and garlic salt. Stir thoroughly to integrate all the spices, making sure every bite will be well-seasoned. Once everything is mixed, cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 60 minutes. This chilling time allows the flavors to develop and the spread to firm up slightly. When you’re ready to serve, take it out and let it rest on the counter for about 10 minutes so it softens just enough for effortless scooping. Pair with crisp vegetable sticks or your favorite keto crackers.

Chef's Tip

I always taste the spread before chilling and adjust the cayenne and garlic salt to suit my palate. A pinch of smoked paprika stirred in at the end adds a subtle backyard cookout vibe that pairs nicely with the deviled ham. This little tweak elevates the spread without any extra carbs.

Storage Tips

Store any leftovers tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. When you're ready to enjoy it again, let the spread rest at room temperature for about 15 minutes to naturally soften—resist the microwave, as it can cause the cheese to separate.

Variation Tips

For a sharper bite, replace Colby with extra-sharp cheddar. If you enjoy heat, fold in a finely diced jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce when mixing. This spread pairs beautifully with crunchy celery sticks, bell pepper strips, or homemade keto crackers.

Frequently Asked Questions