Easy Gouda Cream Cheese Spread for Crackers (make ahead)

Jessica Kostka — Fri, 18 Sep 2026 20:57:32 +0000

This creamy Gouda and cream cheese spread is the perfect make-ahead appetizer, effortlessly elevating your crackers with rich, savory flavor in minutes.

While cream cheese is the base of this recipe, shaved gouda cheese adds a delightful flavor and texture.

I love to make easy cheese appetizers like this Sun-Dried Tomato & Herb Marinated Goat Cheese Dip and Easy 3 Ingredient Boursin Appetizer with Fig Jam. So, if you love these recipes, you’re sure to enjoy this gouda cream cheese spread too!

Why you’ll love this cheese spread

Easy: You need just 9 simple ingredients to make this cream cheese dip.
Quick: It only takes 10 minutes to make this flavorful cream cheese spread appetizer.
Versatile: Use this spread in so many ways! As an appetizer, a spread for bagels or a dip for vegetables.

Ingredients needed to make this cheese appetizer

Plain cream cheese: block cream cheese works best in this recipe, softened so it’s easy to mix

Mayonnaise: mayonnaise adds to the creamy texture of this cheese spread

Gouda cheese: I like to use a medium gouda cheese for a bit more firm texture (when compared to a mild gouda)

Jalapeno: a diced jalapeno adds just a little spicy kick

Chives: minced fresh chives are a match made in heave with gouda and cream cheese

Spices: garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt and black pepper round out the seasonings

Use block cream cheese

It’s important to use block cream cheese in this recipe instead of whipped cream cheese. The whipped cream cheese sold in grocery stores is too airy and will not combine as well as block cream cheese.

You will need 125 grams (or 4 ounces) of block cream cheese – it’s about half of a block.

How to soften block cream cheese

Room temperature: Cut the cream cheese into cubes and spread out in a bowl or on a plate. Let sit at room temperature for about 1 hour to soften.

Microwave: Add the 125 grams of block cream cheese to a microwave-safe plate. Heat on medium-low for 15 seconds. Check to see if the texture has softened. If not, try an additional 10 seconds on medium-low.

Key steps to make homemade gouda cream cheese spread for crackers

Soften the Cream Cheese: Soften the cream cheese by using one of the methods above (room temperature or microwave).

Stir Everything Together: Add the softened cream cheese to a bowl with the rest of the ingredients and stir until combined.

Season to Taste: Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper or chives if desired.

To Chill (or Not): You can serve this right away, or let the flavors meld in the fridge for 30 minutes or overnight.

Tips & tricks

Gouda cheese: Gouda is a semi-hard to hard cow’s milk cheese. More mild gouda is softer in texture as compared to a medium-hard gouda with a more firm texture.

Crackers: A sturdy cracker is best for serving this spread. Pick a cracker that is more plain in flavor to let the flavors of the cheese spread shine through.

Chives: If you don’t have fresh chives, you can substitute with 2 teaspoons of dried chives

Jalapeno: If you don’t have a jalapeno on hand, try using 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes or chili flakes instead.

Take the chill off: If this spread is coming straight out of the fridge, I recommend leaving out for about half-hour to bring closer to room temperature. This will help when spreading the mixture onto crackers.

Substitutions and variations

Parsley: If you want to add extra fresh herbs, try 2 tbsp fresh chopped parsley.

Spice it up: If you want to make this dip spicier, use a habanero pepper instead.

Gouda: If you can’t find a medium gouda, a mild or older gouda will work. You will get a slightly different flavor profile but it will still be delicious!

Smoky: Instead of medium gouda, try a smoked gouda for a different flavor profile. Round out the smoky flavor with a pinch of ground paprika too!

What to serve with this cream cheese spread

You can use this gouda cream cheese spread in so many ways!

Cheese board: shape a cheese board or charcuterie board around this spread and add other accompaniments like grapes, sliced apple, crackers, nuts and prosciutto.

Sandwiches: use as a spread for bagels, bread or wraps.

Veggie board: this spread is delicious with crunch veggies like radishes, celery, carrots or cucumbers.

Cucumber bites: top thick round slices of cucumber with a dollop of this spread and extra chives for a quick appetizer bite.

FAQs

Can I use a hand mixer to make this?

Yes! If desired, whip everything together with a hand mixer instead of by hand.

Can I use minced garlic instead of garlic powder?

Minced fresh garlic is quite potent so I do not recommend substituting for the garlic powder. The fresh garlic will overpower the flavor of the spread.

What can I use if I can’t find a medium gouda cheese?

If you can’t find a medium gouda, a mild or older gouda will work. You will get a slightly different flavor profile but it will still be delicious!

How to store: Make-ahead & refrigerate

Make-ahead: Make this cream cheese spread up to three days ahead and store in the fridge in an airtight container. Remove from the fridge for about a half hour before serving to bring it closer to room temperature – this helps for spreading onto crackers.

Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.

More cheese dips to love from the blog