Southwestern Cheese Appetizer Recipes

SOUTHWESTERN CHEESE APPETIZER

Steps:

• Whisk together first 3 ingredients until mixture is blended; stir in diced red peppers and next 6 ingredients.
• Set marinade aside.
• Cut block of cheddar cheese in half lengthwise.
• Cut halves crosswise into ¼-inch thick slices.
• Repeat procedure with Monterey jack cheese and cream cheese.
• Arrange cheese slices alternatively in a shallow baking dish, standing slices on edge.
• Pour marinade over cheeses.
• Cover and chill at least 8 hours.
• Transfer cheese to a serving plate, and spoon remaining marinade over top.
• Serve with assorted crackers or even tortilla chips.

CHEESY SOUTHWEST APPETIZERS

Steps:

• Cut cheddar and monterey jack cheeses into small triangles. Top each cracker with some cheddar cheese, monterey jack cheese, bell pepper, jalapeno pepper and olives. Place on baking sheet.
• Broil 4 to 5 inches from heat for 1 to 3 minutes or until cheese begins to melt.

SOUTHWESTERN PINWHEELS

Steps:

• In a bowl, combine cream cheese, shredded cheese, scallion, salsa, cilantro and cumin and mix well.
• Spread mixture evenly over the two flour tortillas- be sure to reach to the ends.
• Place a single layer of the baby spinach leaves evenly over the crem cheese mixture.
• Roll the tortillas tightly.
• This step is important and will give the"pinwheel" look to your appetizers.
• Wrap each roll in plastic wrap, and chill for at least an hour, or up to 8 hours.
• After rolls are chilled, unwrap and cut each one in half.
• Begin from the smooth half, and cut roll into 1 inch circles.
• You should get 4 to 5 circles from each tortilla half depending on how well you tortilla"ends" hold together.
• Arrange your pinwheels cut side up on your serving platter.
• Cover and chill for up to one hour before serving.

SOUTHWESTERN CHEESECAKE

Steps:

• 1. Preheat oven to 325F. Stir together crushed chips and butter, and press into a 9-inch spring form pan.
• 2. Bake for 15 minutes.
• 3. While the crust is baking, beat cream cheese and eggs in a large bowl at medium speed until well blended.
• 4. Stir in co-jack cheese and the chilis and pour over crust. Bake for 30 minutes. Cool completely.
• 5. Spread sour cream over cheesecake and sprinkle with the toppings. Chill 1-2 hours.
• 6. Remove cheesecake from pan after chilling. Let sit a bit before serving or you will break your chips!

SOUTHWESTERN PINWHEELS

Steps:

• In small bowl, combine cream cheese, shredded cheese, green onion, salsa, cilantro and cumin.
• Mix until combined.
• Spread cheese mixture over tortillas.
• Place a layer of spinach over cheese.
• Roll tightly and then wrap in plastic.
• Chill at least 1 hour or up to 8 hours.
• Cut crosswise into 1-inch pieces.
• Place on a serving platter with the cut side up.
• Garnish each pinwheel with cilantro sprig. Cover and chill up to 1 hour before serving. Before serving, add a dollop of salsa to the top of each pinwheel.

REDNECK SOUTHWESTERN CHEESE DIP

Steps:

• 1. Brown ground beef, sausage and onion in skillet. May be made ahead of time and frozen.
• 2. Place all ingredients in large crock pot and heat on medium until cheese is melted and all ingredients are mixed together. Stir frequently.
• 3. Be sure to put crock pot on Low or Warm after cheese melts so dip doesn't burn.
• 4. Place chips in large bowl or basket next to the crock pot.
• 5. Provide a large spoon for guests to put dip on small plates so folks won't dip chips into the crock pot. Warning: this won't stop some of 'em.
• 6. This will become your most requested appetizer at any large gathering.