Grand Old Flag Cheese Spread

Name: Grand Old Flag Cheese Spread
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 12
Ingredients: 1 pkg. brick cream cheese, softened; ¼ cup shredded cheddar-Jack cheese blend; 2 Tbsp. black olives; ¼ cup thick and chunky salsa; RITZ Crackers

A flattened rectangle of cream cheese is cleverly decorated with olive “stars” and salsa “stripes” to resemble a flag.

Prep time:

0 min

Total time:

0 min

Servings:

Makes 12 servings, 2 Tbsp. spread and 5 crackers each.

Ingredient list

1 pkg. (8 oz.) brick cream cheese, softened
¼ cup shredded cheddar-Jack cheese blend
2 Tbsp. sliced black olives
¼ cup thick and chunky salsa
RITZ Crackers

Directions

Place cream cheese between 2 sheets of waxed paper. Roll out to 6x4-inch rectangle with rolling pin. Remove top sheet of waxed paper; coat top and sides of cream cheese with shredded cheese. Invert onto serving plate, shredded cheese side down. Remove waxed paper.

Arrange 3 rows of olives in top left corner of cream cheese rectangle for the stars of a US flag. Use rounded end of 1/4 tsp. measuring spoon to make 4 (1/4-inch-deep) lengthwise rows in remaining cream cheese mixture, leaving a 1/4-inch-wide space between every 2 rows. Fill rows with salsa for the flag's stripes.

Serve with the crackers.

Recipe Tips

Size-WiseSince this showstopping spread makes 12 servings, it's the perfect appetizer to serve at your next Memorial Day or 4th of July gathering.
Variation For a sweet twist, prepare recipe as directed substituting chopped toasted walnuts for the shredded cheese, 20 small blueberries for the olives, and strawberry jelly for the salsa. Serve with crackers as directed.