The holidays can be such a chaotic time with all the activities, shoot sometimes I get sensory overload from all the bright lights alone. And planning, hosting, and delivering on family parties and potluck a is often no exception, so when I came across a recipe that simply doused a block of plain old cream cheese in caramel sauce, I knew it was perfect. (And not just because I can never get enough cream cheese; you know my feelings about cheesecake and dips.). When in doubt keep it simple. This is going to be my new go-to party spread.
According to Buddy, the elf, ‘the best way to spread Christmas cheer, is singing loud for all to hear.’ And while we whole-heartedly agree, tasty treats are always a close second for spreading warmth and comfort to family and friends anytime of the year.
Serve this cream cheese spread and watch everyone cheer. We’ve topped it with Heath candy bits, but you could opt for plain toffee bits, or even nuts like pecans or walnuts for a less sweet, more rustic feel. Either way, it invites guests to dig right in.
Candied Caramel Apple Cream Cheese Spread
8 oz cream cheese
caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)
crushed Heath bar candy, toffee bits, or nuts such as pecans or walnuts for topping
sliced apples, pears, pretzels, or graham crackers for serving
Directions
- Place the cream cheese on a serving dish. Pour as much caramel sauce as you want evenly over top of the cream cheese. Sprinkle with a generous helping of your topping of choice.
2. Serve with sliced apples, pears, pretzels and/or graham crackers.
recipe adapted from She Wears Many Hats
I love easy peasy appetizers like this and they are always a hit a parties! Love that this one is sweet with my favorite toffee. Perfect with graham crackers!
Thanks, Julie! Before this my go to, last minute was pepper jelly over a block of cream cheese with crackers, but something about sweet instead of heat just feels right for the holidays to me 🙂
I agree. As much as the Christmas carols add to the Christmas spirit, so too does the food. I love how simple this recipe is. It’s perfect for this time of year when it gets a bit busy and chaotic. Thanks for sharing it at Fiesta Friday. Have a great weekend!
Thanks, Natalie, I’m so glad you liked it. Isn’t it great to have such simple things up your sleeves?? And your guests will never know 😉
Often the simplest things are the best. I’ll be trying this recipe out at some point over the holidays. Also, the slowcooker chicken you posted last week was a huge hit at our house. I added a little sriracha for heat and there were no leftovers. So good 🙂
I love the idea of adding some extra ‘spice’ to this. Thanks for the suggestion! And I’m sure you’ll love this one as well.
What a great idea for an appetizer and perfect for a party. Simple and so good Meaghan. Thank you so much to bringing this to Fiesta Friday! 🙂 Happy Holidays!
I absolutely love easy dips! This one sounds great. I am sure it tastes good too.. Thanks for sharing. Saving the recipe.