Are you looking for a unique and surprisingly delicious dessert recipe that's easy to make and guaranteed to impress? Look no further! This cheese fudge recipe is a delightful twist on the classic, offering a creamy, sweet, and subtly savory experience that's perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth in a new and exciting way. Forget everything you think you know about fudge – this recipe is a revelation! This simple recipe is perfect for homemade cooking and makes a wonderful addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas or even as a healthy treat.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)
Instructions:
- Prepare your ingredients: Make sure your butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature for easy mixing. Having all your ingredients measured and ready to go will make the process smoother. This is especially important for easy recipes like this one.
- Melt the butter: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter completely. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
- Combine ingredients: Add the sweetened condensed milk, softened cream cheese, vanilla extract, and salt to the melted butter. Stir constantly until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This is where the magic happens, combining the sweet and savory elements perfectly.
- Add powdered sugar and cheese: Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until well combined. Then, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it's evenly distributed throughout the fudge.
- Cook the fudge: Continue to cook the mixture over low heat, stirring constantly, for about 5-7 minutes, or until the fudge thickens slightly and pulls away from the sides of the pan. Be careful not to overheat the mixture.
- Pour and cool: Pour the fudge into a greased 8x8 inch baking dish. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow it to set completely. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect consistency.
- Cut and serve: Once the fudge is firm, cut it into squares and serve. Enjoy this unique and delicious dessert!
Cooking Tips for Perfect Cheese Fudge:
- Softened Cream Cheese is Key: Ensure your cream cheese is truly softened. This will prevent lumps and ensure a smooth, creamy texture.
- Don't Overheat: Low and slow is the way to go! Overheating can cause the fudge to become grainy.
- Use Quality Ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the fudge will taste.
Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Experiment with cheese: Try different cheeses such as Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or even a mild pepper jack for a unique flavor profile.
- Add nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts would add a lovely crunch to the fudge.
- Chocolate Swirl: Melt some dark or milk chocolate chips and swirl it into the fudge before chilling.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the type of cheese used. For a general estimate using cheddar cheese, one serving (approximately 1 ounce) will contain roughly:
- Calories: 200-250
- Fat: 12-15g
- Saturated Fat: 7-9g
- Carbohydrates: 20-25g
- Sugar: 15-20g
- Protein: 3-4g
This delicious cheese fudge is a perfect example of a healthy meal alternative that satisfies a sweet craving in a unique and interesting way. It's a fun and flavorful recipe, ideal for adding to your collection of best recipes. Enjoy!