The sweet and savory flavor combination of French Quarter cheese spread will really take you and other party guests by surprise.

Ingredients

• 1 8-ounce package cream cheese, softened
• 1 Tablespoon grated sweet onion (from 1 small [4 oz.] onion)
• 1/2 teaspoon . grated fresh garlic (from 1 medium clove)
• 1/4 cup (2 oz.) unsalted butter, cut into cubes
• 2 Tablespoon light brown sugar
• 1 Tablespoon tap water
• 1 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon Creole mustard
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/2 cup chopped, toasted pecans
• Buttery crackers, for serving (such as Ritz)

Preparation

1. Combine cream cheese, onion, and garlic: Whisk cream cheese in a medium bowl until smooth. Stir in onion and garlic.
2. Spread mixture evenly onto a serving plate. Chill, uncovered, in refrigerator until firm, about 1 hour.
3. Let mixture warm slightly: Remove cream cheese mixture from refrigerator and let stand until softened slightly, about 15 minutes.
4. Make pecan topping: Meanwhile, combine butter, brown sugar, water, Worcestershire sauce, Creole mustard, and cayenne pepper in a small saucepan. Cook over medium, stirring constantly, until thickened and bubbly, 5 to 6 minutes.
5. Remove from heat; stir in pecans. Let stand until cooled slightly, about 5 minutes.Spoon over cream cheese mixture. Serve with buttery crackers.