Spread (food)

A spread is a food that is literally spread, generally with a knife, onto food products such as bread and crackers. Spreads are added to food to enhance the flavor or texture of the food, which may be considered bland without it. Spread food substances are encased in a container and require a knife to apply.

Types of Spreads

There are both sweet and savory spreads that are commonly used in Western cuisine.

Sweet Spreads

• Jam - A sweet spread made from fruit, sugar, and sometimes pectin, which is cooked until it gels.
• Marmalade - A sweet spread made from citrus fruit, sugar, and water, cooked until it gels.
• Honey - A sweet, viscous food substance made by bees and some related insects.
• Chocolate spread - A sweet chocolate-flavored paste which is eaten mostly spread on breads and toasts or similar grain products.

Savory Spreads

• Butter - A dairy product made from the fat and protein components of milk or cream.
• Cheese spread - A soft spreadable cheese or processed cheese product.
• Pâté - A mixture of cooked ground meat and fat minced into a spreadable paste.
• Hummus - A spread made from cooked, mashed chickpeas or other beans, blended with tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and garlic.

See Also

• List of spreads
• Dip (food)
• Condiment
• Butterfat
• Cream cheese

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  Buttered crumpet
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  Bread with grape jelly
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  Pimento cheese
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  Spread (food)