Trini Cheese Paste Sandwich Spread
Trinidad cheese paste is a creamy, seasoned cheese spread used to make the colorful cheese paste sandwiches that are a staple at Caribbean parties. Made with grated cheese, butter, mustard, mayonnaise, and seasonings, it’s easy to customize and comes together quickly.
Growing up, cheese paste sandwiches were one of those things you expected to see at every kid’s party, right alongside chicken puffs, meat pies, and stuffed prunes. If you went to a party and there was no cheese paste, was it really a party?
And it wasn’t just cheese slapped between two slices of bread. The cheese was seasoned and blended into a creamy spread, sometimes divided and colored blue, green, or pink, then layered between slices of bread with the edges neatly trimmed.
I don’t know what it was about eating a blue or green cheese sandwich that sent us into a frenzy, but I ate my way through plenty of them.
There isn’t one strict way to make Trini cheese paste. The basic recipe is easy to adjust with different seasonings and additions, but the goal is the same. A flavorful, creamy cheese spread that’s soft enough to spread generously on bread.
What is cheese paste?
Cheese paste is a seasoned cheese spread commonly used to make cheese paste sandwiches for parties and gatherings in Trinidad and Tobago. The base is usually made with grated cheese and butter, along with ingredients like mustard, mayonnaise, onion, carrot, and pepper sauce for extra flavor.
The ingredients can vary from family to family, and you’ll find versions of cheese spreads and sandwiches throughout the Caribbean. This is the Trini cheese paste recipe I grew up eating and still make today.
Ingredients for Trini cheese paste
The base of this cheese paste recipe uses simple ingredients, with plenty of room to adjust the flavors to your preference.
- Cheese: Use a flavorful block cheese that can be finely grated. A strong cheddar cheese works well if you can’t find the type of cheese commonly used in Trinidad and Tobago.
- Butter: Softened butter helps turn the grated cheese into a smooth, spreadable paste. I use unsalted butter, but salted butter also works.
- Mustard: Plain yellow mustard adds a little tang. Dijon mustard can also be used.
- Mayonnaise: Adds creaminess and helps bring the spread together.
- Onion: Finely grate the onion so it blends into the cheese paste without leaving large pieces.
- Carrot (optional): Finely grate the carrot so it blends easily into the cheese paste. It adds a little color and texture but can be left out.
- Pepper sauce: Use your favorite hot pepper sauce and adjust it according to how spicy you want your cheese paste.
- Food coloring (optional): Divide the cheese paste and add different colors to make the layered party sandwiches. Red and green are popular options, or leave the paste its natural color.
What is the best cheese for cheese paste?
The type of cheese you use makes a big difference in the flavor and texture of cheese paste. You want a flavorful block cheese that is firm enough to grate but creamy enough to blend into a smooth spread.
In Trinidad and Tobago, I usually use the strong, creamy cheese sold in large blocks at grocery stores, which you may hear referred to as vegetarian cheese. The stores cut the large blocks into smaller pieces for sale, and it’s the type of cheese I associate with the flavor of Trini cheese paste.
If you’re outside Trinidad and Tobago and can’t find a similar cheese, New Zealand-style cheese is a good option. A block of sharp or extra-sharp cheddar also works well and is much easier to find in US grocery stores. I’ve also had good results with Trader Joe’s Unexpected Cheddar.
Whatever you choose, buy a block and grate it yourself. I don’t recommend pre-shredded cheese because the anti-caking ingredients used to keep the shreds separate can prevent the cheese paste from becoming as smooth and creamy.
How to Make Trini Cheese Paste
The key to making good cheese paste is getting everything finely grated and well combined so the finished spread is smooth, creamy, and easy to spread.
- Grate the cheese. Finely grate the block of cheese using the smallest holes on your box grater. The finer the cheese, the easier it will be to create a smooth paste.
- Combine the ingredients. Add the grated cheese, mustard, mayonnaise, grated onion, optional grated carrot, pepper sauce, and softened butter to a bowl and mix well. For a smoother cheese paste, add everything to a food processor and blend until combined.
- Adjust the consistency. Check the texture and add a little more softened butter as needed until the cheese mixture reaches a smooth, spreadable consistency.
- Taste and adjust. Taste the cheese paste and adjust the mustard, pepper sauce, or other seasonings to suit your preference. Once everything is well combined and creamy, it’s ready to use.
Cheese Paste Variations and Additions
One of the best things about cheese paste is how easy it is to customize. Some people keep it simple with mostly cheese and butter, while others add different seasonings, vegetables, and other ingredients.
Depending on your preference, you can add:
- Celery
- Pimento peppers
- Chives
- Garlic powder
- Boiled egg
- Parsley
Use these as ideas rather than a strict list. Add what you like, leave out what you don’t, and adjust the cheese paste to suit your taste.
How to Make Cheese Paste Sandwiches
Cheese paste sandwiches are the classic way to serve this spread, especially for parties. You can keep them simple with one layer of cheese paste or make the colorful layered sandwiches I remember from childhood.
- Color the cheese paste, if using. Divide the paste into separate bowls and add a small amount of food coloring to each one. Mix until you get the colors you want.
- Assemble the sandwiches. Spread a generous layer of cheese paste over a slice of bread. Top with another slice and repeat with another color of cheese paste if you’re making layered sandwiches.
- Trim and cut. Use a sharp knife to trim the crusts from the bread for that classic party-sandwich look. Cut the sandwiches into triangles, rectangles, or smaller pieces for serving.
For the bread, choose something soft but sturdy enough to hold the filling and layers. Hard dough bread, butter bread, or potato bread all work well.
Cheese paste isn’t only for sandwiches. You can also use it as a filling for puffs to make cheese puffs instead of chicken puffs.
How to Store Cheese Paste
Store leftover cheese paste in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. Keep the container tightly sealed between uses to maintain freshness.
If you’re making cheese paste sandwiches for a party, you can assemble them the night before and keep them refrigerated until you’re ready to serve. Store them well covered so the bread doesn’t dry out.
You can also freeze leftover cheese paste. I’ve frozen it a few times, and while it still works after thawing, the texture can be a little bumpy rather than as smooth as when freshly made. Thaw it overnight in the fridge and stir it well before using.
If you add ingredients such as boiled egg to your cheese paste, the storage time may be shorter.
Tips for the Best Cheese Paste
- Start with softened butter. Room temperature butter blends into the grated cheese much more easily and helps create a smooth, spreadable paste.
- Add the butter gradually. The amount you need can vary depending on the cheese you’re using. Add a little at a time until the cheese paste reaches the consistency you like.
- Finely grate your ingredients. Finely grated cheese, onion, and optional carrot blend more easily and prevent large pieces from getting in the way of a smooth spread.
- Don’t skimp on the filling. Spread a generous amount of cheese paste on the bread. Nobody wants to bite into a cheese paste sandwich and have to go searching for the cheese.
Cheese Paste Troubleshooting
Why is my cheese paste too thick?
Add a little more softened butter and mix again until the paste reaches a spreadable consistency. Different cheeses can require slightly different amounts.
Why isn’t my cheese paste smooth?
Make sure the cheese is finely grated and the butter is fully softened before mixing. For an even smoother texture, use a food processor to combine the ingredients.
Why is my cheese paste too soft?
Place it in the refrigerator for a short time to firm up before spreading. Next time, add the butter gradually so you can stop once the paste reaches the consistency you want.
Why is my cheese paste grainy after freezing?
The texture can change slightly after freezing and thawing. Stir the cheese paste well after it has thawed in the refrigerator. It may not become quite as smooth as a freshly made batch, but it can still be used for sandwiches.
More Caribbean Party Snacks
If you’re putting together a Caribbean party spread, try these other favorites:
Whether you keep your cheese paste simple or turn it into colorful layered sandwiches, it’s one of those classic party foods that’s easy to make your own.
If you make this Trini cheese paste recipe, let me know what you add to yours. Are you keeping it simple or loading it up with all the extras?
Recipe
Trini Cheese Paste Sandwiches
Ingredients
Method
- Finely grate the cheese using the smallest holes on a box grater or grate it in a food processor.
- Add the cheese, optional carrot, mayonnaise, softened butter, onion, pepper sauce, and mustard to a large bowl. Mix until well combined. Alternatively, combine everything in a food processor for a smoother paste.
- Check the consistency of the cheese paste. Add a little more softened butter if needed until it is creamy and easy to spread.
- If using food coloring, divide the cheese paste into separate bowls. Add your desired color to each portion and mix well.
- Spread the cheese paste generously onto slices of bread. For layered sandwiches, alternate slices of bread with different colors of cheese paste.
- Trim the crusts if desired, then cut the sandwiches into your preferred shapes and serve.
Nutrition
Recipe Printed From ThisBagoGirl.com
Yess to this. I left out the carrots but this worked out really good
Haha. Yes the carrots is just extra fancy. Glad you liked it!