Broiled Pear and Smoked Gouda Bites
Indulge in the delightful flavor combination of sweet pears and savory smoked Gouda with these quick and easy broiled bites. Perfect as an elegant snack or appetizer, this dish elevates humble ingredients into a gourmet experience. The creamy Gouda melts beautifully on top of the juicy pear slices, while the Dijon mustard adds a zesty kick that brings all the flavors together. Perfect for late-night cravings or a sophisticated gathering, these bites are sure to impress!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
4
Ingredients
Ingredients
Smoked Gouda cheese
8 slices (sliced)
Anjou pears
8 slices (pared and sliced)
Dijon mustard
to taste (spreadable)
Triscuit crackers
8 (whole)
Instructions
1
Preheat your broiler to high and line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
2
Take your Triscuit crackers and generously spread Dijon mustard on each one, ensuring they are well-coated for flavor.
3
Layer a slice of pear on top of each cracker, allowing the sweet, juicy fruit to sit atop the mustard.
4
Add a slice of smoked Gouda over the pear on each cracker, letting it root itself in the layers below.
5
Place the cookie sheet under the broiler and watch closely as the cheese melts, which should take about 2-4 minutes. Remove when the Gouda is bubbly and golden.
6
Carefully take out from the broiler and let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your deliciously savory and sweet snack!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Broiled Pear and Smoked Gouda Bites?
They are an elegant, quick, and easy snack or appetizer that combines the sweetness of pears with savory smoked Gouda on a cracker base.
What type of crackers are used in this recipe?
This recipe uses 8 Triscuit crackers as the crunchy base for the toppings.
What kind of cheese is best for these bites?
Smoked Gouda cheese is used to provide a creamy texture and a distinct smoky flavor profile.
Which variety of pear is recommended?
The recipe specifically calls for 8 slices of Anjou pears, which should be pared and sliced.
How do I prepare the crackers before adding the fruit?
You should generously spread Dijon mustard on each Triscuit cracker to ensure they are well-coated for maximum flavor.
At what temperature should the broiler be set?
Preheat your broiler to the high setting for this recipe.
How long do the bites need to stay under the broiler?
The bites should be broiled for approximately 2 to 4 minutes.
How do I know when the bites are finished cooking?
Remove the cookie sheet from the broiler when the smoked Gouda is bubbly and golden.
Should I use parchment paper?
Yes, it is recommended to line your cookie sheet with parchment paper before placing the crackers on it.
Is this recipe considered quick?
Yes, it is tagged as a '15 minutes or less' and 'quick bites' recipe, making it perfect for last-minute preparations.
What flavor profile can I expect?
These bites offer a sophisticated sweet and savory flavor profile, balancing juicy fruit with smoky cheese and zesty mustard.
Can I serve these at a party?
Absolutely, these are described as an elegant appetizer perfect for a sophisticated gathering or party.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
There are only 4 main ingredients: Smoked Gouda, Anjou pears, Dijon mustard, and Triscuit crackers.
Do the pears need to be peeled?
The instructions suggest the pears should be pared, which means they should be peeled or trimmed before slicing.
Can I adjust the amount of mustard?
Yes, the recipe specifies using Dijon mustard 'to taste,' allowing you to control the level of zest.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
The recipe provides ingredients for 8 individual bites, which can serve one as a snack or several as an appetizer.
Are these bites suitable for late-night cravings?
Yes, the description highlights them as a perfect option for satisfying late-night cravings.
What is the role of Dijon mustard in this dish?
The Dijon mustard adds a zesty kick that helps bring the sweet and savory flavors of the pear and cheese together.
How should I layer the ingredients?
Start with the cracker, spread the mustard, add the pear slice, and then top it with a slice of smoked Gouda.
Do I need to let them cool?
Yes, it is recommended to let the bites cool slightly after removing them from the broiler before serving.
Is this a vegetarian-friendly snack?
Yes, based on the ingredients list of crackers, mustard, fruit, and cheese, this recipe is vegetarian.
What is the texture of the finished bites?
The finished bites feature a crunchy cracker base, a juicy fruit center, and a melted, creamy cheese topping.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
While smoked Gouda is specified for its unique flavor, you could experiment with other melting cheeses if necessary.
How do I ensure the cheese 'roots' itself?
The instructions suggest placing the cheese over the pear so it can melt and settle into the layers below during broiling.
Is special equipment needed?
You only need a standard broiler and a cookie sheet to make this recipe.
Can I make more than 8 bites?
Yes, you can easily scale the ingredients up to make a larger batch for more guests.
Is this an easy recipe for beginners?
Yes, it is specifically tagged as an 'easy recipe' with simple assembly and minimal cooking time.
Should the pear slices be thick or thin?
The recipe calls for 8 slices; they should be thin enough to balance on a cracker but thick enough to remain juicy.
What makes this a gourmet experience?
The combination of smoked cheese and fresh pear elevates humble pantry staples like crackers into a more refined dish.
How many pear slices are used per cracker?
The recipe uses one slice of pear for each of the 8 crackers.