Savory Bleu Cheese & Grape Delights
Elevate your appetizer game with these exquisite Savory Bleu Cheese & Grape Delights, inspired by a classic recipe from Tyler Florence. Each truffle is a harmonious blend of creamy bleu cheese and rich cream cheese, perfectly balanced with the sweet tang of seedless grapes and a hint of port wine. Though the preparation is a bit more intricate, the resulting bite-sized treats are well worth the effort. Serve them at your next gathering and watch as they become the star of the show. Plus, don't forget the bonus recipe for a delectable cheese spread using any leftover mixture—a truly versatile dish that delights the palate.
N/A
Servings
67
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Seedless white grapes (washed and dried)
1 bunch (about 1.5 pounds) (Washed and dried)
Cream cheese or Neufchatel cheese
4 ounces (Softened)
Blue cheese
8 ounces (Softened)
Port wine
3 tablespoons (N/A)
Ground nuts (preferably pistachios)
1 cup (N/A)
Instructions
1
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and bleu cheese. Use a fork or mixer to mash and blend them together until smooth and well-combined.
2
Carefully stir in the port wine, ensuring it's fully incorporated into the cheese mixture.
3
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill the cheese mixture in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and firm up for easier handling.
4
Once chilled, set up a workstation with a plate of ground nuts nearby. Take a grape and use a regular spoon to scoop a generous portion of the cheese mixture.
5
Using the grape, gently press the cheese around the entire surface of the grape, ensuring it's well-covered. Roll the cheese-covered grape in your hands to smooth it out.
6
Immediately roll the truffle in the ground nuts, ensuring it’s fully coated before placing it on a serving platter.
7
Continue this process with the remaining grapes until all the cheese mixture is used.
8
Refrigerate the finished truffles until you're ready to serve them. Enjoy the delightful burst of flavors!
9
Note: If you have any leftover cheese mixture, simply combine it with chopped nuts and diced grapes to create a delicious spread perfect for crackers or bread.
Nutrition Information
5g
Fat
4g
Carbs
2g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main concept of Savory Bleu Cheese & Grape Delights?
These are bite-sized savory truffles featuring a seedless grape center wrapped in a blend of bleu cheese and cream cheese, then coated in ground nuts.
Who is the culinary inspiration behind this recipe?
This recipe is inspired by a classic appetizer creation from Tyler Florence.
How many calories are in a serving of these cheese delights?
Each serving contains approximately 67 calories.
What types of cheese are used in the mixture?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of bleu cheese and 4 ounces of softened cream cheese or Neufchatel cheese.
What kind of grapes are best for this recipe?
Seedless white grapes are recommended, and they should be washed and dried thoroughly before assembly.
Is there alcohol in this appetizer?
Yes, the recipe includes 3 tablespoons of port wine to add a sweet tang and depth to the cheese mixture.
What type of nuts should I use for the coating?
The recipe suggests using 1 cup of ground nuts, with pistachios being the preferred choice for color and flavor.
How long does the cheese mixture need to chill?
The cheese mixture should be chilled in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 hours to allow flavors to meld and for easier handling.
What should I do if I have leftover cheese mixture?
You can combine any leftover mixture with chopped nuts and diced grapes to create a delicious spread for crackers or bread.
How do I ensure the cheese sticks to the grapes?
Gently press a generous portion of the cheese mixture around the entire surface of the dry grape and roll it in your hands to smooth it out.
Can I use Neufchatel cheese instead of cream cheese?
Yes, Neufchatel cheese is a suitable lower-fat alternative to standard cream cheese for this recipe.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
There are 5 primary ingredients: grapes, cream cheese, bleu cheese, port wine, and ground nuts.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
The preparation is described as a bit more intricate due to the assembly process, but it is well worth the effort for the final result.
What is the best way to blend the cheeses?
Use a fork or a mixer to mash and blend the softened cheeses together until they are smooth and well-combined.
Should the grapes be wet when applying the cheese?
No, the grapes should be washed and completely dried so the cheese mixture adheres properly.
How much fat is in one serving?
There is approximately 5g of fat per serving.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving provides about 2g of protein.
How many carbohydrates are in these delights?
There are approximately 4g of carbohydrates per serving.
Should these be served at room temperature?
No, the finished truffles should be refrigerated until you are ready to serve them.
What is the weight of the grapes needed?
You will need about 1 bunch of grapes, which is approximately 1.5 pounds.
What tags define this recipe's style?
This dish is tagged as an appetizer, gourmet, fancy bites, party food, and savory spread.
Can I use red grapes instead of white?
While white grapes are specified, any seedless grape variety will work as long as they are washed and dried.
How do I coat the truffles in nuts?
Immediately after rolling the cheese-covered grape in your hands, roll it in the ground nuts until fully coated.
Why do I need to cover the bowl during chilling?
Covering the bowl with plastic wrap prevents the cheese from picking up other refrigerator odors and keeps it from drying out.
Is this a good dish for parties?
Yes, it is specifically designed as a gourmet party food that acts as a show-stopping appetizer.
Does this recipe contain fiber?
The nutritional data for fiber is not specified, but the nuts and grapes may provide a negligible amount.
What tools are needed for the cheese mixture?
You will need a mixing bowl and either a fork or a mixer.
How do I handle the cheese if it becomes too soft?
If the mixture gets too soft while working, you can return it to the refrigerator for a few minutes to firm back up.
What makes the flavor profile unique?
The combination of the strong, salty bleu cheese with the sweet port wine and the fresh burst of the grape creates a complex flavor.
Are these suitable for a vegetarian diet?
Yes, these savory delights are vegetarian-friendly as they contain only fruit, cheese, wine, and nuts.