Savory Blue Cheese and Walnut Terrine
This delightful Savory Blue Cheese and Walnut Terrine is the perfect addition to any gathering, combining the rich flavors of Maytag blue cheese with the crunch of spiced walnuts and fresh herbs. Perfect as a spread on crackers or a delectable component in a charcuterie board, this dish is best prepared a day in advance, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully. Impress your guests with this elegant yet simple spread that showcases a harmony of texture and taste. A true crowd-pleaser for your next party or celebration!
20
Servings
N/A
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ground Cumin
1 teaspoon (none)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Ground Cardamom
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Ground Black Pepper
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Olive Oil
1 tablespoon (none)
Walnuts
1 cup (chopped)
Sugar
3 tablespoons (none)
Maytag Blue Cheese
1 lb (crumbled, divided)
Fresh Chevre Cheese (Goat Cheese)
2 1/2 ounces (none)
Cream Cheese
2 1/2 ounces (room temperature)
Butter
1/4 lb (room temperature)
Brandy
2 tablespoons (none)
Minced Scallion
1/2 cup (none)
Minced Parsley
2 tablespoons (fresh)
Minced Chives
2 tablespoons (fresh)
Instructions
1
In a small bowl, combine the ground cumin, salt, ground cardamom, and black pepper. Set aside.
2
In a heavy skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped walnuts and sauté until they are light brown and fragrant, approximately 3-5 minutes.
3
Sprinkle the sautéed walnuts with sugar and continue to sauté until the sugar melts and turns a light amber color, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
4
Once caramelized, remove from heat and toss the walnuts with the prepared spice mixture. Allow to cool completely.
5
In a food processor, combine 1/2 pound of the crumbled blue cheese, chevre, cream cheese, and softened butter. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Transfer to a mixing bowl.
6
Fold in the brandy and minced scallions into the cheese mixture until well combined. In a separate bowl, mix together the minced parsley and chives.
7
Prepare a skinny terrine mold by lightly oiling it and lining it with plastic wrap, allowing some overhang for easy removal later.
8
Spoon one-third of the cheese mixture into the bottom of the mold and spread it evenly. Follow with one-third of the remaining crumbled blue cheese, one-third of the spiced walnuts, and one-third of the parsley-chive mixture.
9
Repeat the layering two more times with the remaining ingredients, ending with the parsley-chive mixture on top.
10
Cover the terrine with the overhanging plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight to allow the flavors to meld.
11
When ready to serve, gently lift the terrine out of the mold using the plastic wrap. Slice into portions and serve with your favorite crackers or bread.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Savory Blue Cheese and Walnut Terrine?
It is an elegant, layered appetizer spread made with Maytag blue cheese, goat cheese, cream cheese, and butter, featuring spiced, caramelized walnuts and fresh herbs.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to serve approximately 20 people, making it ideal for parties and gatherings.
Can I make this dish the same day I plan to serve it?
While you can technically make it the same day, it is best prepared a day in advance to allow the flavors to meld and the structure to set properly in the refrigerator.
What specific blue cheese is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for Maytag blue cheese, which is known for its rich and tangy flavor.
How do I prepare the spiced walnuts?
Sauté chopped walnuts in olive oil, sprinkle with sugar until caramelized, and then toss them in a mixture of cumin, salt, cardamom, and black pepper.
What spices are used to season the walnuts?
The walnut spice mixture consists of ground cumin, salt, ground cardamom, and ground black pepper.
Do I need a food processor for this recipe?
Yes, a food processor is used to blend the blue cheese, chevre, cream cheese, and butter until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy.
What is the best way to unmold the terrine?
By lining the mold with plastic wrap and leaving an overhang, you can easily lift the terrine out of the mold when it is ready to serve.
Can I substitute the brandy in the recipe?
The brandy adds a depth of flavor, but if you prefer not to use alcohol, you can omit it or substitute it with a splash of white grape juice, though the flavor profile will change slightly.
How should the terrine be layered?
The terrine is built in three repeating layers: first the smooth cheese mixture, then crumbled blue cheese, followed by spiced walnuts, and finally a parsley-chive mixture.
What should I serve with this terrine?
It is best served sliced with your favorite crackers, toasted bread, or as a featured component on a charcuterie board.
Does the cheese need to be at room temperature before mixing?
Yes, the cream cheese and butter should be at room temperature to ensure they blend smoothly in the food processor.
What types of fresh herbs are included?
The recipe uses fresh minced parsley and fresh minced chives, which are mixed together and used in the layering process.
What is Chevre?
Chevre is a fresh goat cheese that provides a creamy texture and a slight tang to the terrine base.
How do I prevent the sugar from burning when caramelizing the walnuts?
Stir the walnuts constantly once the sugar is added and remove from heat as soon as it turns a light amber color.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The terrine ingredients themselves are gluten-free, but ensure you serve it with gluten-free crackers or bread if dietary restrictions are a concern.
How long can I store the terrine in the refrigerator?
When kept covered in the refrigerator, the terrine should remain fresh for 3 to 5 days.
What kind of mold is recommended?
A skinny terrine mold is recommended to achieve the traditional rectangular loaf shape that is easy to slice.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Fresh herbs are highly recommended for the best color and flavor, as dried herbs may not provide the same vibrant aesthetic for the layers.
How much blue cheese is needed in total?
The recipe calls for 1 pound of Maytag blue cheese, which is divided between the blended base and the crumbled layers.
What is the purpose of the scallions?
The minced scallions are folded into the cheese mixture to provide a mild onion flavor and a bit of texture.
Can I use a different type of nut?
While walnuts are traditional for this flavor profile, pecans would make an excellent substitute.
Why is cardamom used in the spice mix?
Cardamom adds a unique floral and citrusy note that complements the richness of the blue cheese and the sweetness of the caramelized walnuts.
Is there a specific way to chop the walnuts?
The walnuts should be chopped into small pieces so they can be distributed evenly within the layers without making the terrine difficult to slice.
What flavor does the brandy add?
Brandy provides a subtle warmth and sweetness that helps cut through the heavy fat content of the cheeses.
Can I freeze this terrine?
Freezing is not recommended as it can alter the texture of the cream cheese and goat cheese, causing the terrine to become crumbly or watery upon thawing.
How do I ensure the layers are even?
Use a spoon to spread each cheese layer evenly to the edges of the mold before adding the walnuts and herbs.
Should I use salted or unsalted butter?
The recipe does not specify, but since blue cheese and added salt are already present, unsalted butter is generally preferred to control the saltiness.
Is the terrine a vegetarian dish?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat products.
How long should the walnuts cool before adding them to the cheese?
They should be allowed to cool completely so they stay crunchy and do not melt the cheese mixture during the layering process.