Savory Blue Cheese Herb Crunchies
Indulge in these savory Savory Blue Cheese Herb Crunchies that are perfect for holiday gatherings or elegant get-togethers. Inspired by a whimsical recipe from 'Christmas with Southern Living 2004', these delightful bites are elevated by the intricate beauty of fresh herb sprigs pressed into the buttery dough. Combining the rich and tangy flavors of blue cheese with the earthy crunch of toasted walnuts, these bites are not just a treat for the palate but a visual feast as well. Pair these bite-sized wonders with a glass of your favorite wine and you have the perfect appetizer that is bound to impress your guests while adding a touch of sophistication to your winter celebrations.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
crumbled blue cheese
8 ounces (softened)
butter
1/2 cup (softened)
all-purpose flour
1 1/3 cups
walnut pieces
1/3 cup (toasted and ground)
egg white
1 (beaten)
fresh herbs
as needed (tiny sprigs (such as rosemary, thyme, or sage))
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a medium mixing bowl, beat together the softened blue cheese and butter using an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is creamy and smooth.
3
Gradually add the all-purpose flour and ground walnut pieces to the cheese mixture, beating until everything is well combined and forms a dough.
4
Shape the dough into two logs, each about 8 inches long. Wrap the logs tightly in wax paper and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until the dough is firm enough to slice.
5
Once chilled, carefully unwrap the dough and slice it into 1/4-inch thick pieces. Arrange the slices on lightly greased baking sheets.
6
Brush the tops of each slice lightly with the beaten egg white to create a glossy finish.
7
Press small sprigs of fresh herbs firmly into each slice, ensuring they adhere well.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the bites are golden and fragrant. Allow to cool on the baking sheet for 1 minute before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Blue Cheese Herb Crunchies?
They are savory, bite-sized appetizers made with blue cheese, toasted walnuts, and fresh herb sprigs pressed into a buttery dough.
Where did the inspiration for this recipe come from?
The recipe was inspired by a whimsical dish found in 'Christmas with Southern Living 2004'.
What is the main flavor profile of these crunchies?
The flavor profile combines the rich and tangy taste of blue cheese with the earthy crunch of toasted walnuts and fresh herbs.
What type of cheese is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of crumbled blue cheese, which should be softened before mixing.
How much butter is required?
You will need 1/2 cup of butter, softened to room temperature.
What kind of flour should I use?
The recipe specifies 1 1/3 cups of all-purpose flour.
How should the walnuts be prepared?
The 1/3 cup of walnut pieces should be toasted and then ground before being added to the dough.
What is the purpose of the egg white?
The beaten egg white is brushed onto the dough slices to create a glossy finish and help the herbs adhere.
Which fresh herbs are recommended for the topping?
Tiny sprigs of fresh rosemary, thyme, or sage are recommended for pressing into the dough.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius.
How do I mix the initial ingredients?
Beat the softened blue cheese and butter together using an electric mixer on medium speed until creamy and smooth.
When do I add the flour and walnuts?
Gradually add the flour and ground walnuts to the cheese and butter mixture, beating until a dough forms.
How do I shape the dough for chilling?
Shape the dough into two logs, each approximately 8 inches long.
What should I wrap the dough logs in?
Wrap the dough logs tightly in wax paper before placing them in the refrigerator.
How long does the dough need to refrigerate?
The dough should chill for at least 2 hours or until it is firm enough to slice easily.
How thick should I slice the dough?
Once chilled, slice the dough into pieces that are 1/4-inch thick.
Do I need to grease the baking sheet?
Yes, the slices should be arranged on lightly greased baking sheets.
How do I attach the herbs to the dough?
Brush each slice with egg white and then press a small sprig of fresh herb firmly into the dough.
How long do the crunchies bake?
Bake the crunchies in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes.
How do I know when they are finished baking?
They are done when they appear golden and smell fragrant.
Should I cool them on the baking sheet?
Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for just 1 minute before moving them.
Where should the final cooling take place?
Transfer the bites to wire racks to cool completely after the initial minute on the baking sheet.
What is a good beverage pairing for this appetizer?
These savory bites pair perfectly with a glass of your favorite wine.
Are these suitable for holiday parties?
Yes, they are designed as a sophisticated snack for holiday gatherings or elegant winter celebrations.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 6 total ingredients: blue cheese, butter, flour, walnuts, egg white, and fresh herbs.
Can I use any herb for the decoration?
While rosemary, thyme, and sage are suggested, any tiny fresh herb sprig will work.
Why is it important to ground the walnuts?
Ground walnuts integrate more evenly into the dough to provide a consistent texture and flavor in every bite.
Is the dough made by hand or with a mixer?
The recipe recommends using an electric mixer on medium speed for the best results.
What is the texture of the finished product?
They have a buttery, savory, and crunchy texture with an earthy finish from the walnuts.
Can the dough be prepared in advance?
Yes, because the dough requires at least 2 hours of chilling, it is an excellent make-ahead component.