With buttery caramelized onions, a variety of cheeses and crunchy almonds, these mini cheese balls are hard to resist.

If you like the flavours of french onion soup, you’re sure to love these mini cheese balls.

Just like my herb and walnut mini cheese balls, which is one of my favorite recipes for entertaining, these caramelized onion mini cheese balls are perfect for any gathering. They’re packed full of flavour and perfect as a bite-sized appetizer. The sweetness of the onion pairs so lovely with the saltiness and creaminess of the cheeses and crunch of the almonds.

Why you’ll love these caramelized onion mini cheese balls

• Easy to make and then store in the fridge until ready to enjoy!
• They’re perfectly bite-sized making them the best small bites party appetizer.
• These are a fun take on a classic soup flavour making them a real crowd pleaser!
• All of the simple ingredients for this easy appetizer can be found at your local grocery store.
• They’re perfect appetizer bites that can be made ahead and served at a dinner party!

Ingredients needed to make these mini cheese balls

Onion: a sweet yellow onion is key to creating the flavorful sauce in this French onion chicken dinner recipe

Butter: butter is a must for getting the onions nice and caramelized

Balsamic vinegar:  I like to add a touch of balsamic vinegar to add a depth of flavour to the onions

Cheese: a combination of softened plain cream cheese, shredded Gruyere cheese and shredded parmesan cheese brings all the cheesy flavour to these caramelized onion mini cheese balls

Seasonings: a combination of garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt and pepper will season the mini cheese balls

Fresh herbs: fresh minced chives add a boost of flavour; I do not recommend substituting with dried chives

Almonds: finely chopped and toasted almonds provide a crunchy, nutty exterior to the mini cheese balls

How to make these caramelized onion mini cheese balls

Step 1: Make the caramelized onions: In a large oven-safe skillet, add the butter over medium heat. When the butter is melted, add the sliced yellow onions and 1 teaspoon salt and sugar. Stir to combine and cover and cook for 5 minutes, undisturbed. Then remove the lid and turn to medium-low heat. Cook onions, stirring occasionally (so they don’t burn), until deep golden brown and caramelized, about 20-30 minutes.

Step 2: To a bowl add the cooled and chopped caramelized onions, softened cream cheese, shredded cheese (gruyere and parmesan), garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper and fresh minced chives. Mix well to combine. Put the cheese mixture in the fridge for 10 minutes to firm up.

Step 3: Then scoop out 12-14 heaping tablespoons (about the size of a small cookie scoop) of the cheese mixture. Form each heaping tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture into a cheese ball with your hands (wet your hands a bit when rolling if the mixture is sticking too much).

Step 4: Spread the toasted chopped almonds on a plate and roll balls in the almonds. Place on a plate or serving tray and let set in the fridge for 30 minutes before serving. Or store in the fridge in an airtight container lined with parchment paper until ready to serve later. (Make these up to one day in advance and take out 1/2 hour before serving).

Step 5: Serve with your favourite crackers, baguette slices, pita chips, pretzels or wavy potato chips and enjoy!

Expert tips for making these caramelized onion mini cheese balls

• Make the balsamic caramelized onions one day ahead of time and store in an airtight container in the fridge. Remove from the fridge and follow the rest of the instructions to make the mini cheese balls.
• If you don’t have time to soften the cream cheese, use a couple tablespoons of warm milk to help make it a an easier consistency to mix. Alternatively, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to whip the cream cheese into a more workable texture.
• Make these an even more fun appetizer by inserting pretzel sticks or crackers in the center of the mini cheese balls; this makes it even easier for guests to pickup the bite-sized cheese balls from the platter!
• You can even serve these mini cheese balls with vegetables too and make a large ‘cheese plate’ to serve a bigger crowd.
• Make these mini cheese balls into one large cheese ball if desired! Once the base cheese mixture is mixed together, form the mixture into a ball. Roll the cheeseball in the toasted almonds and wrap in plastic wrap. Place the cheeseball into the fridge again for at least 15 minutes or until ready to serve (up to one day).

Common questions

How to store these mini cheese balls

These mini cheese balls can be store for up to a week in the fridge in an airtight container or wrapped tightly with plastic wrap; however, if making them for a party I’d recommend making only one day ahead so they have the most fresh flavours when serving.

More delicious cheesy recipes to make from the blog

Festive Holiday Cranberry Walnut Gouda Cheese Ball

Easy Burrata Bread Appetizer with Roasted Tomatoes

Cheesy Baked Pesto and Sun-Dried Tomato Dip

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Easy Caramelized Onion Mini Cheese Balls Appetizer

Make these Caramelized Onion Mini Cheese Balls for an easy appetizer any time of year! A savory & delicious bite-sized appetizer for a party.

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American

Keyword caramelized onion, cheese ball

Prep Time 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes minutes

Resting time 30 minutes minutes

Total Time 1 hour hour 5 minutes minutes

Servings 12 -16 mini cheese balls

Author Jess

Ingredients

For the caramelized onions

• 1 large sweet or yellow onion, thinly sliced (about 1 1/4 – 1 1/2 cups of sliced onion)
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp balsamic vinegar

For the mini cheese balls

• 250 g softened plain cream cheese
• 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese
• 1/4 cup shredded parmesan cheese
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1/4 tsp kosher salt
• 1/4 tsp ground pepper
• 2 tbsp fresh minced chives
• 3/4 cup toasted sliced almonds, finely chopped
• Serve with your favourite crackers, baguette slices, pita chips, pretzels or wavy potato chips

Instructions

• Make the caramelized onions: In a large oven-safe skillet, add the butter over medium heat. When the butter is melted, add the sliced yellow onions, salt and sugar. Stir to combine and cover and cook for 5 minutes, undisturbed. Then remove the lid and turn to medium-low heat. Cook the onions, stirring occasionally (so they don't burn), until deep golden brown and caramelized, about 10-20 minutes. Before taking off the heat, stir in the balsamic vinegar and stir until absorbed.

  Set the caramelized onions aside in a bowl to cool. Once fully cooled, chop the caramelized onions up into smaller pieces.
• Once the onions are fully cooled and chopped, make the cheese balls. To a bowl add the cooled and chopped caramelized onions, softened cream cheese, shredded cheese (gruyere and parmesan), garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper and fresh minced chives. Mix well to combine. Put the mixture in the fridge for 10 minutes to firm up.
• Then scoop out 12-14 heaping tablespoons (about the size of a small cookie scoop) of the cheese mixture. Form each heaping tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture into a cheese ball with your hands (wet your hands a bit when rolling if the mixture is sticking too much).
• Spread the toasted chopped almonds on a plate and roll balls in the almonds. Place on a plate or serving tray and let set in the fridge for 30 minutes before serving. Or store in the fridge in an airtight container lined with parchment paper until ready to serve later. (Make these up to one day in advance and take out 1/2 hour before serving).
• Serve with your favourite crackers, bread, pita chips or pretzels and enjoy!

Notes

• Make the balsamic caramelized onions one day ahead of time and store in an airtight container in the fridge. Remove from the fridge and follow the rest of the instructions to make the mini cheese balls.
• The type of onion matters – I do not recommend using white onions or red onions; they will not caramelize like yellow / sweet onions.
• You could substitute the Gruyere cheese with an old / sharp cheddar or white cheddar cheese.

The post Easy Caramelized Onion Mini Cheese Balls Appetizer appeared first on Cooking in my Genes.

Flaky puff pastry wraps around Gruyere cheese, salty ham and dijon mustard for the most delicious bite.

Using just 8 ingredients, they’re so easy to make!

I love to make puff pastry appetizer recipes like these prosciutto, sage & cheese pinwheels and apricot jam and gruyere cheese puff pastry bites.

These ham and cheese puff pastry bundles are reminiscent of a ham and cheese croissant. When baked you get the melty Gruyere cheese with the ham and mustard for the most delicious bite. I love to serve them for an appetizer with dinner; a part of a holiday brunch spread or happy hour; or, even as a light lunch paired with a fresh, crisp green salad.

why you’ll love these ham and cheese puff pastry bundles

• You only need 8 ingredients – many of which are basil pantry and fridge staples!
• Use frozen puff pastry sheets to make this recipe super quick.
• It’s a tasty way to use leftover ham from Easter dinner.
• This is an amazing recipe to dazzle your guests without a ton of effort.

ingredients needed to make this ham and cheese appetizer

Puff pastry: you need one sheet of puff pastry; I like to use frozen puff pastry and defrost it according to package instructions

Cheese: I love using Gruyere cheese as it’s saltiness pairs perfectly with the slices of ham and puff pastry

Ham: Use a sliced ham like black forest ham or virginia, or leftover spiral or glazed ham or even an Italian ham like prosciutto

Egg wash: whisk together one egg with 1 tablespoon milk to create an egg wash; this egg wash gets brushed all over the ham and cheese puff pastry bundles to create an incredible golden crust

Mustard: dijon, grainy or honey mustard are all delicious with these puff pastry bundles

Seasonings: before baking the puff pastry bundles, add ground pepper, salt and dried thyme or Italian seasoning for a bit of extra flavur

Fresh herbs: I like to garnish these ham and cheese puff pastry bundles with fresh thyme leaves

how to make these puff pastry bundles

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 425F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: Make an egg wash by whisking the egg with 1 tbsp milk.

Step 3: Roll out tone piece of puff pastry and use a sharp knife to cut into 6 rectangles / squares by slicing once lengthwise and then three time width-wise. Place the 6 rectangles on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 4: Brush the outer edges of the pastry squares with egg wash.

Step 5: In the center of each rectangle spread 1-2 tsp of dijon or grainy mustard (use as much or as little depending on your tastes); followed by placing 1/4 cup of shredded Gruyere cheese on top of the mustard on an angle from one corner to another; and, then top the cheese with a slice of ham that’s been rolled up so it’s not falling out of the puff pastry.

Step 6: Lift one corner of the puff pastry rectangle and place it over the ham. Brush a bit of the whisked egg wash on top of the puff pastry. Then grab the opposite corner of the puff pastry rectangle and bring it on top of the other piece to seal. (See photos in blog post if needed).

Step 7: Brush the egg wash over each bundle and sprinkle with a bit of ground pepper, salt and dried thyme or Italian seasoning; or, everything bagel seasoning (whatever you have on hand).

Step 8: Bake until puffed and golden brown, about 18-22 minutes. Serve immediately.

expert tips

• Use everything bagel spice or sesame seeds as a fun topping as well.
• If using frozen puff pastry, make sure to defrost it according to package directions well ahead of time. I like to place it in the fridge overnight to be ready to use the next day.
• Use a sliced ham like black forest ham or virginia, or leftover spiral or glazed ham or even an Italian ham like prosciutto

common questions

Is there another cheese I can use instead of gruyere cheese?
YES! I recommend another melty cheese like swiss cheese or even a sharp cheddar cheese.

Can I make more than 6 puff pastry bundles?
Absolutely, simple double the recipe to make 12 puff pastry bundles.

how to store these ham and cheese puff pastry bundles

These ham and cheese puff pastry bundles are best as soon as they’re baked! I don’t recommend storing them for longer than 2-3 hours at room temperature. However, if you have leftovers, store in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat at 300F for 10-15 minutes until the puff pastry is just crispy again.

more puff pastry appetizers to make from the blog

Mini Pepperoni & Hot Honey Pizza Puff Pastry Tarts

Puff Pastry Baked Gruyere with Fig Jam & Rosemary

Easy Pesto Puff Pastry Pinwheels with Prosciutto

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Easy Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Bundles Appetizer

These Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Bundles are an easy appetizer to make anytime of year! Make them for brunch, cocktail hour or a light dinner

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American

Keyword puff pastry

Prep Time 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes minutes

Total Time 35 minutes minutes

Servings 6 puff pastry bundles

Author Jess

Ingredients

• 1 sheet puff pastry, defrosted according to package instructions
• 1 egg
• 1 tbsp milk
• 1 1/2 cups grated Gruyere cheese
• 6 pieces of ham
• 2-4 tbsp dijon or grainy mustard
• ground pepper, salt and dried thyme or Italian seasoning; or, everything bagel seasoning
• fresh thyme leaves for garnish

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 425F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Make an egg wash by whisking the egg with 1 tbsp milk.
• Roll out tone piece of puff pastry and use a sharp knife to cut into 6 rectangles / squares by slicing once lengthwise and then three time width-wise. Place the 6 rectangles / squares on the parchment lined baking sheet.
• Brush the outer edges of the puff pastry with egg wash.
• In the center of each rectangle spread 1-2 tsp of dijon or grainy mustard (use as much or as little depending on your tastes); followed by placing 1/4 cup of shredded Gruyere cheese on top of the mustard on an angle from one corner to another; and, then top the cheese with a piece of ham that's been rolled up so it's not falling out of the puff pastry.
• Lift one corner of the puff pastry rectangle and place it over the ham. Brush a bit of the egg wash on top of the puff pastry. Then grab the opposite corner of the puff pastry rectangle and bring it on top of the other piece to seal. (See photos in blog post if needed).
• Brush the egg wash over each bundle and sprinkle with a bit of ground pepper, salt and dried thyme or Italian seasoning; or, everything bagel seasoning (whatever you have on hand).
• Bake until puffed and golden brown, about 18-22 minutes. Serve immediately.

Notes

• Use a sliced ham like black forest ham or virginia, or leftover spiral or glazed ham or even an Italian ham like prosciutto
• Use everything bagel spice or sesame seeds as a fun topping instead of dried thyme or italian seasonging.
• If using frozen puff pastry, make sure to defrost it according to package directions well ahead of time. I like to place it in the fridge overnight to be ready to use the next day.

The post Easy Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Bundles Appetizer appeared first on Cooking in my Genes.

You get over 20 grams of protein in this dip so it’s great for an afternoon snack, a cozy night in or for game day.

Lot’s of broccoli and cheesy goodness is baked into this hot dip that’s sure hard to resist.

You know I love to make cheesy appetizers like this Easy Cheesy Baked Pizza Dip and this Quick Baked Cheesy Jalapeno Ranch Chips Appetizer. But, sometimes I want to make a dip serving just for myself.  That’s where this single serving hot broccoli cheese dip recipe comes in!

Prep this easy broccoli cheese dip in just 5 minutes and then bake. This creamy broccoli cheese dip is super delicious and packed with protein!

Why you’ll love this hot broccoli cheese dip

• It’s perfectly measured and made as a single serving!
• This dip is packed with 23g of protein which makes it the perfect high protein snack.
• This broccoli cheese dip recipe is perfect to satisfy a cozy craving.
• Make this cheesy dip when you’re having a solo night-in, cozy movie night or whenever the craving strikes.
• Serve with your favourite crackers, pita chips, tortilla chips or even fresh vegetables!

Ingredients for this baked broccoli cheese dip

Cream cheese: plain cream cheese is a must for a broccoli cheese dip

Greek yogurt: traditionally this dip uses sour cream but here we use Greek yogurt to add some protein to this broccoli dip

Cottage cheese: cottage cheese is having a moment for it’s ability to add a high protein boost to recipes and that’s exactly why I’m using it in this broccoli cheese dip

Broccoli: fresh broccoli is the best to use in this dip; make sure to chop broccoli florets into very small pieces before making the dip

Cheddar cheese: cheddar cheese and broccoli are a classic combination

Parmesan cheese: parmesan cheese adds just a touch of saltiness and rounds out the flavours in this dip

Seasonings: use Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, black pepper and red pepper flakes to season this

How to make this broccoli cheese dip

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375F.

Step 2: To a small bowl add the plain cream cheese, plain Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, shredded parmesan cheese, 1 tbsp shredded cheddar cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, pinch of salt – pepper – chili flakes and small chopped broccoli and stir well to combine.

Step 3: Add the cheese and broccoli mixture to small single serving ramekin or small single serving baking dish. Smooth the top of the dip out and then top with remaining 2 tbsp shredded cheddar cheese.

Step 4: Bake for 20 minutes, until bubbling and the cheese is melted. Let sit for 5 minutes before enjoying.

Expert tips when making this hot broccoli cheese dip

• Want to make this to serve 2? Simply double the recipe and then divide into two small oven safe dishes before baking. Or, bake in one dish to share 🙂
• Make sure to use fresh chopped broccoli; frozen broccoli holds too much water.
• While I love this recipe with crackers or pita chips, it’s really tasty with fresh vegetables too like red bell peppers, carrots and cucumbers.

Common questions

Can I blend the cottage cheese before making this dip?
I have not tested this recipe with blended cottage cheese. However, if you prefer that from a texture standpoint, blend the cottage cheese first and then stir together with all of the other ingredients.

What if I don’t have Italian seasoning?
If you don’t have Italian seasoning, use a pinch of each of the following: dried thyme, dried oregano and dried basil.

How to store

If you have leftovers, store in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat at 325F until warmed through.

More cheesy appetizers to love from the blog

Easy Herb & Walnut Mini Cheese Balls Appetizer

5 Minute Jalapeno Popper Dip

Easy Burrata Bread Appetizer with Roasted Tomatoes

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Easy Single Serving Hot Broccoli Cheese Dip Recipe

Make this Hot Broccoli Cheese Dip when you want a single serving of dip! With 23 grams of protein, it's perfect for a snack or movie night.

Course Appetizer

Cuisine american-inspired

Keyword baked dip, cheese

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes minutes

Total Time 25 minutes minutes

Servings 1

Calories 358kcal

Author Jess

Equipment

• 1 small single serving ramekin or small single serving baking dish

Ingredients

• 3 tbsp plain cream cheese
• 3 tbsp plain Greek yogurt
• 1/4 cup 1-2% cottage cheese
• 1 tbsp shredded parmesan cheese
• 3 tbsp shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 1/4 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• pinch salt, pepper and chili flakes
• 1/3 cup small chopped fresh broccoli
• crackers, pita chips or crostini for serving

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 375F.
• To a small bowl add the plain cream cheese, plain Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, shredded parmesan cheese, 1 tbsp shredded cheddar cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, pinch of salt - pepper - chili flakes and small chopped broccoli and stir well to combine.
• Add the cheese and broccoli mixture to small single serving ramekin or small single serving baking dish. Smooth the top of the dip out and then top with remaining 2 tbsp shredded cheddar cheese.
• Bake for 20 minutes, until bubbling and the cheese is melted. Let sit for 5 minutes before enjoying.

Notes

• If you don't have Italian seasoning, use a pinch of each of the following: dried thyme, dried oregano and dried basil.
• Want to make this to serve 2? Simply double the recipe and then divide into two small oven safe dishes before baking. Or, bake in one dish to share 🙂
• Make sure to use fresh chopped broccoli; frozen broccoli holds too much water.
• While I love this recipe with crackers or pita chips, it's really tasty with fresh vegetables too like red bell peppers, carrots and cucumbers.

Nutrition

Calories: 358kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 23g | Fat: 26g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 77mg | Sodium: 639mg | Potassium: 302mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 1095IU | Vitamin C: 26mg | Calcium: 388mg | Iron: 1mg

The post Easy Single Serving Hot Broccoli Cheese Dip Recipe appeared first on Cooking in my Genes.

Packed with cream cheese, cheddar cheese, herbs and spices, they’re rolled in walnuts for the perfect crunch.

These mini cheese ball bites are sure to be a hit with guests!

Just like my Easy Garlic & Herb Cheese Dip these mini cheeseballs are the perfect appetizer when you need an impressive appetizer quickly. For new year’s eve, Christmas or even a super bowl party, this delicious bite-sized appetizer is sure to be a hit.

why you’ll love this mini cheese balls recipe

• They’re easy to make and can be whipped up in under 10 minutes!
• Easy to make ahead of time and store in the fridge until ready to enjoy.
• These mini cheese balls make a great party appetizer because they’re perfectly bite-sized.
• You can find all the simple ingredients you need for this recipe at your local grocery store.
• They’re a fun take on a classic appetizer!

ingredients needed to make these savory mini cheese balls

Cream cheese: a softened cream cheese at room temperature will mix best when making these mini cheese balls; this is the base of this recipe!

Cheddar cheese: shredded cheddar cheese is my favourite cheese to mix-in to make these cheese balls; I like to use an orange cheddar to help give the cheese ball some colour too

Spices: garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper give a savory flavor to the this mini cheese ball recipe

Walnuts: crunchy, finely chopped walnuts are a must to give texture to these mini cheese balls

Fresh herbs:  a mix of minced fresh basil & parsley or just one of the herbs is a must for a bite of freshness in the small cheese balls

Parmesan cheese: shredded parmesan cheese is a nice touch with all of the other flavours

step by step process to make this mini cheese ball appetizer

Step 1: To a bowl add softened cream cheese, shredded cheese (cheddar and parmesan), 1/4 cup chopped walnuts, 1/4 cup chopped herbs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper. Mix well to combine.

Step 2: Put the mixture in the fridge for 10 minutes to firm up.

Step 3: Then scoop out 12-14 heaping tablespoons (about the size of a small cookie scoop) of the cheese mixture. Form each heaping tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture into a cheese ball with your hands (wet your hands a bit when rolling if the mixture is sticking too much).

Step 4: Spread the remaining chopped walnuts on a plate and roll balls in the walnuts. Place on a plate or serving tray and let set in the fridge for 30 minutes before serving. Or store in the fridge in an airtight container lined with parchment paper until ready to serve later. (Make these up to one day in advance and take out 1/2 hour before serving).

Step 5: Serve with your favourite crackers, pita chips or pretzels and enjoy!

expert tips to make this easy party appetizer

• If you don’t have time to soften the cream cheese, use a couple tablespoons of warm milk to help make it a an easier consistency to mix. Alternatively, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to whip the cream cheese into a more workable texture.
• Make these an even more fun appetizer by inserting pretzel sticks or crackers in the center of the mini cheese balls; this makes it even easier for guests to pickup from the platter!
• You can even serve these mini cheese balls with vegetables too.

common questions

Can I make these ahead of time?
YES. If making them for a holiday party or get-together I’d recommend making only one day ahead so they have the most fresh flavours when serving. If you have leftovers, store them in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

​Are there any other cheeses I can use in this appetizer?
YES! You could substitute the cheddar cheese with an old cheddar, white cheddar or sharp cheddar cheese, gruyere cheese or even pepper jack cheese.

​Can I substitute the fresh herbs?
If parsley or basil aren’t your favourite, you could try substituting with minced chives or green onions.

Would bacon bits work in this recipe too?
There are a lot of classic large cheese ball recipes that include bacon bits. You could add a 1/4 cup bacon bits to this recipe but I would decrease the salt to 1/4 tsp or none at all since the bacon will add saltiness to the cheeseball.

Is there a substitute for walnuts?
Different coatings that can be used instead of walnuts are chopped almonds, pecans or toasted breadcrumbs.

storage

These mini cheese balls can be store for up to a week in the fridge in an airtight container or wrapped tightly with plastic wrap; however, if making them for a party I’d recommend making only one day ahead so they have the most fresh flavours when serving.

more easy appetizers to love from the blog

Easy Pear & Goat Cheese Crostini Appetizer with Honey

Cranberry Pecan Baked Brie (holiday appetizer)

5 Minute Jalapeno Popper Dip

Easy and Quick Holiday Brie Crostini Appetizers

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Easy Herb & Walnut Mini Cheese Balls Appetizer

Make these herb & walnut mini cheese balls for a quick & delicious appetizer! A perfect bite-sized appy for Christmas, New Year's or gameday.

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American

Keyword cheese, cheese ball

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Resting time 30 minutes minutes

Total Time 10 minutes minutes

Servings 12 -14 mini cheese balls

Calories 169kcal

Author Jess

Ingredients

• 250 g softened plain cream cheese
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup shredded parmesan cheese
• 3/4 tsp garlic powder
• 3/4 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper
• 3/4 cup finely chopped walnuts, divided
• 1/4 cup fresh mixed herbs (minced parsley & basil)

Instructions

• To a bowl add softened cream cheese, shredded cheese (cheddar and parmesan), 1/4 cup chopped walnuts, 1/4 cup chopped herbs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper. Mix well to combine.
• Put the mixture in the fridge for 10 minutes to firm up.
• Then scoop out 12-14 heaping tablespoons (about the size of a small cookie scoop) of the cheese mixture. Form each heaping tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture into a cheese ball with your hands (wet your hands a bit when rolling if the mixture is sticking too much).
• Spread the remaining chopped walnuts on a plate and roll balls in the walnuts. Place on a plate or serving tray and let set in the fridge for 30 minutes before serving. Or store in the fridge in an airtight container lined with parchment paper until ready to serve later. (Make these up to one day in advance and take out 1/2 hour before serving).
• Serve with your favourite crackers, pita chips or pretzels and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 169kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 32mg | Sodium: 258mg | Potassium: 74mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 392IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 120mg | Iron: 0.3mg

The post Easy Herb & Walnut Mini Cheese Balls Appetizer appeared first on Cooking in my Genes.

This soft cheese appetizer is simple to make and perfect for entertaining.

Having a simple canapé recipe in your back pocket is always handy when you’ve got guests coming!

Like my goat cheese appetizer with fig jam & pecans, this easy cheese appetizer takes just a few minutes to prep and is sure to wow everyone!

Why you’ll love this garlic and herb cheese holiday appetizer

• It only takes 5 minutes to prepare, it is so quick to make!
• You can serve it with homemade crostini, crackers or crudités.
• All you need are 8 simple ingredients.
• I’ve got a few ingredient substitutions so you can make this to suit your tastes.

Ingredients Needed

Garlic and Herb Boursin Cheese: can’t find Boursin cheese? Feel free to use another garlic and herb cheese!

Walnuts: I love using walnuts in this easy appetizer, but you can swap them out for almonds or pine nuts if you prefer.

Fresh Herbs: I used a mix of basil, chives and parsley.

Olive Oil, Parmesan Cheese, Chili Flakes & Lemon Zest: Serious flavour boosters!

Step by Step Process for this easy cheese appetizer

• Step 1: In a shallow bowl or plate, spread the softened boursin cheese and drizzle it with the olive oil.
• Step 2: Sprinkle the cheese with chili flakes and a pinch of salt.
• Step 3: Add your chopped fresh herbs, chopped walnuts, the zest of half a lemon and a sprinkling of shredded parmesan cheese.
• Step 4: Serve with crackers or crostini and enjoy!

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Easy Garlic & Herb Cheese Holiday Appetizer

Make this easy cheese appetizer for your guests in under 10 minutes! With garlic & herb Boursin cheese, fresh herbs, walnuts & lemon, it's a joy to share.

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American

Keyword cheese, holiday appetizer

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Total Time 10 minutes minutes

Servings 6

Author Jess

Ingredients

• 2 150g garlic and herb Boursin cheese (remove from fridge 10 minutes before making the dip)
• 2 tbsp plain Greek yogurt
• 1-2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp chili flakes 
• pinch of coarse salt
• 1/4 cup cup chopped fresh herbs (mix of basil, chives, parsley)
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
• zest from half lemon
• 2 tbsp shredded parmesan cheese 
• Crackers or crostini for serving

Instructions

• To a low bowl or plate, spread softened boursin cheese mixed with plain Greek yogurt and then drizzle with olive oil.
• Sprinkle with chili flakes and a pinch of salt.
• Add chopped fresh herbs, chopped walnuts, zest of half a lemon and finish with parmesan cheese.
• Serve with crackers or crostini.

Notes

• Can't find Boursin cheese? Try a garlic and herb goat or cream cheese.

FAQ

How do I make crostini?

Preheat your oven to 400°Fahrenheit. Use a bread knife to slice a baguette into 1-inch thick slices. Brush the slices of bread with olive oil on one side and then place in a single layer on a baking sheet. Toast for 10 minutes, flipping the slices of bread halfway through.

What else can I serve with this soft cheese appetizer?

I love serving this with homemade crostini and crackers, but you can also slice up some cucumbers, bell peppers and celery! If you’re using crackers, go with something plain so the flavours from the appetizer can really stand out.

I can’t find Boursin cheese at my grocery store!

Feel free to use another soft garlic and herb cheese if you can’t find boursin at your local grocery store.

Expert Tips for making this easy cheese appetizer

• Take the soft cheese out of the fridge about 10-15 minutes before making the recipe so it is easier to spread on the plate.
• Using fresh herbs instead of dried herbs makes all the difference, but in a pinch you can use dried herbs.
• Using good ingredients here makes all the difference! Olive oil and nuts can easily go bad, so I recommend checking the freshness of what’s in your pantry before you start the recipe.

Storage

Keep the prepared dip in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

More holiday appetizers to love from the blog

Easy Goat Cheese Appetizer with Fig Jam & Pecans

Blueberry and Goat Cheese Crostini Appetizer

Festive Market Cheeseboard

A Sparkling New Years Eve Party Menu

Snickerdoodle Blondies

Until the next cooking adventure,
Jess

The post Easy Garlic & Herb Cheese Holiday Appetizer appeared first on Cooking in my Genes.

Using simple pantry ingredients, you can fancy up toast to enjoy for breakfast or brunch as we spend more time at home.

Let’s get creative with what we have on hand to make breakfast toasts!

I’ve been thinking a lot about how much things have changed in this past week. If you’re pretty much anywhere in the world right now, social-distancing is the new normal.

Given that we’re all spending more time at home and perhaps depending on more sturdy pantry ingredients for our meals, I wanted to take your regular breakfast toast recipe to the next level. Whether you’re looking for good comfort food with carbs or a healthy breakfast option, you’ll find exactly what you need in the following toast recipes.

I did my first Instagram Live this past weekend, where I showed how to make these toasts so we could all have a ‘virtual brunch’ together. Now, I’m sharing the ingredients with you:

Grab your toaster, and let’s get to toasting!

Blueberry Cheesecake Toast

• Cream cheese or Yogurt: The base layer of the toast which is key to making this ‘cheesecake.’
• Blueberry jam: My personal favourite to top cheesecake but you can use any jam you’d like
• Granola: Gives a little crunch and brings all the ‘cheesecake’ flavours together.
• Lemon Zest: This is totally optional, so if you have a lemon around, use the zest as a topper

Cinnamon Coconut Toast

• Almond (or other nut butter): Almond butter, peanut butter or any of your favourite nut butters will work.
• Coconut Flakes: I LOVE coconut flakes for a nice crunch on this toast.
• Cinnamon: It goes so well with the nut butter.
• Honey: The honey drizzle takes this toast over the top and brings all the flavours together.

Spicy Avocado Toast

• Avocado: I still don’t think you can go wrong with an avocado toast, so start this with many slices of avocado.
• Pea Shoots: I love pea shoots though you can use any greens you’d like; try microgreens, thinly sliced spinach or kale, or arugula – use what you have!
• Chili Flakes: Here’s the spice! I LOVE chili flakes; my favourite spice store in Calgary ships across Canada too and these are the ones I always buy.
• Lemon: Just a squeeze of lemon juice brings everything together.
• Parmesan Cheese or Pinch of Salt: Either works; you just need a little saltiness to complete this toast.

Apple Cheddar Toast

• Cheddar Cheese: Start with a layer of your favourite cheddar cheese; you can melt the cheese on your toast if you’d like to.
• Apple Slices: I like a granny smith apple but honestly, use whatever you have in your fridge! Pears work great too.
• Honey: Honestly, honey goes so great with cheddar cheese and apples; they’re flavours I’d serve on a cheese plate.
• Chopped Nuts: Walnuts, almonds or hazelnuts. Any of these would make a great topping on your breakfast toast.

Print

4 Creative Breakfast Toasts

The next time you want to treat yourself to breakfast or brunch at home, whip up one of these creative breakfast toasts! 4 easy toast ideas to suit your sweet or savoury tastebuds.

Course Breakfast, brunch

Cuisine American

Keyword breakfast toast, brunch toast, toast

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Total Time 5 minutes minutes

Servings 1 toast

Author Jess

Ingredients

Blueberry Cheesecake Toast

• 1 slice of bread, toasted sourdough, whole wheat, white or whole-grain bread - choose your favourite
• 1-2 tbsp cream cheese or yogurt
• 1-2 tbsp blueberry or other berry jam
• 1-2 tbsp granola
• lemon zest optional

Cinnamon Coconut Toast

• 1 slice of bread, toasted sourdough, whole wheat, white or whole-grain bread - choose your favourite
• 1-2 tbsp almond, peanut or other nut butter
• 1-2 tbsp coconut flakes
• sprinkle of cinnamon
• drizzle of honey

Apple Cheddar Toast

• 1 slice of bread, toasted sourdough, whole wheat, white or whole-grain bread - choose your favourite
• cheddar cheese slices
• apple slices
• honey drizzle
• chopped walnuts, almonds or hazelnuts

Spicy Avocado Toast

• 1 slice of bread, toasted sourdough, whole wheat, white or whole-grain bread - choose your favourite
• half an avocado, sliced
• pea shoots or other greens thinly sliced spinach, kale or arugula - choose your favourite
• chili flakes
• squeeze of lemon juice
• parmesan cheese or coarse salt

Instructions

• Toast bread lightly.
• Layer toppings according to ingredients per type of toast.

These ingredients are seriously so interchangeable. I wanted to make these toast recipes as easy as possible to make using whatever you have on hand. These breakfast ideas are simple enough for the amateur chefs but tasty enough to please the foodies too!

Make these toasts during the week, even for a snack or keep these creative toast ideas for a weekend breakfast. I am going to make these breakfast toasts for my husband and I to make weekend ‘brunch at home’ feel a little more special.

However you enjoy these, I hope this helps you make something yummy in the kitchen with whatever you have on hand. Keeping ingredients simple can sometimes make the MOST delicious dish!

When it comes to toast, the possibilities are truly endless! I challenge you to make your own creative toast combos with the ingredients in your kitchen. I’ve played around with fun toppings like fried eggs and poached eggs, pesto, balsamic glaze, chia seeds, and even pomegranate! I’m also a big sucker for cheese, and I find that cottage cheese, goat cheese,  feta, and ricotta are all great options.

And, if you like toast just as much as I do, check out my 3 summer jams for some simple jam recipes as we head into warmer months.

Until the next cooking adventure,
Jess

The post 4 Easy & Creative Breakfast Toast Recipes You’ll Love appeared first on Cooking in my Genes.

Grab your family and friends, some simple dishes, a blanket and let’s picnic!

When I was a teenager my friend and I used pack a baguette and cheese in our backpacks and head out on our bikes to picnic by the shores of Lake Ontario.

You’re probably thinking, ‘what teenager knows what a baguette is,’ and I have my Mom to thank for introducing me to one of my favourite breads everrrr!

And that is how I was introduced to the easiest way to enjoy food with friends; a picnic.

Why you’ll love a summer picnic

Location: It can be anywhere, even in your backyard! You don’t have to go far to enjoy a picnic.

Gathering together: A picnic is a fun and delicious way to enjoy time with family & friends.

Make the food easy: You don’t have to make any recipes for a picnic; while you’re sure to enjoy some of my recipes ideas, grabbing your favourite take-out food also works!

What does a picnic consist of?

A great picnic consists of:

• Simple, delicious food and drink
• A blanket or picnic table
• An outdoor location
• A fun game or two to play

How to pick the best location

Picking a location is key to a great picnic and you don’t need to go far from home. A backyard with space for a blanket can be just perfect! Or, look for a nearby park with trees that provide some shade. Either way, give yourself a bit of space to spread out and enjoy.

Picnic essentials

Picnic basket (or other bag): While a picnic basket can certainly be the perfect carryall for all of your picnic items, you really just need a sturdy bag for your supplies. 

Blanket: A blanket is perfect for setting the scene and if you’re driving to your location or at home, outdoor pillows or fold-up chairs can add a nice touch too. 

Eating utensils & plates: Of course, you’ll need a few key utensils, plastic dishes, cutlery, a serving board and napkins.

Decor: This is totally optional but you can set the picnic vibes with some fresh flowers.

Tidying up: One more item to pack is a garbage bag to use for dirty dishes afterwards which makes clean-up much easier.

Recipe ideas for a summer picnic

The food is what makes the entire picnic experience. I am all for dishes that can be prepared, packaged and stored in the fridge which makes for easy packing.

Here are a few easy picnic food ideas to help you plan your picnic menu:

Mason Jar Salads

Mason Jar Salads are wonderful for picnics because you can layer all the ingredients so the salad stays crisp. Then, just shake the mason jar prior to eating to mix all of the ingredients. I made a quick salad by layering dressing, roasted vegetables and chickpeas, quinoa, arugula and parmesan cheese. I mixed the vegetables (small zucchini, red pepper and a cup of baby tomatoes) with about 1 cup of chickpeas plus olive oil and a 1/4 tsp of thyme, basil, garlic powder, oregano and salt & pepper. Then roasted everything for about 25-30 minutes at 400F.  Once cooled, layer all of the ingredients in jars and store in the fridge until ready to pack.

Other salads perfect for packing in mason jars:

Italian Chopped Pasta Salad

Mason Jar Pesto Pasta Salad

Roasted Summer Vegetable Salad 

Mason Jar Watermelon Salad

Sandwiches

A sandwich is a staple at a picnic and the recipe combinations are endless. I like to use a sturdy bread like baguette which does well with so many ingredients. A favourite sandwich combination of mind is: pesto, seasonal marinated vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers, mozzarella and arugula.

More recipe ideas for picnic sandwiches:

Fig Jam & Brie Baguette Sandwich

Make a wrap or sandwich with my dill pickle chicken salad

Make Peach & Prosciutto Summer Focaccia recipe into a sandwich

Double wrap sandwiches and wraps – use parchment paper as the first wrap layer and the second layer use foil

Summer charcuterie board

Making charcuterie boards with seasonal ingredients is one of my favourites for a picnic. I like to mix up tastes and textures with a variety of meats, cheeses, fruits, jams and crackers. A couple of my favourite ingredients for summer:

• Cheeses: brie, gouda, manchego
• Meat: prosciutto, spicy salami
• Fruits: plums, peaches, apricot
• Vegetables: fill in the board with crisp veggies like cucumbers or carrots

Make your board, wrap it up and store in the fridge so it’s ready to pack. And, this cheeseboard is a lovely option for dessert too by adding some chocolate, nuts or a couple of sweets of your choice.

SEE BELOW IN THE RECIPE CARD FOR MY CHARCUTERIE BOARD RECIPE

A quick dip

An easy to make dip or appetizer could also work for a picnic. I like to stay away from overly creamy dips (like dips with cream cheese) that might not fair too well in warmer temperatures. Here are a few of my favorite dips and appetizers that would do well for a picnic:

Buffalo hummus (skip the feta to make it dairy-free)

Bruschetta with boursin cheese (bring the juicy tomatoes separately from the boursin and assemble on site OR just enjoy the bruschetta on it’s own)

Kid-friendly finger foods

My son LOVES a picnic and he really enjoys making his own snack box to bring with him. Some great, easy finger foods you can pack for the kids at a picnic include:

• Cheese sticks
• Pepperoni (or turkey) sticks
• Crackers
• Popcorn
• Tortilla chips and salsa
• Mini-muffins
• Veggie sticks
• Fruit skewers

Dessert

Pack dessert in a Jar: An easy way to pack a treat for your picnic is to use small mason jars (or really any jar you have) and fill it with dessert! I like to use small jam jars that I’ve kept because they’re for perfect one-person desserts. One of my favourites desserts is a cheesecake in a jar!

Prep my Summer Fruit with Whipped Cream recipe. Then, make each jar into a ‘cheesecake in jar’ by layering crumbled graham crumbs at the bottom of the jar followed by the mascarpone cheese and finished with the fruit. 

Fresh pastries from your favourite bakery: A great way to end the picnic is with a sweet treat! I love to grab donuts or my favorite baked goods and cut them into smaller pieces so everyone can have bite. This is a great alternative to making some from-scratch.

Fresh Fruit: Bring whichever fruit is in season. Just wash and cut (if needed), then store in a reusable container to bring in your picnic basket. Some of my favourites in the summer are:

• Strawberries
• Peaches
• Watermelon
• Cherries

A drink to cheers with

A bottle of bubbly or perhaps a rosé is the perfect summer picnic drink to cheers with! You could also opt for a bottle of lemonade or sparkling water instead. And, don’t forget juice boxes if you have kids joining you 🙂

Whichever your choice, always remember to bring lots of water and drink responsibly. If you’re bringing glass bottles, wrap them in napkins for packing.

How to pack a picnic and keep food cold

Ice packs work great to keep food cool. However, you could also freeze a bottle of water which serves two purposes: the ice water keeps the food cool and then you can enjoy the water as a refreshing drink as the ice melts.

Layer items in your picnic basket, bag or cooler bag, starting with the heaviest items at the bottom. Then, put more delicate items towards the top of the basket. Use food containers that stack easily helps to make packing much easier.

Atmosphere – set the mood for your picnic

While enjoying a picnic with a few people is lovely, having a picnic by yourself can be just as enjoyable. Grab a good book like The Recipe Club to enjoy along with your food. Totally disconnecting to enjoy the company of friends or reading a book can be magical. You could even bring cards to play a game after you eat or maybe even an easy lawn game like bocce ball.

There are so many ways to enjoy time together with a picnic, let your tastes guide you! And, if you’d rather not make food just pop by your favourite bakery or take-out restaurant, grab your favourite baked goods or dishes and take those with you. Make the summer picnic experience as detailed or as simple as you want, and make it your own.

Tips and tricks for the best picnic food

• Temperature: Pick foods that travel well and stay fresh at outdoor temperatures.
• Little to no assembly required: Make sure the food you bring is ready to eat.
• Wrap sandwiches and wraps tightly: Double wrapsandwiches and wraps – use parchment paper as the first wrap layer and the second layer use foil.
• Ask others to bring their favourite food: Don’t do it all yourself. If planning a picnic for a group, ask others to bring a dish for a picnic-potluck!
• Be ready to eat: Unpack and enjoy the food when you arrive at your destination to avoid the food sitting out in the sun.

FAQs

Print

Summer Picnic Charcuterie Board

Servings 4 -6 people

Author Jess

Ingredients

Cheeses:

• 2-3 types of cheese 600-700g of cheese total (favourite cheeses: brie, gouda, goat cheese, havarti, old cheddar or manchego)

Meat:

• 2-3 types of sliced meats 400-500g sliced meat (favourites: prosciutto, spicy salami, chorizo)

Fruits:

• 4 cups of fruit sliced if necessary (plums, figs, oranges, grapes, peaches, apricot or berries)

Jam:

• ½ cup fruit jam fig, blueberry, apricot or strawberry

Crackers and bread:

• 25-30 pieces of assorted crackers or breads
• Extras: ½ – 1 cup nuts and/or dried fruit fresh herbs

Garnishes (optional)

• fresh herbs for garnish

Instructions

• Start by arranging the cheese on the board as well as the jam in a small vessel.
• Then begin to fill in the remaining spots with slices of meat, fruit and crackers. Fill in any extra spots with nuts, dried fruit and/or (optional) fresh herbs.
• Wrap it up in two layers, one plastic wrap and one layer of foil to keep everything secure. Store in the fridge until ready to pack for the picnic.

The post How to Create a Summer Picnic (with recipe ideas!) appeared first on Cooking in my Genes.

We have a couple of summer weekends left and summer IS the time to entertain! When I need an easy appetizer or snack to accompany a lovely weekend afternoon, cheese & charcuterie is my go-to.

Using my favourite cheeses and some summer fruits, I’ve put together an easy summer cheese & charcuterie board that will wow your guests (and you!)

One of the ‘rules of thumb’ for cheeseboards is to start with one hard cheese, one soft and one smelly cheese. BUT given I’m not a fan of smelly cheese I like to opt for a different flavoured cheese to round out the flavours.  I also like to add a spicy meat to the board to round and some pickles for saltiness.

Here is a checklist to help you create your own summer cheese & charcuterie board:

Cheeses: 
– Saint Andre (soft)
– Dill Havarti (flavour/medium)
– Manchego (hard)

Fruit: fresh peaches and apricots

Meat: spicy chorizo

Crackers: rosemary & olive oil triscuits; plain crisps; rosemary-raisin-pecan raincoat crisps

Garish: fresh dill and wild blueberry spread

You can mix and match with some of your favourite cheeses and flavours using many of the fruits of the season too and I’m sure you’ll come up with some amazing flavour combinations.

Happy Entertaining!

Until the next cooking adventure,
Jess

The post Summer Cheese & Charcuterie Board appeared first on Cooking in my Genes.