It’s bursting with the flavors of fresh garden herbs, lemon, garlic and spices. 

The creamy goat cheese pairs perfectly with the freshness of herbs, making it a delicious recipe year-round.

If you love this burrata appetizer or my marinated mozzarella recipe, your guests are sure to love this marinated goat cheese.

Why herb marinated goat cheese is a perfect easy appetizer

• Easy: Less than 20 minutes to prep this appetizer.
• Simple ingredients: All of the ingredients are easy to find in your local grocery store or farmer’s market.
• Seasonal: Use different herbs depending on the season, making this appetizer very versatile.

Ingredients

• Plain goat cheese (1 log of goat cheese)
• Extra-virgin olive oil plus more for drizzling
• Small garlic clove
• Kosher salt
• Ground pepper
• Chili flakes (or red pepper flakes)
• Lemon zest
• Fresh herbs, finely chopped (mix of dill, basil, thyme, parsley and/or chives)
• For serving: crostini, crackers, fresh bread or fresh vegetables 

Cutting the goat’s cheese

To cleanly cut rounds of goat cheese (and avoid it crumbling), place the goat cheese in the freezer for 10-15 minutes, no longer. This method helps to firm up the cheese before slicing. Then, use one of two methods to slice:

• Sharp knife:  After the goat cheese has sat in the freezer for 10-15 minutes, remove, unwrap and slice with a sharp knife. Repeat until the whole log of goat cheese has been sliced.
• Dental floss:  Alternatively, you can use unflavored dental floss to cut slices of goat cheese. Wrap the ends of a piece of unflavored dental floss around your fingers on each hand and hold it taut. Then, place on top of the log of goat cheese and pull the floss straight down to slice. Repeat until the whole log has been sliced.

Prepping ahead

You can make this marinated goat cheese up to 2 hours ahead of time. Cover and refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving.

If making this goat cheese recipe ahead of time, let sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving to take the chill off.

What kind of herbs to use with this recipe?

I like to use a mix of fresh basil, dill, chives, parsley and thyme leaves in this recipe. However, you can use what you have on hand or what you can find at your nearest grocery store or farmer’s market. 

You can easily find fresh herbs based on what season you’re in:

Spring & Summer: Use more delicate herbs that are easily found in the garden like dill, basil, chives and parsley.

Fall & Winter: Use heartier herbs like rosemary, thyme, parsley and/or oregano.

Tips, Tricks, and Substitutions

• Make ahead: If you’ve made this marinated goat cheese recipe ahead of time and it’s been in the fridge, let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes to take the chill off.
• Seasonal fresh herbs: This recipe allows for substitution of the fresh herbs depending on what you can access or what you have on hand. In the Spring and Summer, try more delicate herbs like dill, parsley, basil and/or chives. In the Fall and Winter, try heartier herbs like rosemary, thyme, parsley and/or oregano.
• Goat cheese: While this is a goat cheese recipe, if you are in a pinch, you could try pieces of cream cheese marinated instead.
• Sun-dried tomatoes: Add 1/4 cup diced sun-dried tomatoes for more flavor.
• Olives: Add 1/4 cup diced castelvetrano olives for a tangier appetizer.

What to serve with this marinated goat cheese recipe

Fresh bread: Fresh torn or sliced baguette or sourdough pairs perfectly with this appetizer.

Crackers: I like a neutral flavored cracker with this goat cheese, something flavored with olive oil and/or sea salt.

Crostini: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Use a bread knife to slice a baguette into ½-inch thick slices, about 20-24 slices. Brush the bread slices with olive oil on one side and place in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Bake for 5 minutes, then flip and bake for another 5 minutes until toasted. Set aside.

Vegetables: Fresh cut vegetables are delectable with this goat cheese appetizer. Vegetables like radishes, cucumber, mini bell peppers and/or carrots. Cut the cucumber or carrots on the bias (angle) for a prettier presentation.

How long does marinated goat cheese last?

If you are making this marinated goat cheese in an effort to store for a later date, I recommend storing in an airtight glass container. Since this recipe uses fresh herbs, this will last up to 1 week in the fridge. 

What else can I use this marinated goat cheese for?

This marinated goat cheese is very versatile. If you have leftover marinated goat cheese, store in the fridge to add to:

• Pasta sauces for more flavor
• On top of a simple green salad
• Mixed with other cheeses in a grilled cheese or on garlic cheese toast
• Add to cheese boards or charcuterie boards
• Enjoy as a part of a snack plate on the weekend
• Spread on a bagel or use as a spread in a wrap

How to store

Store any leftovers in the olive oil, covered or in a glass jar, in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Remove from the fridge and let sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before enjoying again.

FAQs

More goat cheese recipes to love from the blog

• Blueberry and Goat Cheese Crostini Appetizer
• Sun-Dried Tomato & Herb Marinated Goat Cheese Dip
• 5-Ingredient Baked Goat Cheese with Apricot Jam

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Herb Marinated Goat Cheese Recipe (quick appetizer)

This herb-marinated goat cheese appetizer is bursting with fresh herbs, lemon and garlic. Easy to make and perfect for elevating any gathering.

Course Appetizer

Cuisine Mediterranean-inspired

Keyword goat cheese

Prep Time 20 minutes minutes

Total Time 20 minutes minutes

Servings 6 – 8 people

Author Jess

Ingredients

• 280-340 g / 10-12oz goat cheese, cut in half inch rounds
• ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil plus more for drizzling
• 1 small garlic clove, pressed or grated
• ¼ tsp kosher or sea salt
• Pinch of pepper and chili flakes
• Zest from half a lemon
• ⅓ cup finely chopped fresh herbs (your choice of a mix of dill, basil, thyme, parsley and/or chives) plus more for garnish
• For serving: crostini, crackers, fresh bread or fresh vegetables

Instructions

• To a shallow serving dish add 1/4 cup of the olive oil to cover the bottom of the dish. Nestle the rounds of goat cheese into the olive oil on the serving dish.
• To a small bowl add the rest of the olive oil (1/4 cup), pressed garlic, salt, pepper, chili flakes, lemon zest. Stir everything together to combine and then gently pour over top of all of the goat cheese rounds.
• Let sit at room temp for 10-15 minutes and then serve with crostini, crackers, fresh bread or vegetables. Alternatively, keep in the fridge for up to 2 hours covered and remove about 10-15 minutes before serving.

Notes

• To make crostini to eat with this marinated goat cheese: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Use a bread knife to slice a baguette into ½-inch thick slices, about 20-24 slices. Brush the bread slices with olive oil on one side and place in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Bake for 5 minutes, then flip and bake for another 5 minutes until toasted. Set aside.

The post Herb Marinated Goat Cheese Recipe (quick appetizer) appeared first on Cooking in my Genes.

With so many classic pizza flavours like basil, parsley, oregano and creamy burrata, you’ll be going back for seconds.

Plus, this olive oil dip comes together in just 10 minutes!

My Baked Pizza Dip appetizer is a classic and oh so delicious. But, I wanted to make something that takes much less time and can be whipped together quickly. The burrata cheese is the star of the show, enveloped by a pizza-inspired olive oil dip is packed with so many Italian herbs that are hard to resist.

Why you’ll love this olive oil dip with burrata

• It only takes 10 minutes to make this perfect easy appetizer!
• You need pantry staples and some easy-to-find fresh ingredients.
• This burrata is something you might see at a fancy italian restaurant BUT you can easily make this appetizer at home with simple ingredients.
• Whip up this easy recipe for a quick appetizer to serve guests at a dinner party or any time you’re entertaining.
• It’s the perfect bread dip – grab your favorite bread to dip in!

Ingredients to make this olive oil dip with burrata

Olive oil: make sure to use a high quality extra-virgin olive oil for this olive oil dip; you’ll need a half cup of extra virgin olive oil

Sun-dried tomatoes: use sundried tomatoes that are packed in oil (drain from the oil before chopping)

Seasonings: the spice blend of dried oregano, dried thyme, chili flakes or red pepper flakes, kosher salt and fresh garlic are a must to get the best flavours for this olive oil dip

Fresh herbs: fresh basil, fresh parsley and fresh oregano are a must

Burrata: the creaminess of the burrata makes this dip oh so irresistible, for best results remove the burrata from the fridge 15-30 minutes to take the chill off

Parmesan cheese: freshly grated parmesan cheese is the best for this olive oil dip

Bread:  I love to serve this appetizer with fresh bread like ciabatta or focaccia bread, a delicious Italian bread. You could also use a crusty bread like a french baguette to make crostini.

How to make this simple olive oil dip appetizer

Step 1: To a shallow bowl add the olive oil, pressed garlic, diced sun-dried tomatoes, dried oregano, dried thyme, chili flakes, salt, grated parmesan cheese, minced fresh basil and minced fresh parsley and give everything a good stir together to combine.

Step 2: Add the ball of burrata to the middle of the bowl, into the olive oil mixture. Use a spoon to scoop and spoon the olive oil mixture over top of the burrata.

Step 3: To serve, drizzle the balsamic vinegar over top of the burrata ball OR tear the burrata ball to reveal the center and then drizzle the balsamic vinegar onto the burrata.

Step 4: Garnish with fresh oregano and/or fresh basil leaves and serve with the bread of your choice.

What is burrata cheese?

Burrata cheese is a mild cheese generally made from Italian cows or buffalo milk. While it has an exterior similar to mozzarella, the best part is when you cut into it to find a creamy center. The creamy center is called stracchiatella, a combination of shreds of mozzarella and cream  It’s buttery, rich and has a slight milky taste and subtle sweetness.

Expert tips about this pizza-inspired olive oil dip

• Take the burrata out of the fridge at least 15-30 minutes to take the chill off before assembling the olive oil dip.
• Serve with warm bread! Warm the bread in a 350F oven for 5-10 minutes before serving with the appetizer. 
• This recipe is so versatile because you can make your own olive oil bread dip by simply make the oil dip and omitting the burrata 

Common questions

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh? 
I don’t recommend substituting the fresh basil, parsley or oregano for dried herbs. The fresh herbs are a must to get the best flavour from this easy bread dip.

Where can I find burrata cheese?
Many local grocery stores sell burrata. If you cannot find burrata, the closest substitute is fresh mozzarella cheese. Generally you can find fresh mozzarella balls packed in water or whey. Fresh mozzarella has the closest flavour in any substitute for burrata. However, please note mozzarella will not have the same creamy texture as burrata. If using fresh mozzarella instead of burrata I recommend adding a sprinkle of salt on the cheese before serving to enhance the flavour.

How to store this burrata olive oil dip

This burrata bread appetizer is best enjoyed the day it’s made. However, if you have leftover burrata and oil, store them together in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1-2 days. Remove from the fridge for 15-30 minutes so the oil and burrata can start to come to room temperature before enjoying again.

more quick appetizers to love from the blog

5-Ingredient Baked Goat Cheese with Apricot Jam

Easy and Quick Berry Brie Crostini Appetizer (3 ways)

Quick Baked Cheesy Jalapeno Ranch Chips Appetizer

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Easy Pizza-Inspired Olive Oil Dip with Burrata Cheese

Make this Olive Oil Dip with Burrata Cheese in 10 minutes! Enveloped by pizza-inspired flavours, this burrata appetizer is hard to resist.

Course Appetizer

Cuisine italian-inspired

Keyword burrata

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Total Time 10 minutes minutes

Servings 4 -6

Calories 365kcal

Author Jess

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 small garlic clove, grated or pressed
• 1/3 cup diced sundried tomatoes (use sundried tomatoes packed in oil, drain oil first before dicing)
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 3/4 tsp dried thyme
• ¼ tsp chili flakes
• 1/4 tsp salt
• ¼ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp packed minced fresh basil
• 2 tbsp fresh minced parsley
• 1 ball fresh burrata cheese (about 125-150 grams)
• fresh oregano and/or basil leaves to garnish
• 2 tsp balsamic vinegar
• For serving: fresh bread of choice (ciabatta or focaccia work really well)

Instructions

• To a shallow bowl add the olive oil, pressed garlic, diced sun-dried tomatoes, dried oregano, dried thyme, chili flakes, salt, grated parmesan cheese, minced fresh basil and minced fresh parsley and stir together to combine.
• Add the ball of burrata to the middle of the bowl, into the olive oil mixture. Use a spoon to scoop and spoon the olive oil mixture over top of the burrata.
• To serve, drizzle the balsamic vinegar over top of the burrata ball OR tear the burrata ball to reveal the center and then drizzle the balsamic vinegar onto the burrata.

  Garnish with fresh oregano and/or fresh basil leaves and serve with the bread of your choice.
• Tip: Warm the bread in a 350F oven for 5-10 minutes before serving with the appetizer if desired.

Notes

• Take the burrata out of the fridge about 15-30 minutes before serving to take the chill off.
• If you want to add a bit more flair to this recipe, add in 2 tbsp capers or finely chopped olives.

Nutrition

Calories: 365kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 38g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 21g | Cholesterol: 26mg | Sodium: 273mg | Potassium: 163mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 0.5g | Vitamin A: 438IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 257mg | Iron: 1mg

The post Easy Pizza-Inspired Olive Oil Dip with Burrata Cheese appeared first on Cooking in my Genes.

You can whip up this appetizer in just 5 minutes which makes it one of the best dips to serve guests.

This easy whipped ricotta dip is sure to be a crowd pleaser during the holiday season!

Just like my cranberry whipped feta dip appetizer, this creamy whipped ricotta dip is simple to make and full of seasonal flavours.

The ricotta dip has a creamy texture that is lovely when paired with the flavours of hot honey, fresh rosemary and crunchy walnuts. It’s the easiest appetizer packed with lots of flavours!

Why you’ll love this creamy ricotta appetizer with hot honey

• You only need 5 minutes to whip up this delicious recipe.
• It’s an impressive appetizer for any holiday gathering that you can make ahead of time.
• This dip is made for easy dipping with crackers, pita chips, crostini or sourdough bread!

Ingredients needed to make this delicious appetizer

Ricotta: fresh whole milk ricotta cheese can be found in the grocery store and is essential for the base of this whipped ricotta dip.

Lemon: the zest and juice of a lemon brightens up the ricotta when whipped together.

Olive Oil: extra virgin olive oil helps to make the ricotta super creamy when whipped

Seasonings: salt and black pepper are the best seasonings for the ricotta

Honey: liquid honey is the base for the hot honey drizzle that tops the whipped ricotta

Hot Sauce: use any hot sauce you have on hand to mix with the honey to create the hot honey

Chili Flakes: chili flakes or red pepper flakes amp up the heat in the hot honey mixture

Rosemary: fresh herbs like rosemary bring a fresh flavour to this delicious dip

Walnuts: chopped walnuts add a nice crunch to the creamy whipped ricotta

How to make this whipped ricotta dip

Step 1: In a food processor or high speed blender add the fresh ricotta, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, pepper and olive oil.  Blend on high speed until smooth and creamy, about 1-2 minutes. Spread the whipped ricotta in a shallow serving bowl and set aside.

Step 2: Mix together the liquid honey, hot sauce and chili flakes until combined. Drizzle the hot honey mixture on top of the dip and then top with chopped walnuts and minced rosemary.

Step 3: Serve the whipped ricotta dip with hot honey with crackers, pita chips or crostini and enjoy!

Expert tips for making this easy whipped ricotta dip recipe

• If you want to make this ahead of time, whip the ricotta and store in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Remove from the fridge and top with hot honey mixture just before serving.
• Instead of serving as a dip, mix things up and serve the whipped ricotta mixture on individual crostini. Then, add a drizzle of the hot honey to each ricotta crostini for bite-sized appetizers for guests.
• Make your own crostini: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Use a bread knife to slice a baguette into 1-inch thick slices. Brush the baguette slices with olive oil on one side and place in a single layer on a parchment paper lined baking sheet. Bake for 5 minutes, then flip and bake for another 5 minutes until toasted. Set aside.
• While fresh rosemary is a divine herb flavour with this dip in a pinch you can use fresh thyme instead.
• This ricotta dip would also make a divine centrepiece as a part of a great spread of appetizers and/or charcuterie.

Common questions

Can I make this gluten free?
Easily make this gluten-free by serving this whipped ricotta appetizer with a favourite gluten-free cracker or make crostini with a gluten-free baguette.

How can I adjust the spice level in the hot honey?
YES! Make the spicy honey to your liking by adding only the hot sauce to the regular honey and mixing first. Taste and then adjust by adding the chili flakes dependant on your tastes – start with 1/4 tsp and add another 1/4 tsp if desired.

Do I have to use a food processor to whip the ricotta?
I’ve tested this recipe with a food processor but you can also use a stand or hand mixer with the whisk attachment. Note, you may need to whip the ricotta a minute or two longer compared to using a food processor to whip the ricotta. It will however turn out just as delicious but it may need a bit more time to become creamy!

Can I use another type of nut or seed instead of walnuts?
If you don’t want to use walnuts try chopped almonds, pecans or pistachios. Alternatively, you could try a sunflower seed or a bit of granola as a topping or simply omit the walnuts if there’s a nut allergy – the dip will still be extremely delicious!

Storage

This whipped ricotta dip with hot honey is best enjoyed on the day it’s made. However, if have leftovers store the whipped ricotta in an airtight container for 1-2 days. When ready to enjoy stir the whipped ricotta and then enjoy with crackers, crostini or even on a piece of toast!

More delicious and easy appetizer recipes from the blog

The Best Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip (holiday recipe!)

Easy Garlic & Herb Cheese Holiday Appetizer

Easy Goat Cheese Appetizer with Fig Jam & Pecans

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Quick Whipped Ricotta Dip with Hot Honey Appetizer

Make this creamy whipped ricotta dip with hot honey for a quick & delicious appetizer! Top with rosemary & walnuts, for savory & sweet bite!

Course Appetizer

Cuisine american-inspired

Keyword ricotta, whipped ricotta

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Total Time 10 minutes minutes

Servings 4 -6

Author Jess

Ingredients

For the whipped ricotta

• 2 cups fresh ricotta (about 475g)
• zest from half a lemon
• juice from half a lemon
• 1/4 tsp salt
• pinch of ground pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil

For the hot honey

• 1/4 cup liquid honey
• 1 tsp hot sauce
• 1/2 tsp chili flakes

Garnishes

• 1-2 tsp fresh minced rosemary
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts

Instructions

• In a food processor or high speed blender add the ricotta, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, pepper and olive oil.  Blend on high speed until smooth and creamy, about 1-2 minutes. Spread the whipped ricotta in a shallow bowl and set aside.
• Mix together the liquid honey, hot sauce and chili flakes until combined. Drizzle the honey mixture over the ricotta and then top with chopped walnuts and minced rosemary. 
• Serve with crackers or crostini and enjoy!

Notes

• If you want to make this ahead of time, whip the ricotta and store in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Remove from the fridge and top with hot honey mixture just before serving.
• If you want to make your own crostini: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Use a bread knife to slice a baguette into 1-inch thick slices. Brush the sliced baguette with olive oil on one side and place in a single layer on a parchment paper lined baking sheet. Bake for 5 minutes, then flip and bake for another 5 minutes until toasted. Set aside.

The post Quick Whipped Ricotta Dip with Hot Honey Appetizer appeared first on Cooking in my Genes.

You only need 5 key ingredients to make this appetizer.

Make this perfect appetizer for all of your holiday gatherings!

If you love my apricot jam and goat cheese puff pastry pinwheels, you’ll love the savory flavors in this quick appetizer!

why you’ll love these puff pastry bites

• These pinwheels make a great party food becuase you can make them ahead of time.
• You only need 5 key ingredients to make this appetizer.
• It’s an elevated version of a classic ham & cheese pinwheel appetizer so it’s a favourite flavour combination!

Ingredients needed to make these puff pastry pinwheels

Puff pastry: store-bought puff pastry that is defrosted is all you need for this recipe, just one sheet of puff pastry is needed

Dijon mustard: dijon mustard works the best with the rest of the savory flavors in this recipe

Prosciutto: thinly sliced salty prosciutto goes beautifully with the tangy dijon mustard and buttery puff pastry

Gruyère cheese: shredded gruyere cheese is a creamy addition which pairs lovely with the prosciutto and dijon mustard; however, you can also use an old cheddar cheese or swiss cheese in it’s place if needed.

Sage: fresh sage leaves add the perfect herbaceous touch to this appetizer.

Egg wash: brush egg wash on the pinwheels before baking for a beautiful golden colour when baked!

How to make this sage prosciutto puff pastry appetizer

Step 1: On a piece of parchment paper, roll out the defrosted puff pastry sheet into about 10×10 inch square.

Step 2: Spread mustard on the puff pastry, leaving a 1/2 inch border.

Step 3: Layer the prosciutto slices side-by-side on top of the mustard, try not to overlap them too much. Sprinkle the cheese evenly across the prosciutto slices and then sprinkle over the freshly minced sage.

Step 4: Start from the bottom and tightly / gently roll up into a log. Wrap the log in the parchment paper or plastic wrap and place in the freezer for 10 minutes while you preheat the oven to 400F.

Step 5: Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.

Step 6: After 10 minutes, remove the puff pastry log from the freezer and cut into 1/2 inch slices using a sharp or serrated knife. You’ll end up with about 18-22 pinwheels.

Step 7: Transfer pinwheels to the baking sheet, making sure to leave space between each pinwheel and use a pastry brush to brush the top and sides of each pinwheel with egg wash (1 egg whisked with 1 tbsp water) if desired.

Step 8: Bake pinwheels for 22-28 minutes until golden brown. Leave on the baking sheet to cool.

Step 9: Allow to cool for 5-10 minutes and then serve on a plate, sprinkling on more fresh minced sage leaves if desired.

Expert tips

• Make an egg wash by whisking 1 egg with a tablespoon of water. This is going to help the pinwheels get a gorgrous golden brown colour in the oven!

• Be sure to take your puff pastry out of the freezer ahead of time so it has time to fully defrost before make this appetizer; generally you can defrost the puff pastry overnight in the fridge.

• To get extra clean slices when slicing the puff pastry log, use a serrated knife.

• Get creative and serve these as a part of a cheese plate or cheese board too!

Common Questions

Can I make these pinwheels ahead of time?
These flaky puff pastry pinwheels are best enjoyed fresh from the oven! You could make them an hour or two in advance, then warm them up in the oven at 300F for 5 minutes. They’re also delicious at room temperature!

What kind of cheese can I use instead of gruyere cheese?
An old cheddar cheese or swiss cheese would work well in place of gruyere cheese.

Can I bake and freeze these puff pastry pinwheels for later?
YES! Bake the pinwheels and then allow them to fully cool. Arrange the baked pinwheels  in a flat layer on a baking sheet and then freeze completely. Transfer the frozen pinwheels to an airtight container and store in the freezer for up to one month. Reheat the pinwheels directly from frozen on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 350F until warmed through.

Will phyllo pastry work instead of puff pastry?
Phyllo pastry is much thinner than puff pastry and is made with different ingredients, so I wouldn’t recommend using it for this recipe.

How to store these sage prosciutto puff pastry pinwheels

These pinwheels are best served fresh from the oven! I don’t recommend storing them for longer than 2-3 hours. If you’d like to freeze these pinwheels, see my tips in the common questions section above!

More puff pastry recipes to make from the blog

Apricot Jam and Goat Cheese Puff Pastry Pinwheels

Easy Puff Pastry Asparagus Tart with Gruyere Cheese

Viral Upside Down Puff Pastry Dessert Tarts Recipe

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Prosciutto, Sage & Gruyere Puff Pastry Pinwheels

Make these Prosciutto, Sage & Gruyere Puff Pastry Pinwheels appetizer with just 5 key ingredients! They're a perfect savoury appetizer bite!

Course Appetizer

Cuisine american-inspired

Keyword pinwheels, puff pastry

Author Jess

Ingredients

• 1 sheet defrosted puff pastry
• 1 tbsp dijon mustard
• 3 pieces thinly sliced prosciutto
• 1/2 cup shredded gruyere cheese
• 1 tbsp fresh minced sage plus more for garnish
• Optional: Egg wash (1 egg with 1 tbsp water)

Instructions

• On a piece of parchment paper, roll out the defrosted puff pastry sheet into about 10x10 inch square.
• Spread mustard on the puff pastry, leaving a 1/2 inch border.
• Layer the prosciutto slices side-by-side on top of the mustard, try not to overlap them too much. Sprinkle the cheese evenly across the prosciutto slices and then sprinkle over the freshly minced sage. 
• Start from the bottom and tightly / gently roll up into a log. Wrap the log in the parchment paper and place in the freezer for 10 minutes while you preheat the oven to 400F.
• Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
• After 10 minutes, remove the puff pastry log from the freezer and cut into 1/2 inch slices using a sharp or serrated knife. You’ll end up with about 18-22 pinwheels.
• Place them on the baking sheet, making sure to leave space between each pinwheel and brush the top and sides of each with egg wash (1 egg whisked with 1 tbsp water) if desired.
• Bake for 22-28 minutes until golden brown. Leave on the baking sheet to cool.
• Allow to cool for 5-10 minutes and then serve on a plate, sprinkling on more fresh minced sage leaves if desired.

Notes

• Make ahead!
  • Bake the pinwheels and then allow them to fully cool. Arrange the baked pinwheels  in a flat layer on a baking sheet and then freeze completely. Transfer the frozen pinwheels to an airtight container and store in the freezer for up to one month. Reheat the pinwheels directly from frozen on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 350F until warmed through.
• Need a substitute for gruyere cheese? An old cheddar cheese or swiss cheese would work well.

The post Prosciutto, Sage & Gruyere Puff Pastry Pinwheels appeared first on Cooking in my Genes.

Creamy brie cheese is melted on crostini then topped with a variety of seasonal jams & nuts for the perfect combination of flavours.

This brie crostini recipe is the perfect appetizer for all your holiday gatherings because it’s so quick to make!

Just like my easy pear & goat cheese crostini and quick whipped feta cranberry dip recipes, these quick holiday brie crostini are made for the Christmas season.  By quickly broiling the cheese on the crostini, you get a perfect crunch on the bread combined with the creamy, melted brie cheese. When topped with the seasonal jams and crunchy nuts plus a drizzle of honey, it’s the most delectable holiday bite.

Why you’ll love this easy holiday appetizer

• It takes just 5 minutes to make and 5 minutes to bake these homemade crostini.
• You only need a handful of ingredients and it’s easy to mix and match your favourite seasonal toppings like fig jam & walnuts; apricot jam & pecans; and, cranberry sauce & pistachios
• There are so many flavour variations in this easy appetizer that it’s sure to be a crowd pleaser.
• These little toasts are the most delicious finger foods for small gatherings and holiday parties – make a small amount or double the recipe to make more for a larger group.

Ingredients need to make this quick crostini

Brie cheese: creamy brie cheese is the key to these delicious crostini as it pairs so well with all of the seasonal jam flavours.

Baguette: fresh baguette is the best bread to use to make these crostini.

Seasonal jams: fig jam, apricot jam and cranberry sauce or cranberry chutney pair perfectly with the creamy brie cheese (you can even use any leftover cranberry sauce you have on hand!)

Nuts:  pecans, walnuts and pistachios are the perfectly paired toppings to go with the apricot jam, fig jam and cranberry sauce respectively.

Garnishes: a drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of fresh rosemary brings all the seasonal flavours together in this perfect holiday appetizer

How to make these brie crostini toasts

Step 1: Preheat the oven to a low broil.

Step 2: Add the baguette slices to a baking sheet and top each slice of baguette with a slice of brie cheese.

Step 3: Cook the crostini on low broil until the brie is melted and edges of baguette are just golden. This will take about 3-5 minutes depending on your oven. **Put the baking sheet on a lower rack in the oven to avoid any burning**

Step 4: Remove the crostini from the oven and top each crostini with a dollop of jam. Sprinkle on the related nut toppings (fig jam & walnuts / apricot jam & pecans / cranberry sauce & pistachios). Place the crostini on a serving tray, drizzle with honey and sprinkle over fresh rosemary to garnish.

expert tips

• I’ve given three flavour combinations that go deliciously well with the brie. Feel free to make a few crostini of each kind. Or, just pick one flavour combination to make for all the crostini! Go with your favourites for these baked brie crostini.
• These toasted crostini will have crispy crusts and the bread will be soft on the inside. If you prefer bread slices that are super crispy, toast the baguette slices lightly to start for a few minutes first and then top with the brie and toast again.
• While I recommend cranberry sauce in the recipe, you can also use a cranberry chutney or cranberry compote instead. My cranberry pear jam would also be delicious as a topping paired with pistachios or walnuts.

common questions

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
You bet! Use a gluten-free baguette to make the crostini appetizer. Make sure the seasonal jams and nuts are gluten-free as well.

What other kinds of jams can I use?
Other delicious jam toppings include:

• Blueberry jam paired with walnuts
• Strawberry jam paired with almonds
• Raspberry jam paired with pecans

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Set out all of your ingredients about 1/2-1 hour ahead of time and then make the brie crostini just before guests arrive. Then, layer the brie on the crostini on a rimmed baking sheet. Bake the brie crostini about 10-15 minutes before guests arrive.  Place the crostini on a serving dish and top with the jams, nuts, a drizzle of honey and rosemary garnish. You’re all set to host and enjoy!

Storage

I do not recommend storing these crostini in the fridge for later. Enjoy all of the crostini the day you make them!

More quick holiday appetizers to love from the blog:

Easy Goat Cheese Appetizer with Fig Jam & Pecans

Pear & Walnut Baked Brie

Easy Garlic & Herb Cheese Holiday Appetizer

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Easy and Quick Holiday Brie Crostini Appetizers

Make these quick holiday brie crostini appetizers in 10 minutes! Top with seasonal jams, nuts & a honey drizzle for the perfect holiday bite.

Course Appetizer

Cuisine american-inspired

Keyword brie, crostini

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time 5 minutes minutes

Total Time 15 minutes minutes

Servings 16 pieces

Author Jess

Ingredients

• 250-300 g brie cheese (1/2 inch thick slices, about 2 inches length)
• 16 slices of baguette (sliced into 1/2 inch pieces)
• Topping ideas: fig jam & walnuts / apricot jam & pecans / cranberry sauce & pistachios
• Honey to drizzle
• Fresh rosemary to garnish

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to a low broil.
• Add the baguette slices to a baking sheet and top each slice of baguette with a slice of brie cheese.
• Cook on low broil until the brie is melted and edges of baguette are just golden. This will take about 3-5 minutes depending on your oven. **Put the baking sheet on a lower rack in the oven to avoid any burning**
• Remove the crostini from the oven and top each crostini with a dollop of jam. Sprinkle on the related nut toppings (fig jam & walnuts / apricot jam & pecans / cranberry sauce & pistachios). Place the crostini on a serving tray, drizzle with honey and sprinkle over fresh rosemary to garnish.

The post Easy and Quick Holiday Brie Crostini Appetizers appeared first on Cooking in my Genes.

It has all of the punchy flavours of a jalapeno popper but much simpler to put together.

It’s delicious for any weekend appetizer or gameday!I love a simple dip that I can whip together for any type of entertaining, just like like my viral recipe for this Easy Goat Cheese & Fig Jam appetizer.

Why you’ll love this jalapeno popper dip

• It takes just 5 minutes to make!
• All of the ingredients are easy to find at the grocery store.
• It’s spicy, cream and cheesy – something for everyone’s tastes.
• You can serve it with anything from crackers to tortilla chips to crostini.
• It’s a delicious appetizer anytime of year – perfect for gameday, potlucks and summer gatherings.

This dip is layered so you get a bite of all of the creamy, cheesy and spicy flavours in every bite.

Ingredients needed to make this appetizer

Cream cheese: Softened / spreadable cream cheese works best for this recipe

Greek yogurt or sour cream: Use either one of these ingredients to help make the cream cheese layer super smooth.

Spices: Garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper are mixed with the cream cheese to build the flavour.

Jalapenos: Fresh jalapenos are best for this recipe but you could try pickled jalapenos too.

Cheddar cheese: Shredded cheddar cheese adds another layer of flavour.

Chives: Fresh chives add a nice fresh flavour boost.

Toasted breadcrumbs: Added texture to top off this dip.

Step by step process for making this quick dip

Step 1: Mix together softened cream cheese, plain Greek yogurt, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper.

Step 2: Spread cream cheese mixture onto a plate or in a low bowl. Then sprinkle over half of the diced jalapeños, shredded cheese, the rest of the diced jalapeños, minced chives and toasted panko breadcrumbs.

Step 3: Enjoy with your favourite crackers, tortilla chips or crostini!

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5-Minute Jalapeno Popper Dip

This jalapeno popper dip takes 5 minutes to make! It's creamy, spicy and cheesy and packs the flavour so it's the most perfect party food!

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American

Keyword dip, jalapeno

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Total Time 5 minutes minutes

Servings 4

Author Jess

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup (about 5.5oz / 155 grams) plain cream cheese, softened 
• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 3/4 tsp salt
• 3/4 tsp pepper 
• 2 fresh jalapeños, diced (remove the ribs of the peppers if you prefer a milder flavour)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tbsp minced chives
• 2 tbsp toasted Panko breadcrumbs 
• Optional garnish: 1/4 cup cooked bacon 
• Crackers, chips or crostini for serving

Instructions

• Mix together softened cream cheese, plain Greek yogurt, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper. 
• Spread cream cheese mixture onto a plate or in a low bowl. Then sprinkle over half of the diced jalapeños, shredded cheese, the rest of the diced jalapeños, minced chives and toasted panko breadcrumbs. 
• Enjoy with your favourite crackers!

Notes

• To toast breadcrumbs, add to a frying pan on medium-low heat and toast for a few minutes.
• Substitute for fresh jalapenos, you can use pickled jalapenos if you'd prefer.

FAQ

Can I use pickled jalapenos instead of fresh?
I love the freshness of fresh jalapenos but if you prefer the taste of pickled jalapenos you can definitely try substituting them.

What else can I serve to dip into this appetizer?
I love Ritz crackers with this dip but other delicious dipping options are tortilla chips, pretzel chips, ruffle chips or crostini.

Can I make this quick dip ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the entire dip and store in the fridge. Make sure to take out about 20-30 minutes before serving so that the cream cheese is easy to dip into.

Expert tips for making this quick jalapeno popper party dip

• Make sure to use softened cream cheese so it can be spread easily. To soften cream cheese quickly, remove the cream cheese from the cardboard packaging but leave in the sealed wrapper. Submerge the sealed cream cheese in a bowl of warm water and let sit 10-15 minutes, rotating every 5 minutes or so to allow for even softening. Alternatively you could use spreadable cream cheese.
• Easily substitute the shredded cheddar cheese with monteray jack cheese or try a mix of shredded cheddar cheese with mozzarella cheese.
• Want to make this dip for a bigger crowd? Simply double the recipe and layer it in a shallow baking dish to serve.

More party food ideas to love from the blog

Easy Goat Cheese Appetizer with Fig Jam & Pecans

Sun Dried Tomato Goat Cheese Pesto Appetizer

Blueberry and Goat Cheese Crostini Appetizer

Easy Garlic & Herb Cheese Appetizer

Until the next cooking adventure,
Jess

The post 5 Minute Jalapeno Popper Dip appeared first on Cooking in my Genes.

This goat cheese dip is packed with flavour and you only need a couple of key ingredients to make it.

Perfect for entertaining or simply as a snack!

This easy cheese appetizer is delicious in the Winter because you get a bite of freshness in each bite and on the flip side, it’s refreshing in the Spring & Summer too!

Why you’ll love this goat cheese dip

• It’s made with 5 main ingredients, all of which are easy to find.
• It takes less than 5 minutes to make!
• You can serve with crackers or crostini.
• It’s delicious ANYTIME of year!
• If you have any leftovers, it’s delicious spread on a bagel or toast!

Ingredients needed for this goat cheese pesto appetizer

Goat Cheese:  Softened goat cheese is the best when paired with pesto sauce.

Pesto:  You can use store-bought or homemade basil pesto in this recipe; both pack lots of flavour!

Sun Dried Tomatoes: These have a sweet-tart flavour that pair perfectly with the pesto and fresh cucumbers.

Cucumbers: Brings a cooling freshness to this dip.

Walnuts: Adds a wonderful crunch to each bite!

This recipe is truly so simple to make; it comes together in 5 minutes.

Step by step process for this appetizer

Step 1:  Spread softened goat cheese on a plate. With the back of spoon, swirl pesto into the goat cheese.

Step 2: Sprinkle over the cucumbers, sundried tomatoes and walnuts.

Step 3:  Drizzle with olive oil and a pinch chili flakes. Top with fresh basil.

Print

Sun Dried Tomato Goat Cheese Pesto Appetizer

This goat cheese pesto appetizer is delicious anytime of year! With sundried tomatoes, walnuts & basil too, it can be made in no time.

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American

Keyword goat cheese

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Total Time 5 minutes minutes

Servings 4

Author Jess

Ingredients

• 150-200 g softened goat cheese
• 2 tbsp basil pesto sauce
• 1/3 cup chopped cucumbers
• 1/3 cup chopped sun dried tomatoes
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
• Garnish: drizzle olive oil, chili flakes, fresh basil

Instructions

• Spread softened goat cheese on a plate. With the back of spoon, swirl pesto into the goat cheese.
• Sprinkle over the cucumbers, sundried tomatoes and walnuts.
• Drizzle with olive oil and a pinch chili flakes. Top with fresh basil.
• Serve with crackers or crostini.

Notes

• If goat cheese isn't for you, try softened cream cheese or even hummus instead.
• Other delicious add-ons could be olives, capers and a balsamic glaze drizzle - mix it up according to your tastes!
  

faq

What if goat cheese isn’t my favourite?
If goat cheese isn’t for you, try softened cream cheese or even hummus instead.

What else can I serve with this goat cheese appetizer?
Other delicious add-ons could be olives, capers and a balsamic glaze drizzle – mix it up according to your tastes!

How can I make this appetizer for more people?
Make the goat cheese pesto dip the centrepiece of a charcuterie board and then surround it with delicious add-ons like olives, fresh tomatoes, breadsticks, prosciutto or salami for example.

How can I make crostini?
Preheat the oven to 400°Fahrenheit. Use a bread knife to slice a baguette into 1-inch thick slices. Brush the bread slices with olive oil on one side and place in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake for 5 minutes, then flip and bake for another 5 minutes until toasted.

Expert tips for making this goat cheese appetizer

• If walnuts aren’t your favourite, try pine nuts or almonds.
• Make sure to take the goat cheese out to soften at least 15 minutes prior to making the appetizer but if you need to soften it quickly, add 1 tbsp of milk to help when stirring / smoothing out the goat cheese.
• Easily substitute the goat cheese for softened goat cheese or even hummus!

Storage

Keep the goat cheese pesto appetizer in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

More easy appetizer recipes to love from the blog:

Easy Garlic & Herb Cheese Appetizer

Easy Goat Cheese Appetizer with Fig Jam & Pecans

Garlic Bread Bites

Strawberry Basil Goat Cheese Dip

Until the next cooking adventure,
Jess

The post Sun Dried Tomato Goat Cheese Pesto Appetizer appeared first on Cooking in my Genes.