Cucumber & Blue Cheese Canapés with Pomegranate Seeds and Nuts Recipe
Introduction
These cucumber and blue cheese canapés are a fresh and elegant appetizer perfect for any gathering. Combining creamy cheeses, crisp cucumber, and bursts of fruit and nuts, they offer a delightful mix of flavors and textures in every bite.
Ingredients
- 100g ricotta cheese
- 25g Cashel Blue cheese, chopped
- 2 spring onions, whites only, very finely chopped
- 1 cucumber, thickly sliced (about 14 slices)
- 16 small black grapes
- 4 toasted pecan halves, cut into slivers
- ½ 80g tub pomegranate seeds
- A few fresh thyme leaves
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, beat the ricotta cheese with the chopped blue cheese and finely chopped spring onion whites until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Step 2: Arrange the cucumber slices neatly on a large serving platter. Spoon or pipe the cheese mixture evenly onto each cucumber slice for a neat appearance.
- Step 3: Top half of the canapés with a black grape and a sliver of toasted pecan, then decorate the remaining canapés with pomegranate seeds and a few fresh thyme leaves.
- Step 4: Chill the canapés in the refrigerator until ready to serve to keep them fresh and cool.
Tips & Variations
- For a smoother finish, use a piping bag to apply the cheese mixture onto the cucumber slices.
- Swap black grapes for red grapes for a sweeter touch and brighter color contrast.
- Replace pecans with toasted walnuts or almonds for a different nutty flavor.
- Use fresh herbs like dill or chives instead of thyme for a different aromatic note.
Storage
Store the prepared canapés covered in the refrigerator and consume within one day for best freshness. They should be kept chilled until serving. Avoid making them too far in advance as the cucumber slices can release moisture, affecting texture. Serve directly from the fridge for a crisp and refreshing bite.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare the cheese mixture in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the cheese mixture a few hours ahead and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Assemble the canapés just before serving to keep the cucumber slices crisp.
What can I use if I don’t have Cashel Blue cheese?
You can substitute Cashel Blue with any other creamy blue cheese, such as Roquefort or Gorgonzola, depending on your taste preference and availability.
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Cucumber & Blue Cheese Canapés with Pomegranate Seeds and Nuts Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 16 canapés 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicate cucumber and blue cheese canapés featuring a smooth ricotta and blue cheese spread, topped with fresh grapes, toasted pecan slivers, pomegranate seeds, and fragrant thyme. Perfect as an elegant appetizer or party snack, these bite-sized delights combine creamy, crisp, and juicy textures with a hint of sweetness.
Ingredients
Cheese Mixture
- 100g ricotta cheese
- 25g Cashel Blue cheese, chopped
- 2 spring onions, whites only, very finely chopped
Canapé Base
- 1 cucumber, thickly sliced (about 14 slices)
Toppings
- 16 small black grapes
- 4 toasted pecan halves, cut into slivers
- ½ 80g tub pomegranate seeds
- A few fresh thyme leaves
Instructions
- Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a bowl, beat the ricotta, chopped Cashel Blue cheese, and finely chopped spring onion whites together until the mixture is really smooth and creamy. This will form the flavorful base for the canapés.
- Arrange Cucumber Slices: On a large serving platter, neatly arrange thick slices of cucumber to serve as the crisp and refreshing base for each canapé.
- Top with Cheese Mixture: Spoon or pipe the cheese mixture onto each cucumber slice, spreading or shaping it evenly for a professional look.
- Add Toppings: For half of the canapés, top each with a small black grape and a sliver of toasted pecan. For the remaining canapés, garnish with pomegranate seeds and a few fresh thyme leaves to add vibrant color and a burst of flavor.
- Chill and Serve: Keep the assembled canapés chilled in the refrigerator until ready to serve. They will maintain freshness for up to one day.
Notes
- Use a piping bag for a more elegant presentation of the cheese topping.
- These canapés should be kept chilled and served within one day for optimal freshness.
- Feel free to substitute pecans with toasted walnuts or almonds if preferred.
- Ensure cucumber slices are thick enough to hold the toppings without breaking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: International
Keywords: cucumber canapés, blue cheese appetizers, ricotta cheese recipes, easy party snacks, vegetarian canapés
