Randy Chandler
Goat cheese-covered grapes are a simple and fun appetizer that can be served at any gathering. They are made by coating grapes in goat cheese and rolling them in pistachios, creating a crunchy exterior and a creamy interior. The combination of juicy grapes, creamy goat cheese, and salty pistachios, along with a touch of honey, makes for a delicious bite-sized treat. This easy-to-make appetizer requires only a few ingredients and can be prepared ahead of time, making it a convenient option for hosting.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of Ingredients | 4 |
| Ingredients | Goat Cheese, Grapes, Pistachios, Honey |
| Tools | Food Processor, Knife, Baking Sheet/Tray, Airtight Container |
| Preparation Time | 1 hour |
| Serving Temperature | Chilled |
| Yield | 8-18 pieces |
| Calories | 69-84 kcal |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right grapes
When it comes to choosing the right grapes for your goat cheese-wrapped grapes, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, it is recommended to use small to medium-sized grapes. This is because larger grapes will result in a higher cheese-to-grape ratio, which may affect the taste and texture of the final product.
Secondly, you can choose either red or green grapes, depending on your preference. Red grapes are sweeter, while green grapes tend to be more tart and sour. Using a mixture of both can add a nice contrast of flavours to your appetizer.
It is also important to ensure that your grapes are washed and thoroughly dried before starting the wrapping process. Wet grapes will not stick to the cheese well, so it is crucial to pat them dry with a paper towel or cloth before proceeding.
Lastly, the quantity of grapes you need will depend on the number of servings you want to make. As a guide, one cup of grapes will yield approximately 16-18 pieces when wrapped in goat cheese, which can serve 4 people as an appetizer. Adjust the amount of grapes accordingly if you are serving a larger group or making them for a party.
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Preparing the goat cheese
The first step in making goat cheese-covered grapes is to prepare the goat cheese. For this, you will need to buy a goat cheese log. If you are not a big fan of goat cheese, you can replace it with regular cream cheese. To balance out the flavour, you might want to add a little extra honey to the cheese mixture. Mix the cheese with heavy cream, honey, and salt in a medium microwavable bowl. Microwave uncovered on medium for 30 to 60 seconds, until easily stirred smooth.
If you are using a mixture of goat cheese and cream cheese, start by mixing the two cheeses together in a small bowl until well combined. If you prefer a harder mixture, chill the cheese mixture in the fridge until it hardens enough to be rolled into balls easily. Before rolling the cheese around the grapes, leave the mixture at room temperature for 5-10 minutes to soften.
Next, take a small amount of the cheese mixture and wrap it around each grape, rolling it between your palms to form an even coating. Place each coated grape on a tray lined with baking parchment. Repeat this process until all the grapes are covered.
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Rolling the grapes in goat cheese
Rolling grapes in goat cheese is a simple and fun process, but it can be a little messy! You might want to wear kitchen gloves to keep your hands clean. Start by washing your grapes and drying them thoroughly with a paper towel. It's important that the grapes are dry, as wet grapes won't stick to the cheese well.
Next, take a small amount of goat cheese and wrap it around each grape, rolling it between your palms to form an even coating all around the grape. Place each coated grape onto a tray or baking sheet lined with baking parchment. Repeat this process until all your grapes are covered in cheese. Then, place the tray of cheese-covered grapes in the fridge to chill.
While the grapes are chilling, it's time to prepare the pistachios. You can chop them by hand or use a food processor to pulse them into coarse, crumbly pieces. If you like, you can chop them into different sizes for texture variation. Transfer the chopped pistachios to a large, shallow bowl.
Once the cheese-covered grapes are chilled, it's time to roll them in the pistachios. Take the grapes out of the fridge and roll each one in the chopped pistachios, pressing gently with your palms to help the nuts stick to the cheese. Then, place the coated grapes back on the tray and chill them in the fridge for at least 10 minutes before serving.
For an extra touch of elegance, drizzle the grapes with honey or sprinkle them with flaky sea salt and pepper just before serving. Enjoy your delicious and beautiful creation!
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Preparing the pistachios
Chopping the Pistachios:
First, decide on your chopping method. You can use a food processor to speed up the process, but be cautious. Pulse the pistachios in short bursts to avoid over-processing them. If you prefer more control over the texture, opt for chopping them by hand with a knife. A chef's knife will give you the best results.
Texture Variation:
For added texture, consider chopping the pistachios into different sizes. This will create a varied, crunchy exterior for your goat cheese-covered grapes. If you're using a food processor, you can achieve this by pulsing some of the pistachios for a shorter time to create larger pieces.
Coating the Cheese Balls:
Once you've achieved the desired texture for your pistachios, transfer them to a plate or a large, shallow bowl. Then, retrieve your cheese-covered grapes from the fridge and roll them in the chopped pistachios. Use your palms to press the pistachios gently into the cheese, ensuring they stick well.
Chilling and Serving:
After coating the cheese balls in pistachios, place them back in the fridge to chill. Aim for at least 10 minutes of chilling time, but you can also leave them in the fridge until you're ready to serve. These bite-sized appetizers can be served as part of a cheese board or with other finger foods. For an extra touch of sweetness, drizzle them with honey or sprinkle with salt and pepper just before serving.
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Serving suggestions
Goat cheese-covered grapes are a great appetizer for parties and family gatherings. They can be served in a variety of ways, including:
- On a cheeseboard: This is a great way to showcase the grapes and cheese and allows your guests to try a variety of different foods. You can also add other finger foods to the cheeseboard, such as goat cheese-stuffed dates and marinated chickpeas.
- With crackers: The crackers will provide a crunchy contrast to the creamy goat cheese and juicy grapes.
- As part of a larger meal: These grapes can be served as a side dish or appetizer to a larger meal.
- On their own: The grapes can be enjoyed as a standalone snack or dessert.
- In shot glasses: This unique serving suggestion will impress your guests and is a great way to portion out the grapes.
When serving, it is best to keep the grapes chilled, so they are best served straight from the fridge. You can also drizzle them with honey or sprinkle them with salt and pepper just before serving for an extra touch of flavor.
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Frequently asked questions
First, wash and dry your grapes. Then, take a small amount of goat cheese and wrap it around each grape, rolling it into a ball. Place the cheese-covered grapes onto a tray and chill in the fridge for 15 minutes.
You can roll the goat cheese-covered grapes in chopped pistachios. Place the pistachios in a large, shallow bowl and roll the chilled cheese-covered grapes in the pistachios.
Place the pistachio-covered grapes back on the tray and chill for at least 10 minutes before serving.
Yes, you can use roasted and salted pecans instead of pistachios.
