Cheese And Pineapple: A Classic Combo On Sticks

Cheese and pineapple on sticks are a popular, easy-to-make appetiser or snack. They are a great option for parties and get-togethers, serving as a refreshing, healthy, and colourful finger food. This dish is particularly well-suited for summer parties, pairing well with drinks like wine and cocktails. Preparation is simple, requiring only a few ingredients, such as cheese, pineapple, and optional additions like cherries and spices. The cheese and pineapple are cut into cubes or triangles and assembled on toothpicks or skewers, sometimes with additional ingredients in between.

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How to cut the pineapple and cheese

To make pineapple and cheese sticks, you'll need to cut your pineapple and cheese into small pieces. If you're using fresh pineapple, cut it into 1-inch thick triangles or cubes. You can also use dried pineapple, but you'll need to chop it finely with a sharp knife. If you're using pre-cubed cheese, you can leave it as is or cut each cube into 3 smaller pieces.

For a simple presentation, thread a toothpick or cocktail stick with a piece of pineapple and a cube of cheese. You can also add a cherry or plum for extra colour and flavour. If you're using a cherry, consider using a candied cherry for added sweetness.

For a more "posh" take on the classic, roll balls of goat cheese in crushed pineapple crisps and serve with cocktail sticks. You can also sprinkle with chilli flakes for added colour and flavour.

If you're making these sticks for kids, feel free to experiment with different fruits and cheeses. Apples, pears, grapes, and cheddar are always a hit, but you can encourage your kids to eat more fruit by letting them choose their favourite fruits and cheeses to put on the sticks.

How to assemble the sticks

Cheese and pineapple on sticks are a great, easy-to-make appetiser, perfect for summer parties or as a snack. They are simple to assemble and require very few ingredients.

To make the classic version, cut cheddar cheese and pineapple into 12 equal-sized cubes (about 1/2 inch or 1.5 cm in thickness). Take a toothpick and thread it with one cube of pineapple and one cube of cheese. You can add a candied cherry to the toothpick for extra sweetness and colour. If you want to get creative, you can even add a slice of plum or another type of berry. This version is a great, quick option and is sure to be a hit with guests.

For a more "posh" version of the classic, you can make cheese balls rolled in crushed pineapple crisps. First, crush some pineapple crisps into a bowl. Then, take some goat's cheese and roll it into balls, before pressing them into the bowl of crushed pineapple crisps until they are coated. Arrange the balls on a plate and serve with cocktail sticks. You can even sprinkle some chilli flakes over the top for added colour and flavour.

If you want to get really fancy, you can serve the sticks on a bed of crushed ice or stick them into a grapefruit. You can also serve them with a honey dip—simply mix three tablespoons of honey with a pinch of cinnamon and a pinch of crushed mint, then refrigerate until serving.

Dips and garnishes

Cheese and pineapple on sticks are a great finger food, a refreshing and easy appetiser, and a healthy snack option for kids. While the classic combination is a favourite, you can elevate the simple dish with dips and garnishes.

One option is to serve the sticks with a honey dip. To make this, mix three tablespoons of honey with a pinch of cinnamon and a pinch of crushed mint in a small cup. Refrigerate the dip until you are ready to serve. You can also sprinkle the sticks with chilli flakes to add colour and a bit of spice.

If you want to stick with the classic, you can add candied cherries to the sticks for extra sweetness and colour. You can also make your own candied cherries by simmering maraschino cherries in sugar and cherry juice.

For a more unusual option, try a posh version of the classic. Roll balls of goat's cheese in crushed, dried pineapple to make a crunchy coating. You can then serve these on cocktail sticks with a sprinkle of chilli.

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Make-ahead instructions

To make cheese and pineapple sticks, you'll need three core ingredients: cheese, pineapple, and toothpicks. You can also add glacé cherries, which are optional but add a touch of sweetness and colour to the dish.

• Start by cutting the cheddar cheese and pineapple into equal-sized cubes. Aim for a thickness of about 1/2 inch (or 1.5 cm) for each cube. You can also cut the pineapple into 1-inch thick triangles if you prefer larger pieces.
• If you're using glacé cherries, prepare them by simmering maraschino cherries in sugar and cherry juice. You can also use fresh cherries or even plums.
• Assemble the sticks by inserting a toothpick into each piece of fruit and cheese. A suggested order is to start with the cherry, followed by the pineapple, and then the cheese, with the cheese at the bottom. You can also add a second slice of cheese on top of the pineapple for an extra cheesy treat.
• For an extra touch of flavour and presentation, create a honey dip by mixing honey with a pinch of cinnamon and crushed mint. Refrigerate this mixture until serving.
• To serve, arrange the sticks on a bed of crushed ice or sprinkle them with chilli flakes for colour. You can also serve them on a foil-covered grapefruit for a unique presentation.
• If you want a crunchy texture, it's best to assemble the sticks just before serving, as the pineapple pieces will rehydrate over time due to the moisture in the cheese. However, if you don't mind a softer texture, you can make them ahead of time and keep them chilled in the fridge.

Serving suggestions

Cheese and pineapple on sticks are a great finger food option for parties and get-togethers. They are refreshing, easy to make, and can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your cheese and pineapple sticks:

Classic Sticks:

The traditional way to serve cheese and pineapple sticks is to cut the cheese and pineapple into equal-sized cubes. You can use a toothpick to skewer a piece of pineapple, followed by a cube of cheese, and optionally, a plum, cherry, or candied cherry. This simple method is a great way to present the sticks as an appetiser or finger food.

Creative Display:

To add a creative twist, you can arrange the cheese and pineapple sticks in an attractive way. One idea is to create a ""hedgehog" shape by using the toothpicks or cocktail sticks as the "spikes" protruding from a pineapple body. This playful presentation will surely delight your guests.

Cheesy Balls:

For a unique take on the classic, you can create cheese balls coated in pineapple crumbs. Start by crushing pineapple crisps into fine crumbs, then roll balls of goat cheese or cream cheese in the crumbs until coated. Arrange the balls on a serving plate and provide cocktail sticks for spearing. You can even sprinkle chilli flakes over the balls for added colour and spice.

Honey Dip:

Enhance the flavour of your cheese and pineapple sticks by serving them with a delicious honey dip. Simply mix three tablespoons of honey with a pinch of cinnamon and a pinch of crushed mint, then refrigerate until serving. The sweetness of the honey pairs beautifully with the tangy cheese and pineapple.

Fruit and Cheese Platter:

Why not make a fruit and cheese platter by including other fruits that pair well with cheese? Chop up apples, pears, grapes, or other fruits your guests might enjoy. Provide a variety of cheeses with different flavours and textures to create a well-rounded platter. This option allows guests to create their own combinations and explore different tastes.

Frequently asked questions