Garlic Cheese: Which Nuts To Sprinkle?

what nuts to put on garlic cheese

Garlic knots are a popular dish, often served as an appetizer or side. They are made of tender, chewy, golden-crusted pizza dough, knotted and baked, then tossed in butter with garlic and cheese. The dough is usually made with flour, yeast, sugar, water, salt, and olive oil or butter. While some recipes call for store-bought dough, others suggest making it from scratch for better flavor. The knots are then filled or topped with cheese and various other ingredients. So, what nuts go well with garlic cheese?

Characteristics Values

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Pine nuts for a buttery taste

Pine nuts have a subtle, nutty, and buttery flavour that can enhance the taste of garlic cheese. Toasting the pine nuts can bring out their flavour and make it nuttier. Pine nuts are versatile and can be used in various recipes, including garlic cheese.

One recipe that uses pine nuts and garlic is spinach and pine nuts. The recipe involves heating oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and adding spinach, pine nuts, and garlic. The dish is then seasoned with salt and pepper and served. Toasting the pine nuts before adding them to the skillet can enhance their flavour.

Pine nuts can also be used to make a vegan, plant-based garlic cheese. This recipe uses pine nuts, cashews, garlic, rosemary, lemon juice, sun-dried tomatoes, and salt and pepper. The pine nuts and garlic are blended, and the mixture is warmed in the oven to develop its flavour and rind.

Pine nuts are also a key ingredient in pesto, a sauce that can be used on pasta, chicken salad sandwiches, or as a vinaigrette. To make pesto, pine nuts and garlic are toasted and then blended with basil leaves, Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, and olive oil. The traditional pesto alla Genovese uses pine nuts, but other nuts such as walnuts, hazelnuts, or pumpkin seeds can also be used.

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Cashews for a creamy texture

Cashews are a great option to put on garlic cheese, especially if you're looking for a creamy texture. Cashews can be blended to create a creamy consistency, which can be used as a base for a variety of dips, spreads, and sauces.

To make a creamy cashew base, start by soaking the cashews. You can either soak them overnight in cold water or do a quick soak by pouring boiling water over the cashews and letting them sit for 15-20 minutes. Soaking the cashews helps soften them, making the blending process easier and resulting in a smoother texture.

Once your cashews are soaked, drain and rinse them. Then, add the cashews to a blender or food processor along with roasted garlic, water, lemon juice, nutritional yeast, and salt to taste. Blend the mixture until smooth, adding more water or plant-based milk if you prefer a thinner consistency.

This cashew cream has a nutty and creamy flavor that pairs well with garlic. It can be used as a spread on bagels or gluten-free bread, drizzled over roasted vegetables or pizzas, or even as a substitute for cheese sauce in mac n' cheese or a dip for pizza crust.

Additionally, you can experiment with adding fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme to your cashew cream for an extra flavor boost. This garlic cashew cream is a versatile and delicious option that can enhance various dishes.

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Almonds for a crunchy texture

Almonds are a great choice to put on garlic cheese if you're looking for a crunchy texture. Almonds have a hard texture and a subtle sweetness that can complement the strong flavour of garlic cheese. They can add a satisfying crunch to a creamy cheese dish.

When choosing almonds to pair with garlic cheese, consider the different types available. Blanched almonds, which have had their skins removed, have a lighter colour and a more delicate flavour. Roasted almonds, on the other hand, have a deeper, nuttier flavour and a firmer texture. Sliced or slivered almonds can also be used, which will give a different texture and appearance to the dish.

To prepare the almonds, you can chop or slice them to your desired size. Toasting the almonds before adding them to the garlic cheese can enhance their flavour and make them even crunchier. This can be done by placing them in a dry pan over medium heat and stirring frequently until they are lightly browned.

When combining the almonds with garlic cheese, consider the ratio of almonds to cheese. If you prefer a stronger garlic flavour, you can adjust the amount of garlic used in the cheese or add additional garlic flavours such as roasted garlic cloves or garlic powder.

The type of garlic cheese you are using will also play a role in how you incorporate the almonds. For a soft cheese spread, you can mix the almonds directly into the cheese or sprinkle them on top. For a firmer cheese, you can crush or chop the almonds and press them into the surface of the cheese to create an almond-crusted cheese.

By using almonds, you can add a delightful crunchy texture to your garlic cheese, creating a unique and tasty treat.

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Macadamia nuts for a mild flavour

Macadamia nuts are a great choice to pair with garlic cheese if you're looking for a mild flavour. Their creamy texture and subtle taste make them a versatile nut that can enhance a variety of dishes without overwhelming the other ingredients. Here are some tips and suggestions for using macadamia nuts with garlic cheese:

When choosing macadamia nuts to pair with garlic cheese, opt for unsalted or lightly salted varieties. This will ensure that the natural sweetness and subtle flavour of the nuts can complement, rather than compete with, the garlic cheese. Roasted macadamia nuts can also add a depth of flavour to your dish, as the roasting process brings out a richer, slightly buttery taste.

If you're creating a cheese board or charcuterie platter, whole or halved macadamia nuts can be artfully arranged alongside your garlic cheese selection. The contrast of colours and textures will make for an appealing presentation. You can also lightly toast the macadamia nuts to enhance their flavour and create a warm, inviting atmosphere for your guests.

For a simple yet elegant appetiser, consider stuffing macadamia nuts inside dates wrapped in bacon. The combination of sweet and savoury flavours will tantalise the taste buds. Then, serve this with a garlic cheese spread or dip on the side, creating a delicious combination that is sure to impress.

Macadamia nuts can also be incorporated into recipes featuring garlic cheese. For example, you could create a macadamia nut-crusted garlic cheese ball. Simply roll a block of garlic cheese in chopped macadamia nuts and serve it with crackers or bread. The nuts will provide a satisfying crunch and a subtle flavour that complements the garlic cheese.

Finally, if you're feeling adventurous, try experimenting with different varieties of macadamia nuts, such as those flavoured with honey, smoked salt, or even chilli, to add unique flavour profiles to your garlic cheese pairings. Remember, the key is to let the natural goodness of the macadamia nuts shine through and elevate your garlic cheese experience.

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Pistachios for a salty taste

If you're looking for a savoury snack with a salty kick, look no further than garlic pistachios. The combination of garlic and pistachios creates a mouth-watering experience that is hard to put down. The salty taste of garlic pistachios can be attributed to the garlic itself, as well as the addition of salt as a seasoning in some cases.

Garlic pistachios are available in both shelled and unshelled varieties, with some people preferring the added flavour that comes from cracking open the shell. They can be purchased from various retailers, including specialist nut companies and online stores.

When it comes to pairing garlic pistachios with cheese, there are a few options to consider. Firstly, you could opt for a black garlic cheese, which combines the flavours of black garlic, porcini mushrooms, and activated charcoal rind. This cheese is a show-stopper on any charcuterie board and would pair well with the salty and garlicky notes of the pistachios.

Another option is to create your own garlic knots, which are a type of baked dough topped with garlic butter and parmesan cheese. You can add flaky sea salt on top to enhance the salty flavour, which will complement the garlic pistachios nicely. These garlic knots can also be made into cheesy breadsticks, providing even more opportunities to savour the combination of garlic, cheese, and salty pistachios.

For a simple and direct approach, you can also sprinkle pistachios directly on top of garlic cheese to create a delicious and visually appealing appetiser or snack. The salty flavour of the pistachios will enhance the overall taste experience, making it a memorable treat for your taste buds.

So, if you're a fan of salty flavours and are looking for a unique combination to enjoy with garlic cheese, pistachios are definitely worth considering. Whether you choose to purchase flavoured pistachios or create your own garlicky treats to pair with them, the salty and savoury notes will surely satisfy your cravings.

Frequently asked questions

Cashews are a great option to pair with garlic cheese, as seen in the garlic and herb dairy-free cream cheese from Nuts For Cheese, which is made with organic cashews.

A popular recipe that uses garlic cheese is garlic knots, which are made from a basic New York-style pizza dough and filled with soft, gooey cheese.

Other ingredients used in garlic knots include butter, flour, yeast, sugar, water, olive oil, milk, egg, salt, and parsley.

Garlic knots are a quick and easy dish to make, typically taking around one hour to prepare and bake.

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