Elegant Baked Apple and Cheese Delight
Savory, Tangy, Sweet, and Aromatic! Introducing an Easy and Elegant Baked Apple and Cheese Dish – the Perfect Wine Pairing.
Planning a home party or looking for a sophisticated yet simple appetizer for guests? Look no further! Try making this ‘Baked Apple and Cheese,’ a delightful creation where apples and cheese meet for a harmonious blend. It’s visually appealing and incredibly delicious, sure to impress everyone.
Key Ingredients
- 1 Camembert cheese (or 125g Brie cheese)
- 1/2 Banana
- 1/4 Apple
- 3-4 sprigs Fresh Thyme
- A few Walnuts (or Pecans)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare your Camembert or Brie cheese. Cut off the rind if desired, and then dice the cheese into bite-sized pieces. Avoid cutting them too small, as they might melt and spread too much while baking.
Step 2
Next, peel the ripe banana and slice it thinly, about 0.5 cm thick. As the banana cooks, its sweetness will intensify, adding a wonderful depth of flavor.
Step 3
Wash the apple thoroughly, remove the core, and dice it into small cubes, approximately 1 cm in size. Uniform cubing will ensure even cooking alongside the cheese.
Step 4
Line a baking sheet or an air fryer basket with parchment paper. Arrange the banana slices in a single layer, ensuring they don’t overlap. Place the cut cheese pieces neatly on top of the banana slices.
Step 5
As the banana bakes, it will release its natural sweetness and become wonderfully soft, complementing the cheese beautifully. The cheese will melt gently over the banana, adding a rich creaminess.
Step 6
Evenly sprinkle the diced apple pieces over the cheese. The fresh, tartness of the apple will cut through the richness of the cheese, creating a delightful contrast. Finally, add the fresh thyme sprigs on top of the apples. The aromatic herbal notes of thyme will balance the overall flavors and add a sophisticated touch.
Step 7
To prevent the cheese from browning too quickly and to ensure it melts evenly, loosely cover the cheese and fruit with a piece of parchment paper. Avoid sealing it completely; allow some steam to escape.
Step 8
Bake in a preheated oven or air fryer at 170°C (340°F) for about 10 minutes. During this time, the cheese will begin to soften and melt beautifully, and the ingredients will start to meld together.
Step 9
After 10 minutes, carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven and discard the parchment paper covering. Now, lightly dust the top of the cheese with cinnamon powder. The warm, sweet aroma of cinnamon will enhance the flavors of the apple and cheese, making them even more captivating. Lastly, sprinkle your desired amount of walnuts or pecans for a lovely crunch and nutty flavor.
Step 10
The cheese, fresh from the warm oven, will release a wonderfully soft and aromatic scent, akin to fondue. The addition of cinnamon and nuts will create a richer taste and fragrance.
Step 11
Return the dish to the oven or air fryer and bake for another 5 minutes at 170°C (340°F). This short bake will lightly toast the nuts, making them even more fragrant, and give the cheese a desirable golden hue. Be watchful to prevent the cheese from burning.
Step 12
Transfer the warm baked apple and cheese to a serving plate or enjoy it with bread or crackers. This delightful dish, with its perfect balance of sweetness, savoriness, tanginess, and aroma, will make your home party more festive and memorable. It pairs exceptionally well with wine, so be sure to enjoy them together!
