Prepare to transform ordinary grapes into a culinary masterpiece that will have your guests absolutely stunned! This Roasted Grape Appetizer with Blue Cheese is not just a dish—it's a flavor explosion that defies expectations, turning humble grapes into caramelized, mouthwatering bites of pure deliciousness. Imagine the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory in one elegant appetizer that looks gourmet but takes just 30 minutes to create.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups grapes
- 1/2 cup blue cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Fresh thyme for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Ensure the rack is positioned in the middle of the oven for even roasting.
- Wash the grapes thoroughly under cool running water and pat them completely dry using paper towels. This ensures proper caramelization during roasting.
- Place the grapes on a rimmed baking sheet, spreading them in a single layer to ensure even roasting. Drizzle the olive oil and balsamic vinegar over the grapes, gently tossing to coat each grape evenly.
- Roast the grapes in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes. Look for grapes that are slightly softened, blistered, and beginning to caramelize, with a deep, rich color.
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the grapes cool for 2-3 minutes to prevent burning.
- Crumble the blue cheese over the warm roasted grapes, allowing the cheese to slightly melt from the residual heat.
- Garnish with fresh thyme leaves, plucking them directly from the stem for the most vibrant flavor and appearance.
- Serve immediately on a decorative platter as a warm appetizer, ensuring guests can enjoy the contrast of sweet roasted grapes and tangy blue cheese.
Tips
- Choose high-quality, firm grapes for the best roasting results. Red or black grapes work best for caramelization.
- Use a rimmed baking sheet to prevent any olive oil or balsamic vinegar from dripping in your oven.
- Watch the grapes carefully during roasting—they should be blistered but not burnt.
- For extra flavor, consider using aged blue cheese for a more intense taste profile.
- Serve immediately while the cheese is slightly melted and grapes are still warm for maximum taste impact.
- If you want a more elegant presentation, use a microplane to create delicate blue cheese shavings instead of crumbling.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 95kcal
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 12mg
