Imagine a party appetizer that combines the bold, tangy punch of blue cheese with the rich, nutty crunch of roasted peanuts - all in one irresistible ring that will have your guests talking for weeks! This Blue Cheese and Peanut Ring is not just a recipe; it's a conversation starter, a taste sensation that bridges gourmet elegance with rustic charm. Perfect for gatherings, game nights, or when you simply want to elevate your snacking experience, this recipe promises to transform ordinary cheese spreads into an extraordinary culinary adventure.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup blue cheese, crumbled
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup roasted peanuts, chopped
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Crackers for serving
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, allow the cream cheese to sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes to soften completely.
- Crumble the blue cheese into small pieces using a fork or your fingers, ensuring no large chunks remain.
- Add the softened cream cheese to the crumbled blue cheese in the mixing bowl.
- Pour in the Worcestershire sauce and mix thoroughly using a hand mixer or wooden spoon until the cheeses are well combined and smooth.
- Finely chop the fresh parsley and roast the peanuts if they are not already roasted. If roasting, spread peanuts on a baking sheet and toast in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes until fragrant.
- Roughly chop the roasted peanuts into small pieces, leaving some slightly larger for texture.
- Fold the chopped parsley and most of the chopped peanuts into the cheese mixture, reserving some peanuts for garnish.
- Transfer the mixture to a serving ring mold or shape into a circular ring on a serving platter.
- Sprinkle the remaining chopped peanuts around the top and edges of the cheese ring for garnish.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the mixture to firm up.
- Before serving, let the cheese ring sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to soften slightly.
- Serve with an assortment of crackers, allowing guests to spread the cheese mixture as desired.
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Ensure cream cheese is truly at room temperature for smooth blending.
- Cheese Quality Matters: Use a high-quality blue cheese for the most robust flavor profile.
- Roasting Hack: If using raw peanuts, toast them yourself for a more intense, fresh nutty flavor.
- Texture Trick: Reserve some larger peanut pieces for garnish to add visual and textural interest.
- Make-Ahead Magic: This appetizer can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance, making party prep a breeze.
- Serving Suggestion: Allow the ring to sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to enhance spreadability.
- Cracker Pairing: Choose sturdy, neutral crackers that won't compete with the cheese's strong flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 50mg
