I've already dipped into the apple tree a few times this season, sharing a couple of desserts like Fried Apple Hand Pies and Whiskey Caramel Apple Pie, a savory Tangled Apple, Pistachio, and Golden Raisin Salad, and even an apple-infused drink with my Apple Pie Hot Toddy. So yeah, I'm not afraid to use ALLTHEAPPLES!
I've got another savory dish for you today—a simple spread, actually. It's great for munching on with crackers or toast while you're watching a game or reading a book, but I also think it would be the perfect appetizer addition to your Thanksgiving menu. The sweet, rich caramelized shallots in sherry are really the key to highlighting the flavor of the apples, so don't skip that step.
If you're on the hunt for more ways to use apples this year, both savory and sweet, check out the rest of the Progressive Eats menu at the bottom of this post.
Apple-Cheese Spread
Enjoy this rich and creamy apple-cheese spread with caramelized shallots and brandy on crackers as a delicious fall appetizer.
by
Prep Time: 1 hour, 15 minutes (mostly unattended)
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Keywords: appetizer cheese condiment vegetarian soy-free nut-free apples cheese alcohol American fall winter
Ingredients (2 1/2 cups)
- 1 teaspoon unsalted butter
- 2 large shallots, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher or sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper
- 2 tablespoon brandy or sherry
- 8 ounces cream cheese (full-fat or neufchatel, not fat-free), at room temperature
- 4 ounces shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 medium crisp apple, tart or sweet
Instructions
Heat the butter in a small, nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add shallots and cook until caramelized, ~30 minutes or so. Stir in the thyme, salt and pepper; add the brandy or sherry. Let cook until the alcohol has evaporated, 1 minute or so. Set aside and allow to cool completely.
Beat the cream cheese, cheddar, and reserved shallot mixture together until well-combined.
Shred the apple on the large holes of a box grater, until just the apple core remains. Use a rubber spatula to stir the apple and into the beaten cheese mixture. Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary.
Transfer to a serving dish and chill for at least 1 hour before serving.
-inspired by a recipe of the same name in The Apple Cookbook by Olwen Woodier
Savory Apple Dishes:
- Apple and Pecan Stuffed Pork Chops from Never Enough Thyme
- Apple-Cheese Spread from All Roads Lead to the Kitchen
- Apple Chutney from Mother Would Know
- Savory Apple Cheddar Bread Pudding from Stetted
- Tsunth Monji - Green Apple Fritters from Spiceroots
Sweet Apple Dishes:
- Apple Butter Coffee Cake from Pastry Chef Online
- Hot Buttered Rum Apple Pie with Cheddar Crust from The Wimpy Vegetarian
- Apple Streusel Cake with Yogurt Cream (Gluten-Free) from Jeanette's Healthy Living
- Homemade Pink Applesauce (Gluten-Free) from The Heritage Cook
- Hubba Hubba Apple Cake from The Food Hunter's Guide to Cuisine
- Maple Glazed Apple Tart from That Skinny Chick Can Bake
- Maple Roasted Apple Butter with Bourbon from Creative Culinary
If you're unfamiliar with the concept, a progressive dinner involves going from house to house, enjoying a different course at each location. With Progressive Eats, a theme is chosen each month, members share recipes suitable for a delicious meal or party, and you can hop from blog to blog to check them out.
We have a core group of 12 bloggers, but we will always need substitutes and if there is enough interest would consider additional groups. To see our upcoming themes and how you can participate, please check out the schedule at Creative Culinary or contact Barb for more information.
Follow Heather Schmitt-Gonzalez's board Apples! on Pinterest.
