Cheese and walnut appetizer - recipe no. 400! :)
Cheese and Walnut Appetizer – Recipe 400
If you are among those who love to snack and discover new flavors, then this cheese and walnut appetizer recipe is perfect for you! A delicious combination of crispy dough, creamy cheese, and aromatic walnuts that will delight any taste buds. Plus, it is a simple yet impressive recipe, ideal for an evening with friends or a festive meal.
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 4-6
Necessary ingredients
For the dough:
- 60 g butter (ideally at room temperature for easier incorporation)
- 1 tablespoon sunflower oil (or another neutral oil)
- 3 tablespoons milk (you can use whole milk for a richer taste)
- Approximately 100 g flour (type 00 is best for a fine dough)
- 1 fresh egg yolk (for a nicer color and better texture)
For the filling:
- 100 g Almette cream cheese with sour cream (or a similar cheese)
- 1 tablespoon butter (to enhance creaminess)
- The kernels from 4 walnuts (as large as possible, to add a pleasant crunch)
Preparation instructions
1. Preparing the dough
In a large bowl, combine the butter and oil. Use a spatula or fork to mix well until you get a smooth paste. Add the milk and egg yolk, continuing to mix until homogeneous.
2. Incorporating the flour
Start adding the flour gradually. It is important to add it in portions, mixing constantly with a spatula or your hands until the dough becomes elastic and non-sticky. If it is too sticky, you can add a little more flour.
3. Forming the dough
Once you have obtained a homogeneous dough, form a ball and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. This will help the gluten relax, making the dough easier to roll out.
4. Rolling out the dough
On a floured work surface, roll out the ball of dough into a thin sheet. Use a rolling pin to achieve an even thickness of about 3 mm.
5. Cutting and forming the rolls
Using a knife or a dough cutter, cut short strips. Roll each piece of dough to form rolls. If you have whole walnuts, you can use them to support the rolls during baking.
6. Preparing the little flowers
Using the leftover dough, cut out small flower shapes that will serve as caps for your rolls. These not only add a nice appearance but also help retain the filling.
7. Preparing the filling
In a separate bowl, mix the cream cheese with the melted butter and chopped walnut kernels. You can also add various flavors, such as crushed garlic, fresh dill, or pepper paste, to customize the filling to your liking.
8. Filling the rolls
Fill each roll with the cheese mixture, being careful not to overfill them. Place the little flowers on top of the rolls for an attractive look.
9. Baking
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Place the rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 20 minutes or until golden.
10. Serving
After baking, let them cool slightly, then serve warm. This appetizer pairs perfectly with white wine or craft beer, but can also be enjoyed with a tomato salsa or a flavored yogurt dip.
Practical tips and variations
- You can experiment with different types of cheese for the filling, such as feta or ricotta.
- To add a spicy note, you can incorporate some chopped chili pepper into the filling.
- If you love herbs, feel free to add dill, basil, or oregano to the filling mixture.
Nutritional benefits
This cheese and walnut appetizer is not only delicious but also offers some nutritional benefits. Walnuts are an excellent source of healthy fats, proteins, and antioxidants. Cheese provides calcium and protein, while the dough, although it contains carbohydrates, can be enjoyed in moderation.
Estimated calories
One serving (3-4 rolls) has approximately 250-300 calories, but this may vary depending on the ingredients used.
Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use store-bought dough?
Yes, to save time, you can use puff pastry or pizza dough.
2. How can I store the rolls?
Keep them in the fridge in an airtight container, and when you want to serve them, you can reheat them in the oven to restore their crispiness.
3. Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, you can replace the butter with plant-based margarine and the cheese with a vegan alternative.
In conclusion, the cheese and walnut appetizer is a quick and simple recipe that combines textures and flavors in a delicious way. I hope you will try this recipe and add your own variations! Enjoy!
Ingredients: For the dough: 60 g butter, 1 tablespoon oil, 3 tablespoons milk, approximately 100 g flour, 1 fresh chicken egg yolk. For the filling: Almette cream cheese with sour cream, 2 tablespoons, 1 tablespoon butter, the kernel from 4 walnuts.
