It's the party season and you need finger food that seems super fancy but is so easy to whip up it can be done (almost) one-handed. All whilst tending to the baby, the toddler, the husband, and that glass of wine. Blue Cheese Crostini with Roasted Grapes fits the bill. Just slice a fresh baguette, spread on some creamy homemade blue cheese butter, and top with balsamic roasted grapes just bursting with the most amazing flavor.
Blue Cheese Crostini with Roasted Grapes
I love the Holidays!
But seriously sometimes you just want it to S-L-O-W down!!!
The parties, the shopping, the entertaining, the last-minute guests (the last-minute unexpected guests...). It's all great, but sometimes I can feel an ulcer coming on just thinking about it.
This is why I love to have a couple of recipes up my sleeve that can be whipped up in 10 minutes with ingredients I usually have on hand.
And if I don't, substitutions are easy!
So try this one out for size:
- Thin slices of baguette
- homemade blue cheese butter
- some balsamic roasted grapes
- homemade candied (or toasted) pecans
- a sprig of thyme to make it look fancy
Entertaining perfection!!
Can I Substitute With What I Have On Hand?
If you don't have a baguette just chop up some bread and lightly toast it, chop it into bite-size squares and no one will be any wiser.
If you don't have grapes, cherry tomatoes, cranberries or cherries will work just as well.
The blue cheese?
Well you kinda need that. But it's so easy to pick up a pack of blue cheese crumbles and have it hanging around in the fridge until needed.
If you are absolutely vehemently against blue cheese, then I will allow you to sub in some goat's cheese, some labne, or even some cream cheese if you get a good one.
What Else Do I Need For The Best Holiday Entertaining Menu Around?
Well I am glad you asked.
I love Holiday entertaining.
And I love it even better if I have a handful of appetizers that can be eaten with one hand ready and waiting to go.
Check these out:
- Mini Brie Bites with Onion Jam;
- Self Saucing Honey Ginger and Garlic Pork Meatballs;
- Honeyed Ricotta and Asparagus Wrapped In Puff Pastry
- 3 Ingredient Everything Bagel Cheese Balls
- Whipped Feta Dip
- Marinated Goat's Cheese Log with Garden Herbs
- Cheddar Cheese and Caramelised Onion Puff Pastry Swirls
- Pistachio Feta and Pomegranate Crostini
If you try our Blue Cheese Crostini I would love to hear from you so be sure to leave a comment.
Do you have any tried and true Holiday appetizers you use for those times you just want to slow down and savor this special time of the year?
Happy eating.
xx
Recipe
Blue Cheese Crostini with Roasted Grapes
Ingredients
- 2 cups red seedless grapes, halved
- 2 tablespoon good quality balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoon minced shallots
- 2 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
- ½ teaspoon coconut sugar
- 1 french baguette cut into about 20 slices
- 3 tablespoon unsalted butter at room temperature
- 2 oz crumbled blue cheese, at room temperature
- ⅓ cup candied pecans, (if you don't have candied then use toasted)
- 6 sprigs fresh thyme to serve
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°.
- Toss together grapes, balsamic vinegar, shallots, EVOO and coconut sugar. Arrange the grapes in a single layer in a small roasting pan and bake for 20 minutes or until grapes wilt and the liquid forms a thin syrup.
- Remove grapes from the oven and change the temp to full broil. Position the rack about 7 inches from the flame.
- Stir together butter and cheese and then spread over bread slices. Arrange bread slices in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Broil for 2 to 3 minutes or until the cheese mixture is browned and bubbly.
- Spoon grape mixture over toasted bread, and sprinkle with pecans and fresh thyme. Serve warm (but it is still delicious served cold!)
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
Madi says
What an awesome appetizer! I love the combination of flavors!
Donna1 says
🙂
Debs says
I love crostinis, and I'm getting used to blue cheese. So, these will be the perfect way to get me eating more of it. It's the kind of thing I eat for dinner when I'm alone just because it feels so luxurious. Lovely recipe.
Donna1 says
I think once you start liking blue cheese you become quickly hooked 🙂 I have to fight for it in our house as even my 3 and 5 year olds love it!!
Jenna says
Roasted grapes just sound and look so fancy. And I'm with you. The holiday season needs an extra few weeks so that it'd be more manageable to get everything done.
Donna1 says
Right!
Jenni LeBaron says
I love bleu cheese! These look like a great option for a holiday party or an appetizer for Christmas dinner!
Donna1 says
YES! Give me ALL the blue cheese
Carolyn says
This sounds amazing!
Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes) says
Looks good!
Aimee says
*drooling* these look delicious!
Kortney says
Roasted grapes are the best! The feel super fancy, but are supper easy to make.
Jessica Robinson says
These look delicious! Would be amazing appetizers for Christmas Eve party!
Donna1 says
Exactly, and they can be prepared in advance which is even better 🙂