Autumn Ember Smoked Cheese (Printable Version)

Smoked paprika cheeses arranged with red-fleshed apples, creating a warm and vibrant fall appetizer.

# What You'll Need:

→ Cheeses

01 - 5.3 oz Manchego cheese, cut into 1-inch cubes
02 - 5.3 oz aged cheddar, cut into 1-inch cubes

→ Spices & Seasonings

03 - 2 tsp smoked paprika (sweet or hot, as desired)
04 - 1/2 tsp flaky sea salt

→ Fruits

05 - 2 medium red-fleshed apples (such as Hidden Rose or Pink Pearl), cored and cut into wedges

→ Garnish

06 - 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves (optional)

→ Accompaniments

07 - Artisan crackers or rustic bread (optional, for serving)

# How-To Steps:

01 - Place the Manchego and aged cheddar cubes evenly in a shallow serving dish or platter.
02 - Sprinkle smoked paprika over the cheese cubes and gently toss to ensure all sides are coated.
03 - Lightly dust the paprika-coated cheese with flaky sea salt.
04 - Fan the red-fleshed apple wedges around and between the cheese cubes to create an ember-like visual effect.
05 - Optionally, garnish with fresh thyme leaves for aroma and color contrast, then serve immediately with crackers or rustic bread if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It takes literally twenty minutes but looks like you spent all afternoon on it.
  • The sweet paprika smoke pairs with tart apples in a way that keeps people coming back for just one more piece.
  • It's the kind of appetizer that works whether you're feeding six or bringing it to someone else's table.
02 -
  • Toss your apple wedges with a squeeze of lemon juice the moment you cut them—otherwise you'll watch them oxidize from gorgeous red to dull brown right before your eyes, and it breaks the spell.
  • Don't cut the cheese and apples ahead of time if you can help it; if you do, store them separately and assemble within an hour of serving.
03 -
  • Buy your apples a day or two before serving—they'll be crispier than ones picked that same morning.
  • If you can't find red-fleshed apples, this still works beautifully with any firm, tart apple, though you'll lose some of the visual drama that makes this dish special.
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