Autumn Ember Cheese Apples (Printable version)

Cheese cubes with smoked paprika and red-fleshed apples create a vibrant autumn serving idea.

# What you 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 (e.g., 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)

# Steps to follow:

01 - Place the cheese cubes in a shallow serving dish or on a platter.
02 - Sprinkle smoked paprika evenly over the cheese cubes, tossing gently to coat all sides.
03 - Lightly dust the cheese cubes with flaky sea salt.
04 - Fan out the red-fleshed apple wedges around and between the cheese cubes to create a scattered, ember-like presentation.
05 - Optionally, sprinkle fresh thyme leaves to add herbal aroma and visual contrast.
06 - Serve immediately with artisan crackers or rustic bread on the side, if desired.

# Expert tips:

01 -
  • It looks restaurant-worthy but takes barely twenty minutes, which means you can seem effortless at gatherings.
  • The flavors are genuinely complex without requiring cooking skills, just good ingredients arranged with intention.
  • It's naturally gluten-free and vegetarian, so it welcomes almost any table without apology.
02 -
  • Apples oxidize quickly once cut, so if you're prepping ahead, toss the wedges with a squeeze of lemon juice and they'll stay bright for hours without anyone noticing the trick.
  • The quality of your paprika matters more than anything else here—stale paprika tastes flat and muddy, and it changes the whole story of the dish.
03 -
  • For a vegan version, use quality plant-based cheese blocks that hold their shape when cubed—cashew-based options tend to work better than soy for texture.
  • If you're serving alongside other appetizers, make this your last addition to the table so the apples stay crisp and the presentation stays sharp.
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