Pear & Brie Cheese Salad Skewers
These Pear & Brie Cheese Salad Skewers are a delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors, making them the perfect appetizer for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party, preparing a picnic, or simply looking to impress your family at dinner, these skewers will surely stand out. They are easy to assemble, visually appealing, and packed with fresh ingredients that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: These skewers come together in just 20 minutes, allowing you to spend more time enjoying time with your guests.
- Fresh and Flavorful: The combination of juicy pears, creamy brie cheese, and peppery arugula creates a refreshing taste that excites the palate.
- Versatile Serving Option: Perfect as an appetizer or snack at gatherings, these skewers also make a great addition to a charcuterie board.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with nutritious ingredients like walnuts and arugula, they offer both taste and health benefits.
- Elegant Presentation: The colorful layers of fruit and cheese make these skewers visually stunning on any serving platter.
Tools and Preparation
Before you begin making your pear and brie cheese salad skewers, gather your tools to ensure a smooth preparation process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Wooden skewers
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Serving platter
Importance of Each Tool
- Wooden skewers: These are essential for holding the ingredients together while making it easy to serve.
- Knife: A sharp knife helps in cutting the pears and cheese into uniform pieces for even flavors.
- Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping ingredients without damaging your counters.
Ingredients
These pear and brie cheese salad skewers are made with arugula, walnuts, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. They’re such a quick + easy, sweet + savoury party appetizer idea that your guests will love!
For the Skewers
- 2 pears
- Approx. 8 ounces brie cheese (~225 grams)
- Approx. 2 cups baby arugula
- Approx. 1/4 cup raw walnuts, chopped
- Balsamic glaze, to drizzle (or balsamic vinegar)
How to Make Pear & Brie Cheese Salad Skewers
Step 1: Prepare the Pears
- Slice pears into quarters.
- Remove seeds and stem from each quarter.
- Cut quarters into roughly 1/2-inch cubes.
Step 2: Cut the Brie Cheese
- Cut brie cheese into similar-sized 1/2-inch cubes.
- TIP: Leaving the rind on makes handling easier!
Step 3: Assemble the Skewers
- Take a small (4-inch) skewer.
- Thread on one piece of pear, followed by a bundle of arugula, then add one piece of brie cheese.
- Place assembled skewer on a serving platter.
- Repeat until all ingredients are used up.
- TIP: Fold the arugula in half for easier threading onto the skewer!
Step 4: Final Touches
- Gently press chopped walnuts onto the brie cheese so that they stick.
- Drizzle balsamic glaze over the top of all skewers before serving.
Enjoy your deliciously crafted pear & brie cheese salad skewers!
How to Serve Pear & Brie Cheese Salad Skewers
These pear & brie cheese salad skewers are perfect for any gathering. Their blend of sweet and savory flavors makes them a delightful addition to your appetizer spread. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your presentation.
Pair with Wine
- White Wine: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc complements the sweetness of pears and creaminess of brie.
- Sparkling Wine: Champagne or Prosecco adds a festive touch and balances the flavors.
Create a Charcuterie Board
- Cheese Variety: Include other cheeses like goat cheese or aged cheddar for contrast.
- Fresh Fruits: Add grapes, figs, or berries for a colorful touch.
Serve with Dips
- Honey: Drizzle honey on top for extra sweetness.
- Mustard: A tangy mustard dip can add an interesting flavor profile.
Garnish Ideas
- Microgreens: Use microgreens as a garnish for added texture.
- Herbs: Fresh basil or mint can enhance the presentation and flavor.
How to Perfect Pear & Brie Cheese Salad Skewers
To make sure your pear & brie cheese salad skewers are a hit, follow these tips for perfection.
- Ingredients: Choose ripe pears that are firm but slightly soft for the best flavor.
- Cut Uniformly: Ensure all pieces of pear and cheese are similar in size for even assembly.
- Use Quality Skewers: Opt for sturdy wooden skewers to prevent breakage during assembly.
- Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate the skewers briefly before serving to enhance freshness.
- Experiment with Glaze: Try different balsamic glazes or flavored vinegars for varied tastes.
Best Side Dishes for Pear & Brie Cheese Salad Skewers
Complement your pear & brie cheese salad skewers with these delicious side dishes that will impress your guests.
- Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the richness of the skewers.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies add warmth and earthiness to the meal.
- Stuffed Mushrooms: Savory stuffed mushrooms can provide an additional layer of flavor.
- Savory Scones: Cheddar or herb scones offer a hearty complement to the lightness of the skewers.
- Fruit Platter: A selection of seasonal fruits enhances the sweet notes in the dish.
- Quinoa Salad: A protein-packed quinoa salad with herbs can be a nutritious side option.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Pear & Brie Cheese Salad Skewers, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Here are common mistakes to avoid for the best results.
- Ignoring ingredient freshness: Using ripe pears and fresh brie enhances flavor. Always check for quality before preparing your skewers.
- Cutting uneven pieces: Ensure pear and cheese cubes are similar in size for even cooking and better presentation. This keeps the skewers looking appealing.
- Forgetting to fold arugula: Not folding the arugula can make it difficult to skewer. Fold it in half for easier handling and a neater appearance.
- Overloading skewers: Adding too many ingredients can lead to messy skewers. Stick to one piece of each ingredient per skewer for balance.
- Skipping the balsamic glaze: The glaze adds a sweet tang that ties all flavors together. Don’t skip this step; drizzle generously before serving!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Duration: Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Containers: Use an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Freezing Pear & Brie Cheese Salad Skewers
- Duration: These skewers are not ideal for freezing, as they may lose texture. It’s best to prepare them fresh.
Reheating Pear & Brie Cheese Salad Skewers
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat skewers for about 10 minutes or until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power in short bursts of 15-20 seconds until warm. Be cautious not to overheat the cheese.
- Stovetop: Gently warm in a skillet on low heat, turning occasionally until just heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Pear & Brie Cheese Salad Skewers.
Can I use other types of cheese instead of brie?
Yes, you can substitute with goat cheese or camembert for different flavor profiles while keeping the salad delicious.
What other fruits work well with these skewers?
Fruits like apples or figs can be great additions, providing a lovely contrast in flavor and texture.
How do I make these skewers ahead of time?
You can prepare the components a day ahead and assemble just before serving to keep everything fresh and vibrant.
What dips pair well with Pear & Brie Cheese Salad Skewers?
Dips like honey mustard or a simple yogurt dip complement the flavors beautifully.
Final Thoughts
These Pear & Brie Cheese Salad Skewers offer a delightful mix of sweet and savory flavors, making them perfect for any occasion. They are versatile and can be customized with your favorite nuts or greens. Give them a try at your next gathering!
Pear & Brie Cheese Salad Skewers
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Approximately 12 skewers 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful experience of Pear & Brie Cheese Salad Skewers, a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors that will elevate any gathering. These elegant skewers feature juicy pears paired with creamy brie cheese and fresh arugula, all drizzled with balsamic glaze for an extra touch of sophistication. Ideal for parties, picnics, or family dinners, they are quick to prepare and visually appealing.
Ingredients
- 2 ripe pears
- 8 ounces brie cheese
- 2 cups baby arugula
- 1/4 cup raw walnuts, chopped
- Balsamic glaze (or balsamic vinegar)
Instructions
- Slice pears into quarters, remove seeds and stems, then cut into 1/2-inch cubes.
- Cut brie cheese into similar-sized 1/2-inch cubes.
- On a small skewer, thread one piece of pear, a bundle of arugula, and a piece of brie cheese. Place on a serving platter.
- Repeat until all ingredients are used.
- Gently press chopped walnuts onto the brie cheese and drizzle balsamic glaze over the assembled skewers before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: N/A
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Assembling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer (30g)
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
