Stephanie'S Cheese Wrapped Grapes
Cheese-wrapped grapes offer a delightful combination of creamy, tangy, and savory flavors, perfect as an elegant appetizer for parties or sophisticated gatherings.
Ingredients
- 8 oz. cream cheese, softened ⓘ
- 8 oz. grated sharp Cheddar ⓘ
- 1/2 cup butter, softened ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon prepared mustard ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- seedless grapes ⓘ
- paprika ⓘ
- walnuts or pecans, chopped ⓘ
- 8 cups thinly sliced yellow onions
- 4 to 6 tablespoons olive oil
- chilled pie crust dough ⓘ
- salt and pepper ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon thyme ⓘ
- 2 oz. can flat anchovy fillets packed in olive oil ⓘ
- 24 Nicoise olives or any Mediterranean type olive ⓘ
Instructions
- Line a jellyroll pan about 11 x 17 inches with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, grated sharp Cheddar, softened butter, prepared mustard, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth.
- Spread the cheese mixture evenly on the chilled pie crust dough.
- Roll out the dough and cut into small squares or rectangles, then wrap each grape with a portion of the cheese mixture.
- Place the wrapped grapes on the prepared pan.
- Sprinkle with paprika, chopped walnuts or pecans, and chopped thyme.
- Top each with an anchovy fillet and an olive.
- Chill the assembled dish until ready to serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, try adding a bit of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the cheese mixture. If you don’t have sharp Cheddar, a mild variety can work, but the flavor will be less intense. Consider using different nuts such as almonds or pistachios for a unique crunch. If you prefer fresh herbs, feel free to substitute thyme with dill or parsley.
Serving Suggestions
These cheese-wrapped grapes make a delightful appetizer or party snack. They pair beautifully with a fruit platter or a selection of Mediterranean recipes for a well-rounded spread. Consider serving them alongside a refreshing salad or with crusty bread and a glass of white wine for an elegant touch at gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover cheese-wrapped grapes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain their texture, avoid freezing them, as the grapes may become mushy. When ready to serve again, simply chill them in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes for the best flavor and presentation.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Stephanie'S Cheese Wrapped Grapes contains roughly 51 calories, with 2g protein, 3g carbohydrates, and 4g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of cheese for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can experiment with various cheeses like cream cheese and goat cheese for a tangy twist. Just ensure the cheese blends well together. Adding herbs to the cheese mixture can also enhance the flavor profile, making it more interesting.
How do I prevent the grapes from rolling off the cheese?
To keep the grapes from rolling away, ensure the cheese mixture is thick enough to hold onto them. You can also slightly pinch the ends of the cheese around the grape to create a tighter seal. Placing them on a flat surface will help keep them steady until serving.
What can I serve with these cheese-wrapped grapes?
These grapes pair wonderfully with a variety of dips, such as hummus or tzatziki. For a more substantial spread, consider serving alongside cured meats, olives, and crackers. This combination will elevate your appetizer table, providing a delightful mix of flavors and textures.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).