Please give it up for my ultra-talented chef/baker/photographer/renaissance woman friend Dana from Minimalist Baker, who has graciously agreed to guest post for me while Ben and I are in Charleston!
Time consuming, exhausting, messy, expensive. Don’t you just hate cooking sometimes?
Yeah, me, too. That’s why I created my blog, Minimalist Baker, where each recipe requires 7 ingredients or less, 30 minutes or less, or 1 bowl to prepare. Can I get an amen for simple? Amen.
If you’ve ever stopped by our space you know we’re all about a minimalist approach to food. That’s how I cook in real life to save me time, money and stress, and I think it can do the same for you.
If you’re wondering who we are, my name’s Dana and I handle all of the recipe development and photography for Minimalist Baker. And my husband John handles all the back-end, technical, design-y stuff that’s way over my head. In other words, we make a good team.
To be guest posting on Kristin’s blog is somewhat of a dream, as Iowa Girl Eats was one of the first food blogs I fell in love with and one of the big reasons I started food blogging in the first place. When Kristin asked me to share a recipe with you all this week I was ecstatic, and immediately started dreaming a special dish – one that was quick, flavorful, delicious and of course, simple.
I believe I’ve done just that. Whipped Bleu Cheese Balsamic Bites – Toasty whole wheat baguettes topped with a simple whipped bleu cheese dip, caramelized onions and asparagus spears, and drizzled with a rich balsamic reduction. Your guests will be in appetizer heaven.
From start to finish these beauties take just 30 minutes. And the ingredients are very simple, allowing the star flavors to really shine through. Each luxurious bite melts in your mouth with a distinct airiness from the bleu cheese dip and a crisp finish from the baguette. The flavors are spectacular, melding together create the perfect savory, sweet bite.
If you’re not an asparagus or onion fan, other veggies would be great here as well such as roasted grape tomatoes, squash, peppers, or even red grapes. They’re also perfect for a crowd, but you could even serve up just a few at a time as the bleu cheese dip will keep for at least a week.
With spring just around the corner, these bites would make the perfect appetizer to serve at patio parties or small gatherings with friends. They’d even be appropriate for more formal dinner parties with their fancy appearance. I have big plans for them as the weather warms up and we’re out socializing a bit more, and I hope you do as well.
Enjoy!
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Whipped Bleu Cheese Bites with Balsamic Reduction Appetizers
Description
Whipped Bleu Cheese Bites with Balsamic Reduction Appetizers are airy, cheesy, and sassy bites your guests will be sure to love.Â
Ingredients
- 4oz (1/2 cup) bleu cheese crumbles
- 4oz 1/3 fat cream cheese
- 1 Tablespoon white vinegar
- 2 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- pinch black pepper
- 1/4 cup 2% or whole milk
- 3/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 8-10 sprigs asparagus and/or 1/2 red onion
- 12-14 slices wheat baguette
Directions
- Preheat oven to low broil and position rack on second from top position. Slice baguette into 1/2 inch pieces and arrange on baking sheet. Plan for 1-2 per person. Set aside.
- Prepare bleu cheese dip by placing bleu cheese, cream cheese, vinegar, olive oil, and pepper in a food processor and mixing until well combined. Drizzle in milk 1 Tbsp at a time while mixing until desired consistency is achieved. It should be thick like frosting. Scoop into a large plastic bag and set aside.
- Saute asparagus and/or red onion in a large saucepan over medium heat until tender. Season with salt and black pepper. To properly caramelize the onions, make sure to keep the lid on to lock in moisture and get them really soft. Set aside.
- Prepare balsamic reduction by placing balsamic vinegar in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally and being careful not to boil. Cook for about 10 minutes or until the liquid has reduced by about half and a wooden spoon scraped across the bottom leaves a visible line - it should appear somewhat "syrupy." Pour into a small ramekin for serving.
- Pop baguette in the oven and watch closely, toasting until light golden brown. Then remove from the oven, pipe on whipped bleu cheese, and top with sautéed asparagus and/or caramelized onion. Drizzle with balsamic reduction and serve immediately.
Notes
- Estimated nutrition per bite: 142 calories, 9 g fat, 1 g saturated fat, 124 mg sodium, 9 g carbohydrates, 1.7 g fiber, 1.8 g sugar, 6 g protein
This recipe is courtesy of Iowa Girl Eats, http://iowagirleats.com.
Stacy 04.04.2013
Wow, awesome job! I will definitely be following your blog as well! And I just made asparagus last night and I have leftovers, woohoo!
Victora 04.04.2013
What a great idea! I’ll be giving this a try tonight.
Brittany 04.04.2013
Dana, Your appetizer looks DELISH and I just added you to my blog list :) which is a very short one I might add! Question though, is there a different type of cheese you would recommend? I am quite scared of blue cheese haha! I think I tried the ‘cheap’ version of it at too many restaurants :( That being said, can you indulge my undistinguished palette and suggest an alternative?
katie 04.04.2013
Woah these look like the ideal appetizer to entertain with! mmmm I can taste them just looking at these photos!
Jan @ Sprouts n Squats 04.04.2013
I saw these last night on Pinterest and was salivating! These look too good :)
Chelsea @ Designs on Dinner 04.04.2013
Movie night with my sisters & Mom + Whipped Blue Cheese Balsamic Bites? Lovely night in.
Crystal 04.08.2013
Haha! I made these for Girls’ Night with my sisters and mom this weekend too! They were awesome!
Kelli H (Made in Sonoma) 04.03.2013
This and a glass of wine would definitely make an amazing night at home. Anything Bleu cheese and I’m in!
Megan 04.03.2013
Blue cheese AND Balsamic are MFEO (Made for each other!)
Carrie 04.03.2013
I am SO making these very soon. I have had pizza with goat cheese and balsamic reduction and it was fabulous, so I know these will be amazing.
Michelle 04.03.2013
This looks and sounds sooo good ! anything with blue cheese has GOT to be good !
Jenny 04.03.2013
I just passed you on King St!! I wanted to say hello but was all gross from yoga! Hope y’all are having a wonderful time! I live next to Husk and Poogsn’s Porch so maybe ill get a second chance when I’m walking the dog! Enjoy!
Kristin 04.03.2013
Kristin’s blog is the first (and only) food blog I follow, but I will definitely be adding you to the list. These look amazing!
Dana 04.03.2013
Thanks so much! That’s a huge compliment : )
julia 04.03.2013
Beautiful photos! These blue cheese bites look amazing!
Haley 04.03.2013
ok. I am definitely making these this weekend! you had me at “whipped bleu cheese” :)
Ali | Gimme Some Oven 04.03.2013
Stunning photos! This ingredient combo sounds wonderful!
Dana 04.03.2013
Thanks, Ali! I’m (really, quite, very) flattered.
Nina @ Too Hottie For That Body 04.03.2013
It’s just beautiful! I’m not a huge fan of blue cheese but I really want to try these anyway. Who knows, maybe someday I will manage to achieve the palate of a grown up… it’s my dream anway ;)
Karla @ Foodologie 04.03.2013
Wow wow wow!
This might be Friday night dinner with a BIG glass of wine!
Dana 04.03.2013
BEST IDEA EVERRRRRR.
Sara B. 04.03.2013
My mouth is watering – I LOVE blue cheese!!
Ja @Ja on the RUN 04.03.2013
We are having a party this weekend and I will def try this! This will be a good appetizer or side dish! YUM! :)
Theresa 04.03.2013
This looks amazing!!