Autumn Ember smoked paprika cheeses (Printable Version)

Smoked paprika dusted cheeses paired with crisp red-fleshed apples for a seasonal fall starter.

# Needed Ingredients:

→ 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)

# Preparation 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 toss gently to ensure all sides are coated.
03 - Lightly dust the cheese with flaky sea salt for enhanced flavor.
04 - Fan the red-fleshed apple wedges around and between the cheese cubes to create a scattered ember-like presentation.
05 - Optionally, sprinkle fresh thyme leaves atop for herbal aroma and visual contrast.
06 - Present immediately with artisan crackers or rustic bread on the side if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It takes twenty minutes but looks like you spent your whole afternoon in the kitchen.
  • The combination of salty cheese, sweet-tart apples, and smoky paprika is genuinely addictive.
  • Your guests will ask if it's complicated to make, then feel amazed when you tell them the truth.
02 -
  • Cut your apples no more than thirty minutes before serving—toss them with a tiny squeeze of lemon juice to prevent browning and to add subtle brightness.
  • Room temperature is key; take your cheese out of the fridge about ten minutes before arranging so the flavors sing instead of being muted by cold.
03 -
  • For a vegan version, use plant-based cheese blocks cut the same way—smoked varieties exist and pair beautifully with the paprika and apples.
  • If you're making this for a crowd and worried about browning, prepare the apple wedges up to an hour ahead, toss lightly with lemon juice, and store them in a sealed container until the last moment.
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