Hi friends,
I’m back with a perfect recipe for your next appetizer spread, and I’m sure you’re going to love it! It’s fresh, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make!
Here’s my fresh cheese with dried fruits for your appetizer table.
The origin of this fresh cheese with dried fruits recipe
I have to confess, I’ve been seeing this recipe pop up on social media for months. Every time I saw it, I thought, *I really need to try this…* It took me a while, but here we are!! And I can assure you I’ll be making it again very soon because it’s just that good…
I often serve fresh cheese (like Madame Loïk) at my appetizer spreads—I love it with raw veggies. I also frequently make my famous labneh with za’atar. So, this fresh cheese with dried fruits naturally found its place and was a big hit.
My favorite appetizer recipes
Before I tell you more about this fresh cheese with dried fruits, here’s a (non-exhaustive) list of my favorite appetizer bites… It’ll help you plan a whole appetizer dinner, just the way I love to do it! At my house, it’s sacred—every Friday night, we gather with the kids around a delicious, generous spread. It’s our ritual and we love it…
Here are some ideas I suggest:
- Mini appetizer rolls
- Savory shortbread with Beaufort and nutmeg
- Cucumber maki with salmon and mimosa egg
- Two-salmon rillettes
- Appetizer skewers with figs and duck breast
- Smoked salmon cruffins
- Nectarine and mozzarella appetizer skewers
- or cucumber, crumble, and fresh cheese verrines.
My tips for a successful appetizer dinner
An appetizer dinner has become a friendly, practical alternative to a traditional sit-down meal. More than just snacks, it’s a way to share a full meal in the form of varied bites, creating a relaxed, cheerful vibe. To wow your guests and please everyone’s tastes, here are my tips for a balanced, delicious spread.
First, think about variety in flavors and textures. Mix and match cold and hot bites, savory and a touch of sweet. Plan for at least five or six different kinds of bites to offer enough choice: fresh verrines, mini quiches, gourmet toasts, vegetable or meat skewers, and some crunchy veggies with original dips.
Next, consider your guests’ dietary needs. Include vegetarian or even vegan options, and offer some gluten-free alternatives (if needed) so everyone can enjoy without worry. Crunchy veggie sticks, hummus, falafel, or fresh spring rolls are always a hit.
As for presentation, aim for color and convenience. Arrange your bites on pretty trays or wooden boards, mixing shapes and colors for a mouthwatering look. Clear verrines, bamboo skewers, or individual mini containers make serving easier and reduce waste.
With a bit of planning and a splash of creativity, your appetizer dinner will be a guaranteed success and turn your evening into an unforgettable moment!
Back to your fresh cheese with dried fruits recipe…
As I mentioned at the start, this is a super simple, quick, budget-friendly, no-cook recipe! When it’s hot and you don’t want to turn on the oven or stove, it’s just perfect. Plus, it’s versatile. You can switch it up based on what you have: swap pistachios and pine nuts for almonds and hazelnuts, add raisins, sun-dried tomatoes, smoked salmon, or sesame seeds… let your imagination and cravings run wild! And as always, feel free to tell me in the comments how you adapted my recipe! 😉
Necessary utensils:
A small mixing bowl,
A cutting board,
A good paring knife,
And some plastic wrap.
There you go, you surely have all this in your kitchen already! So, let’s put on the apron and make a fresh cheese with dried fruits for your next appetizer?
The recipe, Chef!
Fresh Cheese with dried Fruits
( Vote !) 
Loading...Ingredients
- 300 g fresh cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 2 turns of the pepper mill
- 6 basil leaves
- 2 dried apricots
- 1 tablespoon dried cranberries
- 1/2 tablespoon pistachios
- 1/2 tablespoon pine nuts
Instructions
Place the fresh cheese in a small mixing bowl.
Add the pepper, ground ginger, and half of the finely chopped basil leaves.
Mix well and transfer onto a sheet of plastic wrap.
Form into a log and refrigerate for 15 minutes.
Meanwhile, finely chop the dried apricots, cranberries, pistachios, pine nuts, and the remaining basil leaves.
Remove the cheese log from the fridge, take off the plastic wrap, and roll it in the chopped ingredients. (You can also sprinkle the chopped mix over the cheese for less handling.)
Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.
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