Autumn Ember Smoked Cheese (Printable)

Smoked paprika cheese cubes paired with red-fleshed apples create a vibrant, ember-like appetizer option.

# What You'll Need:

→ 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)

# Directions:

01 - Place the Manchego and aged cheddar cubes evenly in a shallow serving dish or on a platter.
02 - Sprinkle smoked paprika over the cheese cubes and toss gently to ensure even coating.
03 - Lightly dust the paprika-coated cheese with flaky sea salt.
04 - Fan out the red-fleshed apple wedges around and between the cheese cubes, creating a scattered ember-like appearance.
05 - Optionally sprinkle fresh thyme leaves on top for herbal fragrance and color contrast.
06 - Serve immediately with artisan crackers or rustic bread if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It takes twenty minutes but looks like you spent the whole afternoon on it.
  • The combination of smoked cheese and tart apples is genuinely addictive and feels fancy without being fussy.
  • It works for casual hangouts or proper dinner parties without any last-minute stress.
02 -
  • Toss your apple wedges with lemon juice the moment you cut them—oxidation happens fast and ruins the visual moment.
  • The paprika tastes better when it's toasted slightly; heat a pan for thirty seconds, add it off-heat, let it warm through, then dust.
03 -
  • For a vegan version, there are excellent plant-based aged cheeses now that hold their shape and actually taste like something; don't settle for rubbery alternatives.
  • If you're batch-making for a crowd, assemble on individual small boards or slate pieces instead of one big platter—it looks more intentional and travels better.
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