A seasonal and quick twist on traditional bruschetta, this roasted grapes appetizer with bursts with both sweet and salty flavors!
Roasted grapes appetizers with walnuts and goat cheese are the perfect cooler weather replacement for it's Summer sister tomato bruschetta. As day grow shorter and evenings crisper, we gather in closer among crowed tables or glows of outdoor fires. The craving of fresh light food is replaced for something more comforting and slower.
Bursting with both sweet and salty flavors, this appetizer combines the very best of late Summer grapes with creamy goat cheese and a bit of crunch and earthiness of the walnuts. It's the perfect appetizer for any Fall and Winter gathering or even just as a side dish with roast chicken! Plus, they are so simple to make!
Cozy Tips for Roasted Grapes Appetizer with Walnuts and Goat Cheese
- I find that red grapes have the most dramatic appeal and roast beautifully.
- While balsamic vinegar can be used in a pinch, a balsamic glaze works best for it's thickness and bit of extra sweetness.
- A baguette size loaf of bread either homemade or store bought is the perfect size slice for an appetizer.
- Toast the bread slices ahead of time to make this appetizer come together even quicker for gathers.
- Plain goat cheese or honey goat cheese works well with this appetizer.
- Use walnut pieces or crush up whole walnuts.
- Place these appetizers on festive dish and add a touch of candle light glow for an even more special and cozy vibe!
Ingredients For Roasted Grapes Appetizer with Walnuts and Goat Cheese
- Baguette Slices
- Goat Cheese
- Grapes
- Walnuts
- Balsamic Glaze
- Olive Oil
- Thyme
- Salt and Pepper
Helpful Kitchen Tools
Why Roast the Grapes?
Roasting the grapes brings out a more intense flavor and sweetness that pairs well with the creaminess of the goat cheese. It also makes the grapes a bit more softer eat as whole pieces. You could use unroasted grapes if needed, but I would cut the grapes into quarters first before adding them to the appetizer.
Can I Use Balsamic Vinegar Instead of Glaze?
Balsamic vinegar can be used in a pinch, however the consistency will be more watery so a very light drizzle will be necessary. In comparison, balsamic glaze is reduced vinegar and has a much more thicker consistency and sweetness in flavor. Balsamic glaze is now available at most stores, as well.
Can I Use Another Cheese Instead of Goat Cheese?
The right goat cheese is important in general, but also for this appetizer. I have found unaffiliated that Vermont Creamery's honey goat cheese works well here. You need a goat cheese that has enough tang but not too much and this honey goat cheese add just a hint of sweetness to counter any tang. A cream cheese could be used in replace of the goat cheese.
The Cozy Details
Step 1: Slice the bread into ½ thick slices. Place onto a baking sheet or pan. Drizzle across each bread slice some olive oil and sprinkle on a bit of salt and pepper to taste.
Step 2: Toast the bread in the oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 8-10 minutes or until lightly golden and slightly harden. Allow to cool.
Step 3: Meanwhile, place whole grapes into a baking pan and drizzle on olive oil. Add on top thyme and lightly toss.
Step 4: Place the grapes into the oven and roast for about 15-18 minutes, until the juices have begun to leak and the grapes have burst a bit or soften. Set aside to cool while assembling the toasts.
Step 5: Once the toast slices have cooled, spread on about a teaspoon or so of goat cheese onto each slice.
Step 6: Place a small spoonful of the grapes or two grapes each onto of the cheese.
Step 7: Drizzle with balsamic glaze and sprinkle on a few bits of walnut pieces.
Serve and enjoy!
Roasted Grapes Appetizer with Goat Cheese & Walnuts
Ingredients
- 10-12 Baguette Slices
- 1 Log of Honey Goat Cheese
- Balsamic Glaze
- ½ Cup Crushed Walnuts or Pieces
- 1 Teaspoon Thyme
- Olive Oil
- Salt and Pepper
Instructions
- Slice the bread into ½ thick slices. Place onto a baking sheet or pan. Drizzle across each bread slice some olive oil and sprinkle on a bit of salt and pepper to taste.
- Toast the bread in the oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 8-10 minutes or until lightly golden and slightly harden. Allow to cool.
- Meanwhile, place whole grapes into a baking pan and drizzle on olive oil. Add on top thyme and lightly toss.
- Place the grapes into the oven and roast for about 15-18 minutes, until the juices have begun to leak and the grapes have burst a bit or soften. Set aside to cool while assembling the toasts.
- Once the toast slices have cooled, spread on about a teaspoon or so of goat cheese onto each slice.
- Place a small spoonful of the grapes or two grapes each onto of the cheese.
- Drizzle with balsamic glaze and sprinkle on a few bits of walnut pieces.
- Serve & Enjoy!
Let's Make A Meal Of It
- Roasted Grapes Appetizer with Goat Cheese & Walnuts
- Roasted Chicken in the Oven
- Easy Brussel Sprouts with Pancetta and Cheddar Cheese
- Pumpkin Bread with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting
