There is something truly delightful about the Pear & Brie Cheese Salad Skewers Recipe that perfectly balances sweet and savory flavors in one bite-sized treat. These skewers bring together juicy, crisp pear, creamy brie, peppery arugula, and crunchy walnuts with just a touch of tangy balsamic glaze, creating an irresistible combination that’s both elegant and effortless. Whether you’re hosting a party or craving a light snack, this recipe will quickly become your go-to for impressing guests and satisfying your taste buds alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple yet essential ingredients each bring a unique element to the Pear & Brie Cheese Salad Skewers Recipe. From the creamy texture of brie to the peppery freshness of arugula, every component works harmoniously to create a visually appealing and delicious appetizer.
- Pears: Choose ripe but firm pears for a sweet and juicy crunch that holds up well on the skewer.
- Brie Cheese: Soft and creamy, this cheese melts slightly on the tongue and pairs beautifully with fruit and nuts; leaving the rind on helps with handling.
- Baby Arugula: Adds a fresh, peppery flavor that cuts through the richness of the cheese and brightens each bite.
- Raw Walnuts: Provides a satisfying crunch and a slightly bitter note that complements the sweetness of the pears.
- Balsamic Glaze: A drizzle adds a tangy-sweet finish that ties all the flavors together beautifully.
How to Make Pear & Brie Cheese Salad Skewers Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pears
Begin by slicing your pears into quarters and carefully removing the seeds and stems. Then, cut those quarters into roughly 1/2-inch cubes. This size ensures every bite is balanced and easy to skewer without falling apart.
Step 2: Cut the Brie Cheese
Next, cut the brie cheese into 1/2-inch cubes similar in size to your pear pieces. Leaving the rind on is a smart tip here; it prevents the cheese from getting too sticky on your fingers and holds its shape better when skewered.
Step 3: Assemble the Skewers
Grab a small 4-inch skewer and start threading a piece of pear first. Follow it with a folded small bundle of arugula—folding it makes it easier to handle and gives just the right leafy touch. Finish off by threading the brie, preferably piercing it through the rind side for better grip. Arrange the completed skewers on a serving platter.
Step 4: Add Walnuts and Finish
Press chopped walnuts gently onto the exposed brie cubes so they stick nicely, adding that delightful nutty crunch. Finally, drizzle a generous amount of balsamic glaze over the skewers for a beautiful, glossy finish packed with tangy-sweet flavor.
How to Serve Pear & Brie Cheese Salad Skewers Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh cracked black pepper or a few microgreens can elevate the look and taste of these skewers even further. The pepper adds a subtle kick that wakes up the flavors, while microgreens provide an appealing fresh burst of color.
Side Dishes
These skewers pair wonderfully with crusty bread or a light mixed greens salad to make a fuller, more inviting spread. For a heartier occasion, serving them alongside cured meats like prosciutto or salami can create a lovely charcuterie-style platter.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging the skewers standing upright in a decorative glass or placing them across a wooden serving board adorned with scattered walnut pieces and arugula leaves. You can also serve them on miniature plates paired with small dipping bowls of extra balsamic glaze or honey for guests to add as they please.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover Pear & Brie Cheese Salad Skewers Recipe, store them covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To keep the arugula fresh and crisp, avoid adding the balsamic glaze until just before serving again.
Freezing
This particular recipe is best enjoyed fresh because freezing can affect the texture of the pears and the creamy quality of the brie. For best results, prepare fresh or store refrigerated leftovers as mentioned.
Reheating
There is no need to reheat these skewers since they are meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature. Bringing the cheese out of the fridge a few minutes before serving will enhance its creaminess and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese instead of brie?
Absolutely! While brie offers a creamy, mild flavor, you can substitute it with camembert or a soft goat cheese for a different but equally delicious taste.
What kind of pears are best for this recipe?
Firm varieties like Bosc or Anjou work best since they hold their shape when skewered and provide a nice balance of sweetness without becoming mushy.
Is there a substitute for balsamic glaze?
If you don’t have balsamic glaze, a good-quality balsamic vinegar can work, but drizzle sparingly as it’s more liquid and less concentrated than the glaze.
Can I prepare the skewers ahead of time for a party?
Yes, you can assemble the skewers a few hours in advance and keep them refrigerated, but wait to add the walnuts and balsamic glaze until right before serving to maintain freshness and crunch.
Are these skewers suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Pear & Brie Cheese Salad Skewers Recipe is vegetarian-friendly, making it a perfect appetizer choice for gatherings where guests may have dietary preferences.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a quick, elegant, and crowd-pleasing appetizer, you really can’t go wrong with the Pear & Brie Cheese Salad Skewers Recipe. It’s a wonderful mix of flavors and textures that comes together in just minutes, making entertaining stress-free and delicious. Give it a try next time you want to wow your friends with minimal effort and maximum yum!
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Pear & Brie Cheese Salad Skewers Recipe
These Pear & Brie Cheese Salad Skewers combine the sweetness of fresh pears with creamy brie cheese, peppery arugula, and crunchy walnuts, all topped with a tangy balsamic glaze. This easy no-cook appetizer is perfect for parties or quick snacks, offering a delightful balance of sweet and savory flavors.
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 skewers
Ingredients
Fruits
- 2 pears
Cheese
- Approx. 8 ounces brie cheese (~225 grams)
Greens & Nuts
- Approx. 2 cups baby arugula
- Approx. 1/4 cup raw walnuts, chopped
Condiments
- Balsamic glaze, to drizzle (or balsamic vinegar)
Instructions
- Prepare Pears: Slice the pears into quarters, removing seeds and stems. Then cut the quarters into roughly 1/2-inch cubes for easy skewer assembly.
- Cut Brie Cheese: Slice the brie cheese into 1/2-inch cubes, keeping the rind on to reduce stickiness when handling the skewers.
- Assemble Skewers: Take a small 4-inch skewer and thread a piece of pear first, followed by a folded small bundle of arugula, and then a cube of brie cheese. Repeat until all ingredients are used.
- Add Walnuts: Gently press chopped walnuts onto the brie cubes so that they adhere nicely, adding a crunchy texture.
- Finish with Balsamic Glaze: Drizzle balsamic glaze over the assembled skewers just before serving to provide a tangy, sweet contrast to the flavors.
Notes
- Keeping the rind on the brie cheese helps reduce stickiness and holds the toppings better.
- Fold the arugula leaves in half to create smaller bundles that easily fit on the skewers.
- If balsamic glaze is unavailable, a good quality balsamic vinegar can be used as a substitute.
- These skewers are best served fresh to maintain the crispness of pear and arugula.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American