Get ready to transform ordinary fresh sweet cherries into a mouthwatering masterpiece that will have everyone at your gathering begging for the recipe! This Fresh Sweet Cherry Appetizer Tray is not just a dish—it's a culinary experience that combines the perfect balance of sweet, creamy, and crunchy elements. With just 15 minutes of preparation time, you'll create an elegant appetizer that looks like it was crafted by a professional chef, but is actually incredibly simple to make.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh sweet cherries
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
Instructions
- Thoroughly wash the fresh sweet cherries under cool running water, gently pat dry with clean paper towels.
- Using a sharp paring knife, carefully remove the stems and pit each cherry, creating an opening without completely splitting the cherry.
- In a medium mixing bowl, soften the cream cheese at room temperature for approximately 10 minutes to ensure smooth spreadability.
- Finely chop the fresh mint leaves, ensuring uniform small pieces for even distribution of flavor.
- Toast the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning, then allow to cool and roughly chop.
- Mix the softened cream cheese with finely chopped mint, stirring until well combined and herbs are evenly distributed.
- Carefully stuff each pitted cherry with a small amount of the mint-cream cheese mixture using a small spoon or piping bag.
- Arrange the stuffed cherries on a serving platter, creating an attractive presentation.
- Drizzle honey over the stuffed cherries, allowing it to cascade gently across the appetizer tray.
- Sprinkle the toasted, chopped walnuts over the cherries, providing a crunchy textural contrast.
- Chill the appetizer tray for 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and enhance the overall taste experience.
Tips
- Choose the freshest, firmest sweet cherries for the best texture and flavor.
- Allow cream cheese to soften naturally at room temperature for easier mixing and smoother filling.
- When toasting walnuts, watch them carefully and stir constantly to prevent burning.
- Use a piping bag for neater and more precise cream cheese filling of the cherries.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a tiny pinch of sea salt to the cream cheese mixture.
- If you prefer a more decorative presentation, use a small star-tipped piping nozzle.
- Chill the appetizer tray briefly before serving to help the flavors meld and set.
- For a variation, you can substitute mint with basil or add a small amount of lemon zest to the cream cheese.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 45mg
