Yields: 12-14 servings
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
Ingredients:
Whipped Bleu Cheese Dip:
- 4 ounces bleu cheese crumbles (about 1/2 cup)
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened (1/3-fat is fine)
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Pinch of freshly ground black pepper
- 2-4 tablespoons milk (or more as needed)
Balsamic Reduction:
- 3/4 cup balsamic vinegar
For Serving:
- 12-14 slices of baguette, cut into 1/2 inch rounds
- 8-10 asparagus spears, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces (optional)
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
Equipment:
- Food processor
- Small saucepan
- Baking sheet
- Large skillet or saute pan
- Plastic bag (for piping, optional)
Instructions:
Make the whipped bleu cheese:
- Combine bleu cheese, cream cheese, white vinegar, olive oil, and black pepper in the food processor. Process until smooth.
- While the food processor is running, slowly drizzle in milk 1 tablespoon at a time, until you reach a thick, frosting-like consistency.
Make the balsamic reduction:
- Place balsamic vinegar in the small saucepan over medium-low heat.
- Simmer, stirring occasionally, until the vinegar has reduced by half and becomes thick and syrupy. This should take about 10-15 minutes. Remove from heat.
Toast the baguette:
- Arrange baguette slices on the baking sheet.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until lightly toasted and golden.
Sauté the vegetables (optional):
- Heat a drizzle of olive oil in the large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the asparagus and red onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until tender-crisp (asparagus) and softened (onion). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Assemble the bites:
- If piping: Transfer the whipped bleu cheese to a plastic bag and snip off a corner. Pipe swirls of cheese onto each toasted baguette.
- If spreading: Use a knife or small spoon to top each baguette with the whipped bleu cheese.
- Top with a few pieces of asparagus and red onion, if using.
- Drizzle with balsamic reduction.
Tips:
- Flavor variations: Experiment with other cheeses like gorgonzola or goat cheese.
- Make-ahead: Prepare the whipped bleu cheese dip and the balsamic reduction up to a day in advance. Store in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator.
- No food processor? Mash the cheeses together thoroughly with a fork, then briskly whisk the remaining dip ingredients to create a similar airy texture.
Enjoy these elegant and flavorful whipped bleu cheese bites!
