Autumn Ember Cheese Apples (Printable)

A stunning autumn dish combining smoked paprika cheeses with crisp red-fleshed apples and fresh thyme.

# What You'll Need:

→ Cheeses

01 - 5.3 oz Manchego cheese, cut into 1-inch cubes
02 - 5.3 oz aged cheddar cheese, cut into 1-inch cubes

→ Spices & Seasonings

03 - 2 tsp smoked paprika (sweet or hot, as preferred)
04 - 1/2 tsp flaky sea salt

→ Fruits

05 - 2 medium red-fleshed apples (e.g., 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)

# How To Make It:

01 - Place the cheese cubes evenly in a shallow serving dish or on a platter.
02 - Sprinkle smoked paprika evenly over the cheese cubes and toss gently to cover all sides.
03 - Lightly dust the cheese cubes with flaky sea salt to enhance flavor.
04 - Fan out the red-fleshed apple wedges around and between the cheese cubes, creating a scattered ember-like visual.
05 - Sprinkle fresh thyme leaves over the arrangement to introduce herbal aroma and color contrast.
06 - Serve immediately with artisan crackers or rustic bread on the side, if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It takes twenty minutes and feels like you've pulled off something impressive without the stress.
  • Those red-fleshed apples create an actual conversation piece—people always ask what they are.
  • The smoked paprika does all the heavy lifting, turning ordinary cheese into something with real presence.
02 -
  • Red-fleshed apples brown quickly once cut, so if you're prepping ahead, toss the wedges with fresh lemon juice to keep them brilliant.
  • The smoked paprika's intensity matters—some brands are much spicier than others, so taste as you go and adjust to your preference.
03 -
  • Buy your cheese from a proper cheese counter where they can cut it fresh, rather than pre-cubed—the flavor and texture are noticeably better.
  • Taste the apple as you cut it; sometimes they vary in sweetness and tartness, and knowing what you're working with helps you season more confidently.
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