Autumn Ember Smoked Paprika Cheeses (Printable)

Smoked paprika cheeses paired with red-fleshed apples create a vibrant autumn appetizer.

# What You'll Need:

→ Cheeses

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

# Step-by-Step:

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

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It looks restaurant-worthy but takes just 20 minutes, so you can actually enjoy your guests instead of being stuck in the kitchen.
  • The combination of smoky, salty cheese against crisp, slightly tart apple is genuinely addictive and feels indulgent without being heavy.
02 -
  • Apple browning will ruin the visual impact—lemon juice isn't optional, it's essential to keeping that vibrant color intact.
  • If you're making this more than 30 minutes ahead, leave the apples out and add them just before guests arrive; otherwise they start to look tired instead of luminous.
03 -
  • If you can't find the fancy red-fleshed apples, Pink Lady apples will give you a similar flavor profile and visual appeal—the story still works.
  • Make your paprika-salt mixture in a small bowl first, then sprinkle from your fingers for better control than trying to dust straight from the containers.
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