Mortadella Cheese Bites Recipe
Introduction
Mortadella Cheese Bites are a delightful appetizer combining creamy cheeses with savory mortadella, finished with a touch of honey and spice. They’re quick to prepare and perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a flavorful snack.
Ingredients
- 8-10 slices mortadella
- 6 oz goat cheese (or cream cheese)
- 6 oz brie
- Crushed red peppers (for topping)
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary (chopped)
- 2 tsp salsa macha
- 3 tbsp honey (plus more for topping)
Instructions
- Step 1: Mix the brie and goat cheese together until smooth. Transfer the mixture into a piping bag.
- Step 2: Pipe a generous amount of the cheese mixture onto one end of each mortadella slice. Roll the slice tightly around the filling. Refrigerate for 20 minutes to set.
- Step 3: Preheat a non-stick pan over medium-high heat for 3 minutes.
- Step 4: Place the mortadella rolls seam-side down in the pan to seal. Cook until crispy on all sides, allowing any cheese that oozes out to form a golden crust.
- Step 5: Combine the chopped rosemary, honey, and salsa macha. Add some of this mixture to the pan once the bites are crispy and cook for 1 minute to infuse flavor, reserving some for topping.
- Step 6: Serve the bites topped with additional honey and crushed red peppers for a perfect sweet and spicy finish.
Tips & Variations
- Try substituting cream cheese for goat cheese if you prefer a milder flavor.
- Adjust the amount of crushed red peppers to control the heat level.
- For extra crunch, sprinkle toasted nuts like pistachios on top before serving.
Storage
Store any leftover bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan to maintain crispiness, or enjoy them cold as a snack.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare these bites ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the bites and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking. This makes them great for entertaining.
What can I substitute for salsa macha if I don’t have it?
You can use a chili oil or a spicy chili garlic sauce as a substitute to add similar heat and flavor.
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Mortadella Cheese Bites Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 8–10 bites 1x
Description
These Mortadella Cheese Bites are a delightful appetizer featuring creamy goat and brie cheeses wrapped in savory mortadella, pan-seared to crispy perfection, and finished with a sweet, spicy rosemary-honey glaze. Perfect for entertaining or a sophisticated snack, they combine creamy, crispy, and spicy flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8–10 slices mortadella
- 6 oz goat cheese (or cream cheese)
- 6 oz brie cheese
Toppings and Garnishes
- Crushed red peppers (for topping)
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 2 tsp salsa macha
- 3 tbsp honey (+ more for topping)
Instructions
- Prepare Cheese Mixture: Mix together the brie and goat cheese until smooth. Transfer the cheese mixture into a piping bag for easy application.
- Assemble Mortadella Bites: Pipe a generous amount of the cheese mixture onto one end of each mortadella slice. Carefully roll the slice tight around the cheese filling. Place the rolled bites in the refrigerator to chill and firm up for 20 minutes.
- Preheat Pan: Heat a non-stick pan over medium-high heat for 3 minutes to ensure it is hot enough for searing.
- Sear Bites: Place the mortadella bites seam-side down in the hot pan to seal them. It is okay if some cheese oozes out; this will create a flavorful crust. Sear the bites until crispy and golden on all sides, turning carefully.
- Make Glaze and Coat Bites: In a small bowl, mix chopped rosemary, honey, and salsa macha. Add a portion of this mixture to the pan once the bites are crispy. Cook for 1 minute, allowing the glaze to coat the bites well. Reserve some glaze for topping.
- Serve: Plate the bites and drizzle with additional honey, crushed red peppers, and the reserved glaze. Serve immediately while warm and crispy.
Notes
- Brie cheese should be softened to make mixing easier.
- Keep the mortadella bites chilled before cooking to help maintain their shape.
- Use a non-stick pan to prevent sticking and allow even crisping.
- Salsa macha adds a smoky, spicy flavor; substitute with a mild chili oil if unavailable.
- Adjust honey quantity to taste for sweetness balance.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Keywords: mortadella bites, cheese appetizer, brie cheese, goat cheese, savory snacks, easy party recipes
