Pear & Brie Cheese Salad Skewers with Balsamic Glaze Recipe
Introduction
These pear and brie cheese salad skewers combine peppery arugula, crunchy walnuts, and a sweet balsamic glaze for a deliciously simple appetizer. Perfect for parties, they offer a delightful balance of sweet and savory flavors that your guests will love. Plus, they come together quickly without any cooking required.
Ingredients
- 2 pears
- Approx. 8 ounces brie cheese (~225 grams)
- Approx. 2 cups baby arugula
- Approx. 1/4 cup raw walnuts, chopped
- Balsamic glaze, to drizzle (or balsamic vinegar)
Instructions
- Step 1: Slice pears into quarters and remove the seeds and stem. Cut the quarters into roughly 1/2-inch cubes.
- Step 2: Cut brie cheese into similar-sized, 1/2-inch cubes. Leaving the rind on can make the skewers less sticky to handle.
- Step 3: Take a small (4-inch) skewer and thread a piece of pear, a folded bundle of 5-6 arugula leaves, then a piece of cheese onto it. Repeat with remaining ingredients and arrange on a serving platter.
- Step 4: Gently press a few pieces of chopped walnuts onto the brie cheese to help them stick.
- Step 5: Drizzle balsamic glaze over the skewers just before serving and enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- Use Bosc or Bartlett pears that are ripe but firm to prevent the fruit from falling apart on the skewers.
- To reduce stickiness, thread the arugula onto the rind part of the cheese when assembling.
- If desired, substitute brie with blue cheese, camembert, cheddar, Monterey Jack, Parmesan, or pecorino for different flavor profiles.
- Make skewers within 2 hours of serving and store covered in the fridge to slow browning of the pears.
Storage
Store assembled skewers covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 hours before serving to prevent the pears from browning. It’s best to add walnuts and drizzle balsamic glaze just before serving for optimal freshness and texture. These skewers are best enjoyed the same day they are made.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare the skewers ahead of time?
It’s best to assemble the skewers within 2 hours of serving and keep them covered in the fridge. Pears brown quickly after cutting, so preparing too far in advance may affect their appearance and texture.
What if I don’t have balsamic glaze?
You can substitute balsamic glaze with regular balsamic vinegar, but drizzle it sparingly to avoid soggy skewers. Alternatively, lightly reduced balsamic vinegar can provide a similar sweet and tangy finish.
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Pear & Brie Cheese Salad Skewers with Balsamic Glaze Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 skewers 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free, Vegetarian
Description
These pear and brie cheese salad skewers combine the sweetness of ripe pears, the creaminess of brie cheese, peppery baby arugula, and crunchy walnuts, all brought together with a drizzle of tangy balsamic glaze. They make a quick, easy, and elegant sweet and savory appetizer perfect for parties or gatherings.
Ingredients
Produce
- 2 pears
- Approx. 2 cups baby arugula
Dairy
- Approx. 8 ounces brie cheese (~225 grams)
Nuts
- Approx. 1/4 cup raw walnuts, chopped
Condiments
- Balsamic glaze, to drizzle (or balsamic vinegar)
Instructions
- Prepare Pears: Slice the pears into quarters, then remove the seeds and stem. Cut each quarter into roughly 1/2-inch cubes, discarding any smaller pointy ends not suitable for skewering.
- Cut Brie Cheese: Slice the brie cheese into 1/2-inch cubes with the rind on to help keep the skewers less sticky and easier to handle.
- Assemble Skewers: Take a small 4-inch skewer and thread a cube of pear, a folded small bundle (about 5-6 leaves) of arugula, and then a brie cheese cube. Repeat this process, placing each completed skewer on a serving platter until all ingredients are used.
- Add Walnuts: Gently press chopped walnuts onto the surface of the brie cheese cubes on each skewer so they stick well.
- Drizzle Balsamic Glaze: Finally, drizzle balsamic glaze over the prepared skewers just before serving to add a tangy, sweet finish. Enjoy immediately for best freshness.
Notes
- For arugula, folding 5-6 leaves per bundle creates a manageable skewer size.
- Use a ripe but firm pear variety like Bosc or Bartlett for best texture and flavor.
- Prepare skewers within 2 hours of serving and store covered in the fridge to minimize browning of pear.
- You can substitute brie with cheeses such as blue cheese, camembert, cheddar, monterey jack, parmesan, or pecorino for different flavor profiles.
- This recipe yields about 8 skewers, serving 4-8 guests depending on appetite.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: arugula, brie cheese, party, pears, skewers, walnuts
