Minimalist Baker

Simple Food, Simply Delicious

  • about
  • recipes
  • Cookbook
  • Shop
  • blogger resources
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • RSS
    • Twitter
    • YouTube

Whipped Bleu Cheese Bites with Balsamic Reduction

Cheeseboard filled with a batch of our delicious Whipped Bleu Cheese Bites

Hey! I made a super simple appetizer that will trick all your friends into thinking you’re a gourmet chef – seriously.

I’m sharing the recipe here and over at Iowa Girl Eats this week! Check out Kristin’s post for the full story behind the recipe and lots more photos. Plus, I share a bit about how Minimalist Baker came to be, so if you’re new to our site venture over to get to know us better. We’d love that.

Drizzling balsamic reduction onto our Bleu Cheese Bites for a delicious vegetarian appetizer

This recipe falls in the minimalist category for its 10-item ingredient list and 30-minute preparation time. Super simple, super delicious, super perfect for springtime patio parties. Enjoy!

Plate of Bleu Cheese Balsamic Bites topped with caramelized onions and asparagus

Print
Plate of Bleu Cheese Bites topped with caramelized onion or asparagus

Whipped Bleu Cheese Bites with Balsamic Reduction

The perfect simple-yet-fancy appetizer: Creamy whipped bleu cheese dip atop toasted baguette with caramelized onions and asparagus and a savory balsamic reduction.
Author: Minimalist Baker
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 12 (bleu cheese bites)
Category: Appetizer
Cuisine: Vegetarian
Freezer Friendly No
Does it keep? Best when fresh.

Ingredients

US Customary - Metric
  • 4 ounces bleu cheese crumbles (4 ounces yields ~1/2 cup)
  • 4 ounces 1/3-fat cream cheese
  • 1 Tbsp white vinegar
  • 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 pinch black pepper
  • ~1/4 cup 2% or whole milk
  • 3/4 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 8-10 sprigs asparagus*
  • 1/2 red onion*
  • 12-14 slices wheat baguette

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to low broil and position rack on second from top position. Slice baguette into 1/2 inch pieces and arrange on baking sheet. Plan for 1-2 per person. Set aside.
  2. Prepare bleu cheese dip by placing bleu cheese, cream cheese, vinegar, olive oil, and pepper in a food processor and mixing until well combined. Drizzle in milk 1 Tbsp at a time while mixing until desired consistency is achieved. It should be thick like frosting. Scoop into a large plastic bag and set aside.
  3. Sauté asparagus and/or red onion in a large saucepan over medium heat until tender. Season with salt and black pepper. To properly caramelize the onions, make sure to keep the lid on to lock in moisture and get them really soft. Set aside.

  4. Prepare balsamic reduction by placing balsamic vinegar in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally and being careful not to boil. Cook for about 10 minutes or until the liquid has reduced by about half and a wooden spoon scraped across the bottom leaves a visible line – it should appear somewhat “syrupy.” Pour into a small ramekin for serving.
  5. Pop baguette in the oven and watch closely, toasting until light golden brown. Then remove from the oven, pipe on whipped bleu cheese, and top with sautéed asparagus and/or caramelized onion. Drizzle with balsamic reduction and serve immediately.

Notes

*You can use asparagus and/or red onion.
*Nutrition information is a rough estimate.

Nutrition Per Serving (1 of 12 bleu cheese bites)

  • Calories: 143
  • Fat: 9g
  • Sodium: 124mg
  • Carbohydrates: 9g
  • Fiber: 1.7g
  • Sugar: 1.8g
  • Protein: 6g
instagram camera

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @minimalistbaker on Instagram and hashtag it #minimalistbaker.

FacebookTwitterPin It

11 Comments 10 ingredients or less, 30 minutes or less, Appetizer, Dinner, Egg-Free, Refined Sugar-Free, Savory, Sides, Snacks, Soy-Free, Spring, Vegetarian

← My Favorite Green Smoothie
Orange Thyme Jam →
Get Our Fan Favorites eBook Here!

danaHi, I'm Dana! I am a food stylist, photographer, creator of Food Photography School and author of Everyday Cooking.

Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and read more about us here!

Leave a Comment & Rating Cancel reply

Have a question? Use ctrl+f or ⌘+f on your computer or the "find on page" function on your phone browser to search existing comments! Need help? Check out this tutorial!

  1. Avatar for Taylor GriffinTaylor Griffin says

    November 23, 2014 at 9:41 pm

    I substituted blue cheese for feta cheese and it came out great. (I don’t like blue cheese haha)

    Reply
  2. Avatar for Taylor GriffinTaylor Griffin says

    November 23, 2014 at 9:39 pm

    I just made this for my friends and I and it was delicious. Such a good recipe for a relatively quick lunch snack!

    Reply
  3. Avatar for ShanShan says

    July 2, 2013 at 8:20 pm

    This looks A-mazing! I love whipped cheeses! Can’t wait to try this.

    Reply
  4. Avatar for Chung-Ah | Damn DeliciousChung-Ah | Damn Delicious says

    July 1, 2013 at 11:34 am

    Super and simple – that’s what I need! Love that balsamic drizzle too!

    Reply
  5. Avatar for IlanaIlana says

    April 9, 2013 at 5:08 pm

    this looks so tasty…and simple! my friends and I have already planned a day in the summer, when we’re all back home to make a feast and these are already on the menu!

    Reply
  6. Avatar for Marta @ What should I eat for breakfast todayMarta @ What should I eat for breakfast today says

    April 8, 2013 at 12:01 am

    You make me miss asparagus. There were so many of those in San francisco and in Berlin we’re still waiting for them :)

    Reply
  7. Avatar for JessJess says

    April 4, 2013 at 9:00 pm

    Oh Dana, I was so excited to see these come up (twice) in my reader! I’m always looking for unique little bites like these. I’ll definitely be making these in the next couple weeks. It’s prime Thai holiday season, and there’s lots of entertaining to be done!

    Reply
  8. Avatar for Katy @ KatysKitchenKaty @ KatysKitchen says

    April 4, 2013 at 2:07 pm

    I love blue cheese and this looks amazing! What a great quick and easy appetizer.

    Reply
  9. Avatar for BåtbyggarhustrunBåtbyggarhustrun says

    April 4, 2013 at 12:49 pm

    This looks tasty, as it always does when i visit You.

    Reply
  10. Avatar for Stephanie @ Girl Versus DoughStephanie @ Girl Versus Dough says

    April 4, 2013 at 9:40 am

    I saw this recipe on Pinterest, then IGE, then here and each time I’ve drooled more and more. Not a pretty sight, but… these definitely look amazing! So pumped to make these!

    Reply
  11. Avatar for TieghanTieghan says

    April 4, 2013 at 7:15 am

    I just made whipped blue cheese! I got the idea from How sweet eats when she posted her whipped feat cheese. These toast the so gosh darn good!!!! I can not wait to make these!

    Reply

mb

Minimalist Baker is a place for recipes requiring 10 ingredients or less, 1 bowl, or 30 minutes or less to prepare. All eaters are welcome.
Learn More About Us →
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
Get Our Fan Favorites eBook Here!

©Minimalistbaker.com Terms Privacy Blogger Resources