Herb Cheese Canapés
Cream cheese herb spread on toasted bread with quick toppings. Fast, make-ahead canapés for parties or snacks.
This cheese spread is delicious as a simple spread for crackers, but making this into canapés is an easy way to look fancy at a dinner party.
- Whip softened cream cheese with butter, fines herbes, and cracked pepper, then spread on toasted slices.
- Use sturdy bread and toast well to avoid sogginess. Add toppings like smoked salmon, tomatoes, or radishes.
- Make the spread up to 3 days ahead. Assemble canapés just before serving for best texture.
Preparation Instructions:
Whip together cream cheese, butter, herbs, and pepper.
Spread herb cheese on toasted bread and finish with toppings of choice. Some good topping ideas are tomatoes, radishes, cucumbers, smoked salmon, olives, roasted peppers, apples, pears, or hardboiled eggs.
thespicehouse.com
More About This Recipe
Cheese canapes are perfect for dinner parties appetizers and your dinner guests won't be able to get enough of this canapes recipe. Our Fines Herbs blend is a classic mix of chives, chervil, parsley, and terragon that will give this canape the feeling of being in the French countryside.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make the herb cheese spread?
Beat 8 oz softened cream cheese with 2 oz softened salted butter, 1 teaspoon fines herbes, and 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked pepper until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning. Chill briefly if you want a firmer texture for spreading or piping.
Can I prepare the spread ahead of time?
Yes. Store the spread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Bring it to room temperature or re-whip for a minute before using so it spreads smoothly.
When should I assemble the canapés so they stay crisp?
For best crunch assemble right before guests arrive. Toasted bread stays crisp for about 1 to 2 hours once topped. If you must assemble earlier, keep toppings separate and add them just before serving.
How do I prevent the bread from getting soggy?
Toast the bread until it is crisp and slightly golden. Use a dense, crusty loaf like baguette or sourdough. You can also brush slices lightly with olive oil or a thin smear of butter before toasting to create a moisture barrier.
What breads and toasting methods work best?
Baguette rounds, sliced sourdough, and ciabatta are great. Toast in a 375 to 400 F oven for 6 to 10 minutes until golden, or pan-toast slices in a skillet over medium heat until crisp.
What can I use instead of cream cheese or butter?
Substitute Neufchatel for lower fat, or use full-fat goat cheese for tang. For dairy-free options, use vegan cream cheese and vegan butter. Adjust herbs and salt since flavor and texture can change.
Can I pipe the spread for a neater presentation?
Yes. Chill the spread until slightly firm, then scoop into a piping bag fitted with your preferred tip. Pipe onto toasted rounds for a polished look and finish with small toppings.
How do I scale this recipe for a larger party?
One batch works for about 20 to 24 small canapés depending on slice size. For a crowd double or triple the ingredients. Keep the spread chilled and toast bread in batches so everything stays crisp at service time.
How do I make the herb cheese spread?
Beat 8 oz softened cream cheese with 2 oz softened salted butter, 1 teaspoon fines herbes, and 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked pepper until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning. Chill briefly if you want a firmer texture for spreading or piping.
Can I prepare the spread ahead of time?
Yes. Store the spread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Bring it to room temperature or re-whip for a minute before using so it spreads smoothly.
When should I assemble the canapés so they stay crisp?
For best crunch assemble right before guests arrive. Toasted bread stays crisp for about 1 to 2 hours once topped. If you must assemble earlier, keep toppings separate and add them just before serving.
How do I prevent the bread from getting soggy?
Toast the bread until it is crisp and slightly golden. Use a dense, crusty loaf like baguette or sourdough. You can also brush slices lightly with olive oil or a thin smear of butter before toasting to create a moisture barrier.
What breads and toasting methods work best?
Baguette rounds, sliced sourdough, and ciabatta are great. Toast in a 375 to 400 F oven for 6 to 10 minutes until golden, or pan-toast slices in a skillet over medium heat until crisp.
What can I use instead of cream cheese or butter?
Substitute Neufchatel for lower fat, or use full-fat goat cheese for tang. For dairy-free options, use vegan cream cheese and vegan butter. Adjust herbs and salt since flavor and texture can change.
Can I pipe the spread for a neater presentation?
Yes. Chill the spread until slightly firm, then scoop into a piping bag fitted with your preferred tip. Pipe onto toasted rounds for a polished look and finish with small toppings.
How do I scale this recipe for a larger party?
One batch works for about 20 to 24 small canapés depending on slice size. For a crowd double or triple the ingredients. Keep the spread chilled and toast bread in batches so everything stays crisp at service time.
Comments