Savory Cheddar Almond Bites

Stuffed fruit has become social-media snack shorthand for “easy, but surprisingly good.” These Prune Cheddar Almond Bites from Becky Sue Wilberding of Baking the Goods take that idea in a decidedly savory direction.

Each California Prune is shaped into a little cup and filled with sharp cheddar and smoked almonds, then finished with hot honey, fresh chives and cracked black pepper. The combination works because every bite has contrast: chewy and crunchy, creamy and sharp, sweet and smoky, with just enough heat from the honey.

Six Ingredients, A Lot Going On

The recipe may be simple, but the flavors are anything but basic. The natural sweetness and caramel notes of the prunes balance the sharp cheddar, while smoked almonds add crunch and depth.

Hot honey ties the sweet and savory sides together, and fresh chives and black pepper keep the whole thing lively. It’s the kind of combination that tastes much more elaborate than the few minutes it takes to assemble.

Are These Cheddar Almond Bites a Snack or Appetizer? Both Work.

These bites are just as useful for everyday snacking as they are for entertaining. Arrange them on a platter and they look party-ready; keep a few in the refrigerator and they make an easy between-meal bite.

You can also warm the cheddar-stuffed prunes briefly in a 350°F oven before adding the toppings for a softer, melty variation.

The recipe is also easy to adapt. Try Gouda, Parmesan or blue cheese in place of cheddar, swap in pistachios or pecans for the almonds, or use plain honey if you prefer less heat.

California Prunes may be naturally sweet, but this recipe makes a strong case for keeping them in the savory snack rotation too.

Prune Cheddar Almond Bites

Becky Sue | Baking the Goods

Sweet, savory, smoky, and a little spicy, these Prune Cheddar Almond Bites pack a lot of flavor into one easy bite. Naturally sweet California Prunes pair beautifully with sharp cheddar and smoked almonds, while a drizzle of hot honey and fresh chives adds just the right contrast. They come together in minutes and work just as well for an afternoon snack as they do for a simple party appetizer.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 10 minutes mins

Course Snack

Cuisine American

Servings 12 servings

Calories 55 kcal

Ingredients

 

US CustomaryMetric

 

1x2x3x

• 12 California Prunes
• 1.5 ounces sharp cheddar cheese cut into 12 small wedges, cubes, or crumbles
• 24 smoked almonds
• 1-2 TBSP hot honey
• 1 TBSP finely chopped chives or other preferred herbs
• Freshly cracked black pepper to taste

Instructions

 

• Gently turn the prunes into tiny bowls by pinching and stretching each one around your thumb.
• Arrange the prune bowls on a serving plate.
• Fill each prune with a piece of sharp cheddar cheese and 2 smoked almonds.
• Drizzle with hot honey, top with chopped chives, and finish with freshly cracked black pepper, if desired.
• Enjoy as a quick, satisfying snack or serve as a flavorful appetizer for parties and gatherings.

Notes

Storage

Store the Prune Cheddar Almond Bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Nutrition

Serving: 1portionCalories: 55kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 1gFat: 2gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.3gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 4mgSodium: 23mgPotassium: 91mgFiber: 1gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 114IUVitamin C: 0.1mgCalcium: 35mgIron: 0.2mg

Keyword easy appetizers, healthy snack, prune cheddar almond bites

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