Nutrition Facts
Servings 12
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 120kcal
Picture this: you’re hosting a casual get-together. Friends are gathered around, drinks are flowing, and you want a show-stopping appetizer that’s easy to whip up. That's where this baguette appetizer comes in.
Whether you have a light salad or a delicious charcuterie board on the table, a flavorful baguette stuffed with creamy goodness is the perfect companion. It's just the kind of dish that sparks joy around the dining table!
If you’re mulling over the idea of a scrumptious appetizer that makes everyone's taste buds dance with delight, you have clicked on the right recipe. This baguette appetizer is a beautiful blend of creamy cheeses, savory olives, and zesty roasted peppers, all cradled in crunchy baguette goodness.
It’s perfect for parties or simply a fun snack of your own, and it is make-ahead friendly, meaning you can spend more time enjoying the company instead of cooking.
Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Sauce
A baguette appetizer isn’t just about fancy ingredients stuffed into a loaf of bread; it’s about creating an edible centerpiece that balances flavors and textures beautifully. It's a creation that takes a classic baguette, hollowing it out to make room for a creamy filling that's rich and delightful. Simple to make, this dish layers flavors; the salty olives, creamy cheeses, and tangy peppers create a harmony that brings smiles with each bite.
You’ll love this baguette appetizer because it’s incredibly versatile! You can adapt the filling to suit your taste, whether it's incorporating more fresh herbs, different cheeses, or your favorite meats. It's a pleasing blend of flavors that caters to both meat lovers and vegetarians. Plus, the recipe is straightforward, takes minimal prep time, and can be made up to two days in advance! When you serve this at any gathering, my friends, be ready for compliments!
Here’s what you’ll need to bring this delicious baguette appetizer to life:
- 1 baguette (about 14 inches long) – feel free to cut it in half if it’s oversized
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 4 oz goat cheese, crumbled or softened
- 1/4 cup green olives, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup black olives, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp chopped fire-roasted red peppers
- 1 tsp dried parsley (use 1 tbsp if you have fresh on hand)
- 1.5 oz salami (approximately 6 slices)
- 2 tbsp finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes for an extra punch of flavor
Ingredients From : familyfreshmeals.com
Making this baguette appetizer is as simple as pie (or should I say, baguette?)! Let's break it down into digestible steps so that you can have this ready and chilling in no time.
First things first, grab that beautiful baguette. Slice off both ends – I know, it feels a bit sacrilegious, but we need the perfect canvas! Now, slice the baguette in half lengthwise to create two manageable pieces. This makes hollowing it out much easier.
Take a long, thin knife and carefully start hollowing out each half of the baguette. Begin from one end and work your way to the other. Keep about half an inch of crust all around; this keeps our filling intact and gives it that chewy, crunchy texture we all love.
In a mixing bowl, combine your softened cream cheese, crumbled goat cheese, minced garlic, and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Toss in the olives—both green and black for variety—and the fire-roasted peppers. Don’t forget the parsley! If you havefresh parsley, it's worth the extra step for the pop of fresh flavor.
Using an electric mixer, blend everything together until its well combined. Aim for a creamy consistency that you can easily spoon into that lovely hollowed baguette.
Now, take the cheese mixture and work it into each half of the baguette. Pack it tightly! You want to make sure it stays put when slicing. Fill it up to the very end; nothing wrong with excess here.
Wrap your stuffed baguette tightly in plastic wrap. This is key—if you don't wrap it well, your filling might dry out. Refrigerate this beauty for at least two hours, or up to 48 hours if you want to make it ahead of time.
Right before serving, it’s time for the grand reveal. Unwrap, and carefully slice your baguette into half-inch thick slices. Arrange them on a platter, and let the compliments flow!
- Choose Quality Ingredients: The ingredients can make or break your appetizer. Opt for high-quality olives, cheese, and salami; they will elevate the entire dish.
- Leave the Baguette Crust Intact: Make sure to keep that half-inch crust so that your works of art don’t fall apart when serving.
- Mix It Up: Don’t hesitate to experiment with different cheeses or add herbs for extra flavor—basil or dill can make a delightful difference.
- Serve with Dips: A side of marinara or pesto sauce can bring extra dimension to your appetizer.
- Perfect for Leftovers: If some filling remains after stuffing, use it as a tasty spread on crackers or veggie sticks later!
You absolutely can! The good news is this appetizer stores well. Wrap the leftover stuffed baguette tightly in plastic wrap and keep it in the refrigerator. It will maintain its flavor for up to two days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it before slicing. Just remember to thaw it completely in the fridge before serving.
Here are some delicious pairing ideas:
- Wine: A chilled white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc, complements this dish beautifully. It cuts through the richness of the cheese.
- Fresh Veggies: Pair with a fresh veggie platter and hummus for a colorful addition to your spread.
- Charcuterie Board: Include this baguette as part of a larger charcuterie board for variety!
- Fruit: Sliced apples or grapes add a refreshing contrast—sweet and savory are always a winning combo.
- Bruschetta: Serve with a side of fresh bruschetta topped with diced tomatoes and basil for a colorful contrast.
If you're running low on an ingredient or just want to switch things up, here are some substitutes:
- Cream Cheese: Use ricotta for a lighter version or Greek yogurt for an extra protein boost.
- Goat Cheese: Substitute with feta or Blue cheese for a tangy different flavor profile.
- Olives: If olives aren’t your thing, try diced artichokes or sun-dried tomatoes instead.
- Salami: Swap out salami with prosciutto or turkey slices for a leaner option.
- Fire-Roasted Peppers: Use fresh bell peppers or jalapeños for a bit of heat, depending on your spice preference.
There you have it! This baguette appetizer recipe is simple yet festive, making it perfect for any occasion. From gatherings to quiet nights in, this dish is so versatile that it can fit into any setting. By creating a delicious filling and letting it chill, you’re offering a delightful treat that your friends and family will rave about.
As you take this to your next cookout or family gathering, don't forget to keep that big smile on your face because, trust me, they will appreciate every flavor-packed bite! Enjoy!
If you’re mulling over the idea of a scrumptious appetizer that makes everyone's taste buds dance with delight, you have clicked on the right recipe. This baguette appetizer is a beautiful blend of creamy cheeses, savory olives, and zesty roasted peppers, all cradled in crunchy baguette goodness.
Servings 12
- Choose Quality Ingredients: The ingredients can make or break your appetizer. Opt for high-quality olives, cheese, and salami; they will elevate the entire dish.
- Leave the Baguette Crust Intact: Make sure to keep that half-inch crust so that your works of art don’t fall apart when serving.
- Mix It Up: Don’t hesitate to experiment with different cheeses or add herbs for extra flavor—basil or dill can make a delightful difference.
- Serve with Dips: A side of marinara or pesto sauce can bring extra dimension to your appetizer.
- Perfect for Leftovers: If some filling remains after stuffing, use it as a tasty spread on crackers or veggie sticks later!
Martha Adams is a registered dietitian and the creator of Cheap Delicious Meals, a blog focused on making healthy, tasty, and affordable meals accessible to all. With over a decade of experience, Martha combines her expertise in nutrition with a passion for budget-friendly cooking. Her goal is to inspire people to eat well without overspending.