Description
Crispy cheddar cups cradle a dreamy avocado feta mousse in this elegant appetizer that blends Mediterranean and classic American flavors. Guests will savor each delicate bite of creamy, tangy goodness that promises to elevate your next gathering with minimal effort and maximum impact.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 6 ounces (170 grams) cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 ripe avocados
- 1.5 cups (360 milliliters) kale, washed and torn
- 0.25 cup (60 milliliters) feta cheese
Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) lime juice
- 0.25 teaspoon (1.25 milliliters) black pepper
Cooking Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 350°F and coat a muffin tin with a light spray of oil to prevent sticking.
- Create small circular cheese discs on a parchment-lined baking sheet by sprinkling individual tablespoons of shredded cheddar, gently flattening each mound.
- Bake the cheese rounds until they transform into a golden, bubbling landscape, approximately 8-10 minutes.
- Immediately after removing from the oven, carefully transfer the molten cheese circles into the muffin tin cavities, pressing gently to form delicate cup shapes.
- Allow the cheese cups to cool and solidify completely, ensuring a crisp and sturdy structure.
- Combine ripe avocados, crumbled feta, fresh lime juice, and a dash of black pepper in a blender, processing until the mixture achieves a silky, luxurious consistency.
- Massage kale leaves with a drizzle of olive oil, then roast on a parchment-covered baking sheet until the edges become delightfully crisp and slightly darkened.
- Fill each cheddar cup with the creamy avocado feta mousse, creating elegant peaks and swirls.
- Crown the filled cups with the crunchy kale chips, ensuring an appealing texture contrast.
- Serve these sophisticated appetizers immediately to preserve their optimal temperature and textural integrity.
Notes
- Customize cheese choices by swapping cheddar with parmesan or asiago for different flavor profiles.
- Ensure cheddar rounds are evenly thin to create delicate, crispy cups that won’t break when filled.
- Create dairy-free version by substituting feta and cheddar with nutritional yeast and cashew-based alternatives.
- Make ahead by preparing cheddar cups and avocado mousse separately, then assembling just before serving to maintain crispness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 215
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg