Crispy Cheese Rounds with Strawberry Cream and Tomato Jam
Delightfully crispy cheese rounds topped with a sweet strawberry cream and a savory tomato jam. A sophisticated appetizer or brunch bite that balances rich, fruity, and tangy flavors in a single mouthful.
- Author: Mariem
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 cheese rounds 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Fusion
- Diet: Vegetarian
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar or parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp strawberry preserves or jam
- 1/2 tsp lemon zest
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- For the Tomato Jam:
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp ground black pepper
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Spoon about 1 tablespoon of shredded cheese into small mounds on the sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart. Flatten slightly with the back of the spoon.
- Bake for 5–7 minutes, or until golden and bubbly. Let cool completely on the sheet to crisp up.
- While cheese rounds cool, prepare the strawberry cream by mixing cream cheese, strawberry preserves, lemon zest, and vanilla until smooth. Set aside.
- To make the tomato jam, heat olive oil in a small pan over medium heat. Add cherry tomatoes, brown sugar, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.
- Cook, stirring occasionally, for 10–12 minutes, until tomatoes break down and mixture thickens. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- To assemble, place a dollop of strawberry cream on each cheese round, followed by a small spoonful of tomato jam.
- Serve immediately as an appetizer or elegant snack.
Notes
- Cheese rounds can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container.
- Use flavored cream cheese (e.g., honey or berry) for variation.
- Tomato jam also pairs well with crackers or toast.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 topped cheese round
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 170mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: cheese crisps, strawberry cream, tomato jam, savory sweet appetizer, vegetarian snack