Apples with Mustard and Goat Cheese

Introduction

Cutting the apples crosswise into ¼-inch rounds gives you flat slices that hold a thin layer of yellow prepared mustard and a crumble of fresh goat cheese without extra assembly. The cold apple, sharp mustard, and soft cheese make this a fast snack or small appetizer that takes about 10 minutes and is best served right away.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Servings: 2

Ingredients

• 2 Golden Delicious apples
• Yellow prepared mustard
• 1 oz crumbly, fresh goat cheese

Instructions

1. Wash the apples and cut across (i.e. not from top to bottom) into slices ¼ inch thick. Preferably the apples should come from the refrigerator as the cold temperature will add to the contrast.
2. Spread one side of the apple slices with yellow mustard.
3. Crumble the goat cheese onto each slice.
4. Serve immediately as is.

Variations

• Replace the 2 Golden Delicious apples with Granny Smith apples if you want a tarter bite and a slightly firmer texture.
• Replace the 2 Golden Delicious apples with Honeycrisp apples for a sweeter, juicier result with more crunch.
• Replace yellow prepared mustard with Dijon mustard for a stronger mustard flavor and a sharper finish.
• Replace the 1 oz crumbly, fresh goat cheese with crumbled paneer if you want a milder topping with less tang.

Tips for Success

• Keep the apples cold before slicing; the temperature contrast is part of what makes the mustard and cheese stand out.
• Cut the slices as close to ¼ inch thick as you can so they stay sturdy enough to hold the toppings.
• Pat the apple slices dry if they look wet after washing so the mustard spreads instead of sliding off.
• Crumble the goat cheese finely so it sticks to the mustard and covers each slice more evenly.
• Serve immediately after step 3; the apples lose their crisp look and the mustard can make the surface watery if they sit too long.

Storage and Reheating

FAQ

Can you make these ahead of time?

You can wash the apples and measure the goat cheese ahead, but slice and assemble just before serving for the best texture and appearance.

Why cut the apples across instead of top to bottom?

Crosswise slices give you round pieces with a flat surface, so the mustard and goat cheese stay in place more easily.

Can you use another kind of mustard?

Yes. Dijon works well if you want a stronger, less bright mustard flavor than yellow prepared mustard.

Do you have to use Golden Delicious apples?

No. Any crisp apple works, but the balance changes: tarter apples make the mustard taste sharper, while sweeter apples soften it.