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Appetiser platter with cream cheese ring and chocolate

Appetiser platter with cream cheese ring and chocolate

Cook 10 mins 2 servings

Discover the joy of self-care with our cream cheese appetiser platter, a simple yet sophisticated treat to enjoy when you need a little break. The platter pairs the smooth, Caribbean notes of lime and coconut cream cheese with the crispness of your chosen crackers. Adorned with fresh apricot, crunchy cashews, and sumptuous chocolate, you are presented with an irresistible and luscious blend of textures and flavours.

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ingredients

preparation

1. Place the cream cheese ring on a plate.

2. Arrange pieces of apricot, cashew nuts, chocolate, and fresh coconut around the cream cheese.

Tips

The presentation of the appetisers around the cream cheese is important for the visual aspect and the flavour. Slice the apricot thinly to maximize the delicate, sweet-tart flavour against the creaminess of the cheese. This also makes it easier to eat in a single bite with the crackers and cheese. Thinly slice or shave the coconut to ensure that every bite includes a harmonious blend of flavours and textures.

Tips

Choose high-quality dark chocolate with a cocoa content of at least 70 %. Dark chocolate adds a rich, intense flavour that contrasts beautifully with the tangy lime and sweet coconut in the cream cheese. Break the chocolate into small, bite-sized pieces for easy sharing.

Make a delightful appetiser platter with cream cheese and chocolate

Treat yourself to an irresistible cream cheese and crackers appetiser platter. Easy to put together and even easier to enjoy, this platter features a sweet and lightly zesty cream cheese with lime and coconut. The tropical Caribbean cream cheese is as delightful as dessert, and combined with the right elements, this simple serving becomes a luxurious treat. Fresh apricots, nuts, and chocolate make for the perfect accompaniments to the creamy cheese and crisp crackers, and they offer various complex flavours that will make you come back for more.

Try our cream cheese ring with lime and coconut flakes – a sweet and indulgent centrepiece

The main character of this appetiser platter is the smooth cream cheese. Enjoy a tasty trip to the Caribbean with our lime and coconut cream cheese that envelops you in indulgent, sweet, and zesty flavours. It is deliciously smooth, perfect to slice and arrange on a cracker, and its Caribbean-inspired flavour gives you an almost dessert-like experience. Perfectly balanced by crisp, salty crackers, the cream cheese ring shines with a refreshing and irresistible flavour and texture, perfect for enjoying with other appetisers as well.

For other recipes with this delicious cream cheese, try our cheesecake bites with biscuits and cream cheese, our exotic fruit platter with cream cheese, or our tropical bagel with cream cheese and strawberry.

With fresh apricots, cashews, and chocolate

The indulgent cream cheese can easily take your mind to beautiful turquoise waters by itself, but a few accompaniments do not hurt anything. The apricots, with their sweet, slightly tart flavour and soft, juicy texture, add a fresh, fruity element that contrasts beautifully with the creamy cheese. Cashews introduce a subtle sweetness and a satisfying crunch, their buttery richness enhancing the depth and fruity, tropical flavour of the platter. Lastly, the chocolate offers a decadent twist. Its smooth, melt-in-your-mouth quality and deep cocoa notes make it truly memorable. Together, these appetisers weave a complex and harmonious flavour and texture that gives you a surprising, must-try experience, making each bite accentuate the Caribbean essence of the lime and coconut cream cheese.

Elevate your platter with the right crackers

Choose the right crackers to complement the vibrant lime and coconut flavour of the cream cheese. You want to complement but not overpower. Water crackers, wheat crackers, and seeded crackers are well-suited for this flavourful cream cheese, and their subtle taste will balance the sweetness of the apricots and chocolate.

Water crackers have a light, crisp texture that serves as the perfect blank canvas to allow the bright citrus and tropical notes of the lime and coconut cream cheese to shine. Their subtle flavour does not compete with the cream cheese, making them an excellent choice for highlighting its taste. And since they are quite thin but still sturdy, they make for an excellent foundation for the creamy cheese. Their neutral flavour also ensures that the fresh apricots and rich chocolate on your platter meld seamlessly.

Wheat crackers offer a slightly sweet and nutty background that complements the zesty lime and sweet coconut. Their subtle flavour and crisp texture make them a great pairing for the cream cheese, providing a contrast that enhances the Caribbean profile without overpowering it. The nuttiness of wheat crackers echoes the crunchiness of the cashew nuts, tying the elements together and creating a simple, balanced appetiser platter.

Seeded crackers bring an extra dimension with their mix of seeds, such as sesame, poppy, or sunflower seeds. They contribute a crunchy texture and a nutty, earthy flavour that pairs very well with the sweetness of coconut and the tang of lime in the cream cheese. They add a bit more oomph than the more subtle water and wheat crackers. The robust texture and flavours of these crackers offer a delightful contrast to the softness of fresh apricots and the smooth bite of chocolate, creating an intricate and harmonious flavour experience.

Unwrap a moment of self-care or share with your loved ones

We should all remember to treat ourselves, and this cream cheese appetiser platter is the perfect way to introduce some me-time. Do something nice for yourself, choose your favourite crackers, and dive into this appetiser platter with creamy lime and coconut cream cheese, fresh apricots, crunchy nuts, and rich chocolate. Enjoy this well-deserved me-platter with a refreshing blend of sparkling water and citrus or exotic coconut water to complement the lime and coconut cream cheese. You can also opt for a glass of red wine or chilled prosecco. Turn on some relaxing music and enjoy the perfect mouthful of crispy crackers, smooth cream cheese, and flavourful garnish.

Present your personal favourites

We have plenty of appetiser platter ideas for you so you can serve and enjoy your favourite treats. Drizzle honey over the cream cheese or serve with fruity jams or compotes to contrast the Caribbean cream cheese and other elements on the platter. You can also go all out on the fruitiness, serving with grapes, fresh raspberries, or ripe plums.

Explore other classic appetiser elements by adding a small bowl of olives or pickles for a tangy, salty contrast that complements the creamy, sweet, and nutty flavours on the plate. In addition to cashews, consider offering a small bowl of spiced nuts like cinnamon almonds or rosemary walnuts.

You can also find inspiration in classic savoury cream cheese boards and add a bite of charcuterie. Experience the delicious, savoury flavours of thinly sliced prosciutto, salami, or chorizo to weave in a rich, smoked, and salty dimension. The saltiness and depth of the cured meats cut through the sweetness of the fruits and the richness of the cream cheese. The charcuterie offers an unexpected, delightful contrast to the creamy, tropical notes of the lime and coconut cream cheese, and arranged alongside fruits, nuts, and cheese, everyone can experiment with their bites, crafting their perfect combination of sweet, savoury, and tangy.