Grapes are a charcuterie board staple. They provide that fresh tangy bite in between cheeses and give the spread a good balance between savory and sweet. But Alex Guarnaschelli shared a new way to enjoy grapes with cheese and it’s going to blow your mind because the grapes are actually roasted — yes, really! It’s like baked brie, but maybe even better.
“This is a Thanksgiving starter that’s super easy and keeps your guests busy while you freak out about your turkey,” Guarnaschelli joked in a recent Instagram caption. “It’s a twist on baked Brie — lighter and fresher. Put out toothpicks and dig in.”
Before roasting your grapes, you’ll want to toss them in a light marinade of olive oil, honey, crunchy sea salt, and black pepper. Then, toss them in the oven for about 10 to 15 minutes. Guarnaschelli likes using seedless red grapes for this appetizer, but you can experiment with other varieties of grapes, too.
Guarnaschelli also included an FYI in her video — that white cast on the grapes is a natural protectant produced by the grape plant! There’s no need to wash it off since it’s not a pesticide or preservative.
When you pull the grapes out of the oven, serve them on a cheese board with a wedge of room-temperature gorgonzola, a light Italian blue cheese. Guarnaschelli chose a gorgonzola dulce, which is a sweeter version of the classic cheese. “But it’s got that sharpness from the blue,” she says, making it a perfect pairing for these roasted grapes. “Just do it.”
“Looks delicious, easy, and classy — you hit the trifecta!” one person commented on Guarnaschelli’s post. Another said, “A glass of wine and it’s a meal for me!”
This appetizer recipe is a brand-new take on your favorite charcuterie staples and will be everyone’s favorite starter this Thanksgiving (and every other party you attend this holiday season!).
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