Creamy Walnut Cheese Roll

This delectable creamy walnut cheese roll is a perfect blend of flavors and textures, offering a sophisticated yet simple appetizer. The recipe highlights the natural creaminess of the cheese, complemented by the crunchy texture and rich flavor of walnuts. It's a wonderful dish that can be prepared ahead of time, making it a convenient choice for entertaining guests. Perfect for special occasions or casual gatherings, it serves as a delightful palate cleanser or a standalone delicacy. The technique of melting and shaping the cheese adds a unique touch, transforming a simple ingredient into an elegant roll. Wrapped in cling film, the cheese absorbs the nutty goodness, creating a harmonious blend that's both savory and slightly sweet. Chilling the roll allows the flavors to meld together, enhancing the overall taste. Once ready, it is sliced into delectable pieces that can be adorned with fresh herbs or served with a side of fruit. This versatile dish can be adapted to various dietary preferences, ensuring everyone at the table can enjoy it.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

250 g cheese
150 g walnuts
2 liters of water

Other

Cling film

Preparation Time

Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes

Active Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Chilling Time: 2 hours

Step-by-Step Instruction

Begin by slicing the cheese lengthwise into 3 to 4 pieces. This will prepare the cheese for the melting process, ensuring it melts evenly.
Fill a pot with 2 liters of water and place it on the stove over medium heat. Allow the water to heat up, but do not let it reach a full boil, as this might affect the melting process.
Submerge a flat spatula in the heated water and carefully place a sliced piece of cheese on it.
Slowly melt the cheese, turning the spatula occasionally to ensure even melting. Keep an eye on the cheese to prevent it from becoming too liquid.
As the cheese melts, lay out a piece of cling film on your work surface. This will be used to roll and shape the cheese.
In the meantime, crush the walnuts into small pieces. The size of the pieces can be adjusted to your preference, whether you enjoy larger chunks or prefer finely chopped nuts.
Once the cheese is soft and pliable, remove it from the pot using the spatula. Be careful as it will be hot.
Place the melted cheese on the prepared cling film, spreading it out into a thin, even layer.
Sprinkle the crushed walnuts over the cheese. Distribute them evenly to ensure every bite includes the nutty flavor.
Using the cling film, gently roll the cheese into a log shape, starting from one edge and working your way to the other. Apply gentle pressure to maintain an even shape.
Wrap the cheese roll tightly in the cling film, twisting the ends to secure it and form a round shape.
Transfer the wrapped cheese roll to the refrigerator. Allow it to chill for about 2 hours, which helps the cheese to firm up and the flavors to meld.
After chilling, remove the cheese roll from the refrigerator.
Carefully unwrap the cling film and place the cheese on a cutting board.
Using a sharp knife, slice the cheese roll into desired thickness. Clean cuts will make for an elegant presentation.
Arrange the slices on a serving platter, optionally garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or basil for added color and flavor.
Serve the creamy walnut cheese roll as an appetizer or finger food.
Enjoy the harmonious blend of creamy cheese and crunchy walnuts.
This dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides for a complete experience.
Bon appétit, and let the flavors delight your taste buds!

Tips

Cheese Selection: Choose a cheese that melts well, such as mozzarella or a mild cheddar, for a smoother texture.
Walnut Variety: For an extra layer of flavor, lightly toast the walnuts before crushing them.
Chill Time: Ensure the cheese is fully chilled for clean slicing.
Spice It Up: For a spicy kick, consider adding a sprinkle of chili flakes along with the walnuts.

Nutritional Information

Calories: Approximately 350 kcal per serving
Protein: 15 g
Fats: 28 g
Carbohydrates: 5 g

Variations

Vegan Alternative: Use vegan cheese alternatives and adjust melt time as needed.
Nut-Free Version: Substitute walnuts with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin for a nut-free option.
Herbal Twist: Add herbs such as rosemary or thyme for a fragrant touch.

Serving Suggestions

Pair With: A crisp white wine or a light pilsner beer complements the richness.
Side Dishes: Complement with a fresh green salad or serve alongside grapes for a sweet contrast.
Garnish: Freshly chopped chives or a drizzle of honey for an added gourmet touch.

Best Places

La Fromagerie - A renowned cheese shop offering an exquisite selection of cheeses paired with delightful accompaniments. Location: 54 Moxon St, London, United Kingdom.
Cheese Board Collective - A vibrant hub for cheese lovers, featuring artisan bread and a rotating selection of handcrafted cheeses. Location: 1504 Shattuck Ave, Berkeley, USA.
Le Fromage - A boutique store with a wide selection of French cheeses, known for their expertise in pairing. Location: 23 bis Rue de Grenelle, Paris, France.
The Cheese Shop - Offers a cozy atmosphere with artisanal cheese and wine selections. Location: 210 South Delacey Avenue, Pasadena, USA.
Formaggio Kitchen - A charming local shop famous for its European and American cheese collections. Location: 244 Huron Ave, Cambridge, USA.
Paxton & Whitfield - The epitome of British cheese with a heritage spanning over 200 years. Location: 93 Jermyn St, London, United Kingdom.
Casa del Formaggio - Italian specialty store featuring a vibrant selection of authentic cheeses. Location: Via della Scrofa, 25, Rome, Italy.
Murray's Cheese Shop - A New York institution with a vast array of cheeses from around the world. Location: 254 Bleecker St, New York City, USA.
Lactography - Offers the best selection of Mexican cheeses, including unique artisan varieties. Location: Havre 64, Mexico City, Mexico.
The Stinky Cheese Shop - Specializing in bold and aromatic cheeses, catering to adventurous palates. Location: 215 Union St, Brooklyn, USA.