Mini Gorgonzola Fig Grilled Cheese Bites
Day 2 of my wine and appy series: Mini Gorgonzola Fig Grilled Cheese Bites! This is a twist on one of my favourite Wine & Grilled Cheese pairings from last year - my Gorgonzola Fig Grilled Cheese paired with Chateauneuf-du-Pape was such a hit I HAD to create it again, but this time in mini version!
This recipe makes 12 mini grilled cheeses, which is a great number for a small group. If you’re wanting to make more of these at once for a larger group, I would suggest making them in the oven instead of a skillet. Instructions are included in the recipe notes!
The Pairing
Pair this with Chateaneuf-du-Pape: A gorgeous, high alcohol, bold red wine style from the south of France. This wine style is the blend of all blends. It can include up to 13 different grape varieties and is PACKED with gorgeous rich fruit flavours balanced with savoury herbal/floral notes and an earthy dustiness that is just phenomenal. These grilled cheese bites are packed with flavour and richness from the Gorgonzola, fig, and aged gouda, which makes them a perfect mathc for a rich and flavour packed wine like this one! Another pairing option would be to go in a COMPLETELY different direction with another one of my favourites, Champagne! Check out my recommendations below - the Kirkland Signature CDP and Champagne are both incredible finds and 100% my number one high value picks.
My Recommendations
My number one pick: Kirkland Signature Chateauneuf-du-Pape. I don’t have a direct link for this one, but you can find it at Costco Liquor! For under $20 USD (under $30 CAD) this is an absolute STEAL. It’s near impossible to find this style of wine for less than $50! The quality is there as well, so I highly recommend you pick up a few of these if you can!
Easy to find alternative: Domaine de la Solitude Chateauneuf-du-Pape, or if you’re looking for something less expensive, you can go with the Domaine de la Solitude Cotes-du-Rhone Rouge!
Non-alcoholic alternative: Unfortunately there are no non-alcoholic alternatives to a big, bold, alcohol-riden CDP, BUT that doesn’t mean we’re out of luck! (Yes - i’m with you, I’m pregnant!). I would suggest going in a totally different direction with a sparkling non-alcoholic wine with a bit of sweetness. This will cleanse the palate between bites and the sweetness will work beautifully with the gorgonzola and fig! Try the Colibri Non-Alcoholic Prosecco!
Mini Gorgonzola Fig Grilled Cheese Bites
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut baguette into 24 slices (approximately 1-1.5 inches)
- Lay out 12 slices. Spread each with approx 1 tsp of fig spread, followed by 1-2 tbsp shredded Gouda and 1-2 tbsp of crumbled Gorgonzola.
- Spread another tsp of fig spread onto the remaining 12 baguette slices and place them on top of the others (fig spread side down).
- Spread a thin layer of butter on both sides of each mini sandwich.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add mini sandwiches. (see notes for instructions on making a larger batch of these using the oven instead!).
- Cover for approximately 5 minutes and then check to see if the bread has browned.
- Flip each sandwich (you might need to use a combination of your hands and spatula for this to keep them together), and then cover again for approximately 3 minutes.
- Add more shredded cheese overtop the mini sandwiches to create those cheese crispies. Cover again for 2-3 minutes or until bread is golden brown and cheese is melted.
- Allow to cool for at least 2 minutes and then enjoy with a glass of Chateauneuf-du-Pape rouge! If you're looking for a less pricey alternative, a Cotes du Rhone rouge is always a great choice! See linked wines below for some options.
Notes
For larger batches, you can bake these in the oven instead of grilling on a skillet! Prepare your mini sanwiches in the same way, but place them on a lined baking sheet instead. Bake them at 400 degrees for 5 minutes, flip and bake for another 5 minutes. You may need to adjust the time/temperature depending on your oven and the amount you decide to make!
