Roasted grapes are the perfect addition to your next cheese course. Roasting the fruit in small clusters in the oven or under a grill produces grapes that are gently caramelised, slightly collapsed and with amplified sweetness.
We use red grapes for roasting; always a seedless variety as the seeds are too bitter for this purpose. The result of roasting is little clusters of ruby red orbs that are slightly scorched and ready to pair beautifully with a soft cheese. Roasted grapes are best served warm or at room temperature.
We have tried several grape varieties for this recipe and discovered a sweet little variety called ‘Candy Snaps’ that are perfect. These red grapes are quite small and grow in tight clusters. They don’t contain seeds and have a crisp skin. The uncooked fruit bursts in your mouth with a flavour that’s quite sweet and reminiscent of strawberries. In this recipe the natural sweetness of the grapes is heightened when roasted in the oven with a drizzle of honey.
Serve your roasted grapes alongside a simple cheese board with drinks or as part of a larger cheese course for dessert. The grapes pair perfecting with a creamy style cheese such as D’Affinois or Le Dauphin or try them served with a fresh goat cheese to counter the acidic edge.
Serving suggestion: top a Byron Bay Crackers salt & seed cracker with a wedge of D’Affinois or Le Dauphin followed by a grape or two or try topping a rye & caraway cracker with a smear of Goat Cheese and top with the roasted grapes.
Roasted Grapes Recipe
Ingredients
- Red grapes
- Honey
- Round of brie or similar soft cheese
- Thyme for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 170 degrees.
- Line a baking tray with baking paper.
- Place your small bunches of grapes on the baking paper and squeeze over some honey.
- Roast in the oven for around 30 minutes or place under a grill until soft and golden. If using the grill method, keep an eye on the grapes so they don't scorch.
- Serve your grapes warm or at room temperature alongside or on top of your round of softened cheese. Garnish with thyme leaves. Don't forget the Byron Bay Crackers!Or maybe smear some of our salt & seed crackers with fresh goat cheese and top with the ruby grapes.
