These elegant crispy cheese rounds are pan-seared to golden perfection and topped with a delicate strawberry cream and a dollop of savory tomato jam. Offering a delightful contrast between sweet, tangy, and salty, this dish is a sophisticated appetizer or brunch bite with bold, unexpected flavor pairings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- A unique blend of sweet and savory flavors that complement each other beautifully
- Uses simple ingredients to create a gourmet-style appetizer
- Visually appealing with vibrant layers and colors
- Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for entertaining or special occasions
- Versatile enough to serve as an appetizer, brunch item, or even a modern dessert
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Halloumi, mozzarella, or other semi-firm cheese, sliced into thick rounds
- Olive oil or butter (for pan-searing)
- Fresh strawberries, chopped
- Cream cheese or mascarpone
- Tomato jam (store-bought or homemade)
- Honey or maple syrup (optional, for sweetening the cream)
- Salt and black pepper
- Fresh basil or mint, finely chopped (for garnish)
Directions
- Slice the cheese into rounds approximately 1–1.5 cm thick. Pat dry with a paper towel.
- Heat olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add cheese rounds and sear for 2–3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy on the outside. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- In a small bowl, mash strawberries and mix with cream cheese or mascarpone until smooth. Add a small amount of honey or maple syrup if desired, and season with a pinch of salt. Chill until ready to use.
- If using store-bought tomato jam, ensure it is at room temperature. If making homemade, prepare in advance by simmering diced tomatoes, sugar, vinegar, and spices until thickened.
- To assemble, place a small spoonful of strawberry cream on each cheese round, followed by a dollop of tomato jam.
- Garnish with chopped basil or mint. Serve immediately.
Servings and timing
Serves: 4 (as an appetizer)
Total time: 25–30 minutes (10 minutes prep, 15–20 minutes cooking)
Variations
- Use ricotta mixed with strawberry purée instead of cream cheese for a lighter topping
- Substitute the tomato jam with a fig, onion, or pepper jam for different flavor dimensions
- Add a drizzle of balsamic reduction for extra acidity
- Use goat cheese rounds coated in breadcrumbs and baked instead of pan-seared cheese
- Add microgreens or arugula on the side for a salad-style plating
Storage/reheating
- Cheese rounds are best eaten fresh for optimal texture
- You can make the strawberry cream and tomato jam ahead and refrigerate for up to 3 days
- Reheat cheese rounds briefly in a skillet over medium heat until warmed and crisp again
- Assembled rounds do not store well—assemble just before serving
FAQs
What kind of cheese works best for this recipe?
Halloumi or mozzarella are great choices due to their ability to hold shape and develop a crispy exterior when seared.
Is this dish sweet or savory?
It is a sweet-savory blend. The strawberry cream provides light sweetness, the tomato jam brings tang and depth, and the cheese adds saltiness.
Can I serve this cold?
You can serve the toppings chilled, but the cheese rounds are best warm for ideal texture and flavor contrast.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, as long as you use vegetarian cheese (check for rennet-free versions).
What if I don’t have tomato jam?
You can make a quick jam by simmering chopped tomatoes with sugar, vinegar, and a pinch of salt until thickened.
Can I bake the cheese instead of pan-frying?
Yes, bake at 200°C (400°F) for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and slightly crisp.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prep the components in advance, but assemble just before serving to maintain texture.
What does this pair well with?
This dish pairs beautifully with sparkling wine, rosé, or a crisp white wine.
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, thaw and drain them first, then mash with the cream cheese.
How do I keep the cheese rounds from sticking?
Use a nonstick pan and ensure the oil is hot before adding the cheese. Do not flip too early.
Conclusion
Crispy Cheese Rounds with Strawberry Cream and Tomato Jam are a deliciously inventive take on small plates, combining sweet fruit, tangy preserves, and savory cheese into one irresistible bite. With their striking presentation and harmonious flavors, they make an ideal choice for sophisticated gatherings, brunch spreads, or simply when you want to enjoy something elegant and different.
PrintCrispy Cheese Rounds with Strawberry Cream and Tomato Jam
Delightfully crispy cheese rounds topped with a sweet strawberry cream and a savory tomato jam. A sophisticated appetizer or brunch bite that balances rich, fruity, and tangy flavors in a single mouthful.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 cheese rounds 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Fusion
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar or parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp strawberry preserves or jam
- 1/2 tsp lemon zest
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- For the Tomato Jam:
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Spoon about 1 tablespoon of shredded cheese into small mounds on the sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart. Flatten slightly with the back of the spoon.
- Bake for 5–7 minutes, or until golden and bubbly. Let cool completely on the sheet to crisp up.
- While cheese rounds cool, prepare the strawberry cream by mixing cream cheese, strawberry preserves, lemon zest, and vanilla until smooth. Set aside.
- To make the tomato jam, heat olive oil in a small pan over medium heat. Add cherry tomatoes, brown sugar, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.
- Cook, stirring occasionally, for 10–12 minutes, until tomatoes break down and mixture thickens. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- To assemble, place a dollop of strawberry cream on each cheese round, followed by a small spoonful of tomato jam.
- Serve immediately as an appetizer or elegant snack.
Notes
- Cheese rounds can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container.
- Use flavored cream cheese (e.g., honey or berry) for variation.
- Tomato jam also pairs well with crackers or toast.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 topped cheese round
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 170mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 15mg