BASKETS with GORGONZOLA MOUSSE and walnuts, easy and quick appetizer or finger food idea ideal for Christmas holidays, recipe with sandwich bread in 10 minutes.
Do you ever want to impress everyone with a ‘wow’ appetizer but only have leftovers in the fridge? It happens to me, practically always. The other day I was about to improvise the usual charcuterie board, then I saw the sandwich bread, gorgonzola, a few walnuts and I had a lightbulb moment: ‘Gourmet baskets in 10 minutes!’.
And so my baskets with gorgonzola mousse and walnuts, little Christmas finger foods with a refined taste yet incredibly easy to make, were born. You can serve them as a Christmas appetizer, for a quick aperitif with friends, or as an elegant idea for a gourmet buffet.
The contrast between the crispy toasted sandwich bread and the creamy gorgonzola mousse is something spectacular. The final touch of toasted walnuts and a drizzle of honey creates that sweet-salty balance that instantly says ‘chef’s dish’, even if you made it in your kitchen in slippers 😅
Moral: few ingredients, zero stress, applause-worthy result.
I call them ‘culinary lifebuoy’: because with simple ingredients like sandwich bread, gorgonzola, fresh cream, and walnuts, you pull off an applause-worthy gourmet appetizer.
- Difficulty: Very easy
- Cost: Medium
- Preparation time: 15 Minutes
- Portions: 15Pieces
- Cooking methods: Oven, Air frying
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: Christmas
Ingredients
- 5 slices sandwich bread
- 5.3 oz mascarpone
- 5.3 oz gorgonzola
- walnuts
- pepper
Steps
Flatten the bread slices with a rolling pin until thin and cut out with a 2.75 inch mold
Form cones by rolling from a corner, pressing the bread with your fingers to prevent them from opening.
Cook in an air fryer at 374°F for about 5 minutes or in an oven at 356°F for about 10 minutes, until they are slightly golden.
In a bowl, mix gorgonzola and mascarpone with a fork or hand whisk until smooth.
If you want a softer texture, add 1 tablespoon of heavy cream.
Adjust with black pepper (salt is usually not needed).
If you like, add a teaspoon of chopped walnuts for a crunchy note.
Transfer the mousse into a piping bag with a plain tip or without one.
Fill each basket, garnish with pink peppercorns, and if you want a gourmet touch, a few drops of honey or a fresh thyme leaf.
Bon appétit
If you like the recipe, click on the stars at the bottom of the article. THANK YOU!
You call them ‘improvised aperitif’ but I swear, they look like they came out of a chic bistro. Perfect for Christmas parties, for an elegant buffet, or to treat yourself to a moment of pure satisfaction just for you.
BASKETS with GORGONZOLA MOUSSE
Advice
If you want to prepare them in advance, store the empty baskets in an airtight container and the mousse in the fridge; fill them just before serving.
You can substitute mild gorgonzola with spicy gorgonzola if you prefer a stronger flavor.
The sandwich bread should be rolled out with a rolling pin and cut.
The mild gorgonzola melts better and makes the mousse more delicate, but if you love strong flavors you can use the spicy one.
Add chestnut or acacia honey on top for an amazing sweet-salty contrast.
The walnuts should be lightly toasted: trust me, it changes everything.
If you want a ‘classy aperitif’ effect, decorate with a fresh thyme or rosemary leaf: simple but scenic.
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FAQ BASKETS with GORGONZOLA MOUSSE
Everything you need to know about baskets with gorgonzola mousse
Can I prepare the baskets with gorgonzola mousse in advance?
Yes, you can bake the sandwich bread baskets the day before. Store them in a tightly closed bag and fill them just before serving.
How can I serve them for a ‘wow’ effect?
On a black tray or on individual small plates with a drizzle of honey and a walnut half on top. Restaurant effect guaranteed.
Can I substitute the gorgonzola?
Of course! Try taleggio, robiola, or even goat cheese for a lighter yet still creamy version.
Can they be made without cream?
Yes, you can use cream cheese or mascarpone: the mousse will be denser but equally delicious.
And if I don’t have walnuts?
Use toasted almonds or hazelnuts: the flavor will change, but it will still be delicious.
In the end, these baskets with gorgonzola mousse and walnuts are the classic example of how a simple recipe can become gourmet with a touch of creativity. They are ready in 10 minutes, make a scene, are eaten in one bite, and leave everyone smiling.
Perfect for Christmas, New Year’s, aperitifs, or dinners with friends, but also just to pamper yourself with something good and different from the usual. Trust me: once you try them, you’ll never leave them.
