What first comes to mind when you think of a holiday pie? For most, perhaps pumpkin, pecan or even all-American apple pie, but probably not a Gorgonzola & Dried Fruit Pie. However, once you spread a bit of this appetizer pie on a slice of pear, apple or savory wafer, you’ll never think of anything else!  

This deceptively easy, 4-ingredient appetizer will be the center of attention at any party, whether you’re hosting or need to take something along. As far as edible things go, it’ will become your “raisin” d’etre (haha, get the dried fruit pun?) Read on to get the recipe!

I was like “why yes, yes I can,” when Simply Artisan Reserve asked if I could come up with a creative way to use one of their award-winning center cut cheese to help promote a holiday sweepstakes (you could win $500 HERE, enter by 12/5/2107). While placing a center cut hunk of gorgonzola or blue cheese on a cheese tray, anti pasta platter or alongside a charcuterie board makes a super-easy and bold appetizer, my recipe for Gorgonzola & Dried Fruit Pie is even one step better. 

Don’t worry, it’s not hard! In less than 30 minutes and fewer than a handful of ingredients, you’ll have a hot hors d’oeuvre that will have your guests raving and craving more. Line a small (approx. 6”) pie dish with convenience refrigerated pie crust and trim off the excess. If desired, use these remnants to cut out small shapes or make a braid to decorate the crust’s edge before par baking to a light golden brown.

Then, that the crust and stack up two center cut pieces of cheese in the center, fill in the gaps with your favorite dried fruit chopped up – I used cranberries, golden raisins and Medjool dates. By the way, in a wheel of aged cheese, did you know that the center holds the richest and most developed flavor? Yaaaaaas.  A drizzle of honey adds a bit of extra sweet to go with this bold variety of bold cheese. Return to the oven for about 5 more minutes until cheese is soft and spreadable and crust has turned an inviting shade of yummy.

Serve with crackers, croutons or fruit slices and also enjoy with bits of the buttery crust.  And, please, also enjoy my attempt at a food pun below, consider it my gift to you 😉

Do you have a signature holiday appetizer? Please share in the comments – XOXO, Jennifer 

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Gorgonzola & Dried Fruit "Pie"

Prep Time

5 mins

Cook Time

12 mins

Total Time

17 mins

 

A holiday party without cheese is just a meeting in fancy clothes. Our easy 4-ingredient Gorgonzola & Dried Fruit Pie guarantees your gathering is THE place to be.

Course: Appetizer, Fruit

Cuisine: American

Servings: 12 servings

Ingredients

• 1 refrigerated pie crust, thawed (package usually contains two, save other for use later)
• 2 5-ounce containers Gorgonzola Center Cut from Simply Artisan Reserve
• 1 cup ssorted dried fruits (dates, raisins, cranberries, apricots, etc.), coarsely chopped
• 1/2 cup honey, divided
• Optional: 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves

Instructions

1. Pre-heat oven to 425 F degrees.
2. Gently unroll thawed pie crust and press down into pan, with dough overhanging the rim. Use knife to trim dough around edges and use this excess to create decorative shapes for the crust edge. With the tines of a fork, lightly pierce the bottom of pie crust to keep it from puffing up while baking.
3. Place crust in oven and par bake for 8 minutes or until just starting to turn very lightly golden. Remove from oven, but leave heat on.
4. Add one piece of center cut Gorgonzola in middle of pie crust, drizzle with 1 tablespoon of the honey. Top with remaining piece of Gorgonzola.
5. Pack the gap surrounding pie edge and cheese with chopped dried fruit. Return to oven to bake for 5 more minutes, or until crust golden brown and cheese softening.
6. Remove from oven, drizzle fruit area and top of cheese with remaining honey. Top with thyme, if desired.
7. Serve with crackers, bread or apple slices.

Recipe Notes