Endives with Goat Cheese, Mandarin Oranges, and Almonds Recipe

Introduction

This refreshing appetizer combines the crispness of Belgian endives with creamy goat cheese, sweet mandarin oranges, and crunchy almonds. It’s a light, flavorful starter that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress your guests.

Ingredients

• 2 Belgian endives
• 1 can mandarin oranges (reserve liquid)
• 5.3 oz Chavrie goat cheese (or other silky, spreadable goat cheese)
• 1 small package sliced almonds
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh chives
• Sea salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Rinse the Belgian endives and trim off the ends. Peel away the outer layers to reveal the inner leaves, trimming the ends again if needed. Separate the leaves carefully for serving.
2. Step 2: Spread a generous layer of goat cheese on each endive leaf, using a silky, spreadable variety like Chavrie for the best texture.
3. Step 3: Drain the mandarin oranges, reserving the juice. Tear the orange wedges into 2-3 smaller pieces and place a few pieces on each leaf over the goat cheese.
4. Step 4: Drizzle a little reserved mandarin orange juice onto each prepared leaf to add brightness.
5. Step 5: Top each leaf with a few sliced almonds and a sprinkle of chopped fresh chives.
6. Step 6: Finish with a light sprinkling of sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Serve immediately as a fresh, vibrant appetizer.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crunch, toast the sliced almonds lightly before adding them to the leaves.
• If fresh chives aren’t available, chive flakes or finely chopped green onions make a good substitute.
• Add a drizzle of honey or balsamic glaze for a touch of sweetness and complexity.

Storage

These endives are best served fresh and don’t store well assembled. You can prepare the endive leaves, goat cheese, and orange slices separately and assemble just before serving. Leftover components should be refrigerated and used within 1-2 days.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of oranges?

Yes, small segments of any sweet citrus such as clementines or tangerines work well as a substitute for mandarin oranges.

What if I can’t find Belgian endives?

Try using sturdy bibb or romaine lettuce leaves as a mild substitute, though the bitterness of Belgian endives adds a unique flavor balance to this dish.

Endives with Goat Cheese, Mandarin Oranges, and Almonds Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 113 reviews

• Author: Isabella
• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 8–10 appetizer servings 1x
• Diet: Low Fat

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Description

A light and refreshing appetizer featuring crisp Belgian endive leaves topped with creamy goat cheese, sweet mandarin oranges, crunchy sliced almonds, and fresh chives. This elegant dish combines bright citrus flavors with rich, silky goat cheese and a hint of sea salt and pepper, perfect as a healthy starter or party snack.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Produce

• 2 Belgian endives
• 2 Tbsp chopped fresh chives

Canned Goods

• 1 can mandarin oranges (reserve liquid)

Dairy

• 1 (5.3 oz) package Chavrie goat’s cheese

Pantry

• 1 small package sliced almonds
• Sea salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare the endives: Rinse the Belgian endives thoroughly and cut off the ends. Peel away the outer layers and trim the base of each leaf to separate the inner leaves nicely for use as individual boats.
2. Spread the goat cheese: Using a butter knife or spoon, spread a generous amount of the silky, spreadable Chavrie goat cheese onto each endive leaf, ensuring an even layer for flavor and texture.
3. Prepare the mandarin oranges: Strain the mandarin oranges from the can, reserving the juice. Tear each orange wedge into 2-3 smaller pieces to create manageable bites.
4. Assemble the appetizers: Place a few pieces of mandarin orange on top of the goat cheese spread on each endive leaf. Drizzle a small amount of the reserved mandarin orange juice over the fruit and cheese to enhance the citrus flavor.
5. Add almonds and chives: Sprinkle a few sliced almonds atop each leaf for a satisfying crunch and garnish with a pinch of chopped fresh chives for a burst of color and mild onion flavor.
6. Season and serve: Lightly season each leaf with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Arrange the assembled endive boats on a serving platter and serve immediately as a fresh and healthy starter or party appetizer.

Notes

• For best spreading texture, use a soft, silky goat cheese like Chavrie.
• Belgian endives can be found near the lettuce section in most grocery stores.
• You can substitute toasted slivered almonds if sliced almonds are unavailable.
• This appetizer is best served fresh to maintain the crispness of the endive leaves.
• Feel free to adjust salt and pepper according to your taste preference.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: endives, goat cheese, mandarin oranges, almonds, appetizer, fresh, low fat, healthy snack, party appetizer