These warm radicchio cheese puddles offer a sophisticated twist on traditional baked vegetables. The bitter, crisp leaves of radicchio are softened in the oven and paired with the mild, salty creaminess of Teleme or Jack cheese. Brushed with a simple mixture of extra-virgin olive oil and fresh lemon juice, the dish balances earthy bitterness with bright acidity. This elegant yet simple appetizer is perfect for holiday gatherings, dinner parties, or as a unique side dish for roasted meats. The cheese melts into the natural “cups” formed by the radicchio leaves, creating a delightful textural contrast. Serve them hot for a comforting bite that highlights the natural flavors of the ingredients.
Warm Radicchio Cheese Puddles
Description
These warm radicchio cheese puddles offer a sophisticated twist on traditional baked vegetables. The bitter, crisp leaves of radicchio are softened in the oven and paired with the mild, salty creaminess of Teleme or Jack cheese. Brushed with a simple mixture of extra-virgin olive oil and fresh lemon juice, the dish balances earthy bitterness with bright acidity. This elegant yet simple appetizer is perfect for holiday gatherings, dinner parties, or as a unique side dish for roasted meats. The cheese melts into the natural "cups" formed by the radicchio leaves, creating a delightful textural contrast. Serve them hot for a comforting bite that highlights the natural flavors of the ingredients.Ingredients
Directions
-
Preheat oven to 350&# 194;°F (175ðC).
-
Rinse and dry 6 large radicchio leaves.
-
In a small bowl, mix 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil and 2 teaspoons lemon juice.
-
Brush the oil and lemon mixture all over the radicchio leaves.
-
Set the leaves, cut side up, in a 9x13-inch baking dish to form cups.
-
Cut 3 oz Teleme or Jack cheese into 1/4-inch thick slices.
-
Place an equal portion of the cheese slices into each radicchio cup.
-
Sprinkle the filled radicchio cups with freshly ground pepper.
-
Bake in the preheated oven just until the cheese melts, about 4-6 minutes.
-
Remove from oven and serve hot or warm.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 6
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 22.7kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 2.5g4%
- Saturated Fat 0.4g2%
- Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
- Sodium 0.0mg0%
- Total Carbohydrate 0.2g1%
- Dietary Fiber 0.0g0%
- Sugars 0.1g
- Protein 0.0g0%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Teleme is a semi-hard Italian cheese; if unavailable, Jack cheese, mild Cheddar, or fontina work well as substitutes.
Ensure radicchio leaves are thoroughly dried before brushing with oil to help the dressing adhere properly.
Keep an eye on the oven near the end of cooking to prevent the cheese from browning too much or the radicchio from burning.
For a complete meal, serve alongside a light green salad or grilled chicken.
