Trader Joe’s Unexpected Cheddar Crostini

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By now, you know how I feel about Trader Joe’s Unexpected Cheddar! And if you don’t, well, you’re about to learn just how much I love it and just how delicious it is. In my opinion it’s one of the absolute best cheeses at Trader Joe’s, which is why I use it on my $35 Trader Joe’s Board and my $65 Trader Joe’s Board. Why is it “unexpected”? At first bite, Unexpected Cheddar has an aged cheddar taste, but that gives way to tangy, creamy goodness with hints of salt crystallization (like that of Parmesan). This spreadable version is just as delicious! Use it on crostini, like I do in this recipe, or serve it on a board as a soft cheese option!

Find more toasty recipes in the crostini section of this blog! Here are some of my faves: Olive and Brie Crostini, Burrata and Balsamic Roasted Strawberry Crostini, Smashed Blackberry and Brie Crostini, Roasted Grape Crostini, and Burrata and Prosciutto Crostini.

How To Make Unexpected Cheddar and Apple Crostini

Ingredients

• 1 large baguette, cut into even slices

• Extra-virgin olive oil

• Kosher salt

• Unexpected Cheddar Spread

• Apple slices

• Honey

• Fresh thyme

Directions

• Set the oven to broil.

• Lay out the baguette slices on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil and season with salt on both sides. Broil until golden brown, 1 to 2 minutes per side.

• Spread each slice with as much Unexpected Cheddar Spread as you like, then top with apple slices. Drizzle with honey and garnish with thyme leaves.

Other Crostini Topping Ideas

Thyme not your thing? Feel free to omit, it’s really just a way to elevate this easy grocery store appetizer. Truth be told, almost everything tastes good with Unexpected Cheddar! Try:

• Smashed berries 

• Olive tapenade 

• Edible flowers

• Fig jam or fruit preserves

Unexpected Cheddar Crostini How-To Video

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Trader Joe’s Unexpected Cheddar Block, Shredded & Spread

If you’re new to this amazing cheese, here’s the 411…

• The original Unexpected Cheddar Cheese block (7oz) was was love at first bite for me. I use it on my cheese boards all the time, including my go-to board! 

• Shredded Unexpected Cheddar was the first off-shoot and came out a couple years ago. Even thought it’s more convenient, I don’t love that they have to add an ingredient (powdered cellulose) to keep it from sticking together (most shredded cheeses have this!)—I personally prefer grating the original myself. It’s delicious in pastas, quesadilla, and honestly most things that taste good with cheese.

• The Unexpected Cheddar Cheese Spread of this very same recipe definitely adds some ingredients, but, unlike the shreds, I can’t recreate this one at home, so, in my humble opinion, it’s the perfect addition to the Unexpected Cheddar collection. I can’t wait to see if they come up with more!

Show Me Your Crostini

I hope this post inspires you to make this recipe. Nothing makes me happier than seeing the beautiful snacks and spreads you create from my tips. If you make something inspired by this post, please tag me at @ainttooproudtomeg so I can see and share! 

And, If you liked this recipe, please rate and review.