Spicy Chip & Dip Recipe
with Chef's Canapes cream Fig cheese & dill & brie
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Ingredients
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Canapés & Chips
Chef's Canapés Cream Fig Cheese & Dill
Brie Dip (warm, melty)
Finishing & Optional Spicy Add-ins
Method
Canapés & Chips
- 1
Prepare serving pieces
Arrange 24 water crackers (or crostini) on a serving board and place 3 cups of kettle-style potato chips in a shallow serving bowl. Reserve dill sprigs for garnish. Keep at room temperature.
Chef's Canapés Cream Fig Cheese & Dill
- 2
Soften and mix cream cheese
Place 8 oz room-temperature cream cheese in a medium mixing bowl. Using a rubber spatula or electric hand mixer on low, beat until smooth and creamy (about 1–2 minutes).
- 3
Fold in flavorings
Add 3 tbsp fig jam, 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh dill, 1 tsp lemon zest, 1 tsp lemon juice, 1 tsp honey, 3 pinches sea salt, and 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper. Fold gently until evenly incorporated but still slightly swirled with streaks of fig for visual interest. Taste and adjust salt or lemon to balance sweetness.
- 4
Chill briefly
Transfer the fig-dill cream to a small serving bowl. Cover and chill for 10–15 minutes to let flavors meld, or serve immediately if desired. Garnish with a light sprinkle of chopped dill and a tiny drizzle of honey if serving without the brie dip.
Brie Dip (warm, melty)
- 5
Prepare the brie
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice the top rind off the brie round in a thin layer (optional) to help it melt more smoothly, leaving the sides and bottom intact. Place the brie in a small oven-safe dish.
- 6
Season and add cream
In a small bowl, whisk 1 tbsp heavy cream with 1 tsp minced garlic, 1 tsp olive oil, 1 tsp red pepper flakes, and a pinch of fine sea salt. Pour the mixture over the top of the brie, then dot with a small amount of harissa or chile paste if using (start with 1 tsp for noticeable heat).
- 7
Bake until melty
Bake the brie in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the center is soft and begins to ooze. Watch closely to avoid browning the edges excessively. Remove from oven and let rest for 2 minutes.
- 8
Finish
Scatter 2 tbsp toasted pine nuts over the warm brie and grind a little extra black pepper on top. Serve immediately alongside the crackers and chips so guests can spoon warm brie onto chips or crackers.
Finishing & Assembly
- 9
Assemble canapés
Spoon about 1 heaping teaspoon of the fig-dill cream onto each cracker (or crostini). For an alternate bite, place a small dollop of fig-dill cream onto a cracker and top with a tiny piece of warmed brie.
- 10
Serve with chips
Encourage guests to scoop some warm brie onto potato or tortilla chips, then add a small smear of the fig-dill cream on top for contrast. Garnish the board with fresh dill sprigs for aroma and appearance.
- 11
Optional spicy variation
For more heat, mix additional harissa into the brie cream before baking or offer a small bowl of harissa alongside for guests to add to taste.