This crunchy and delicious Giada Crudités with Walnut Butter is one of my favorites when I want something quick, easy, and totally delicious. It takes just 9 ingredients and comes together in 40 minutes. I love how the flavors pop—especially with the toasted walnut halves and the earthy taste of the thyme.

To make it extra special, I like to slather the walnut butter on toasted baguette slices. It’s simple, fun, and always makes me feel like I’m treating myself.

Recipe Ingredients

• 1 fennel bulb, cored and cut into 8 thin wedges
• 8 red or breakfast radishes, halved
• 4 thin carrots, peeled and cut in half lengthwise
• 1 heart of romaine, leaves pulled apart
• 1 yellow bell pepper, cored, seeded, and cut into 8 wedges
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes
• 4 celery stalks, cut in half on the diagonal
• 1 baguette, sliced ½ inch thick on the diagonal
• ½ cup toasted walnut halves and pieces (see Cook’s Note)
• 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme leaves
• 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ⅛ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

How To Make Giada Crudités with Walnut Butter

Prepare the Walnut Butter

1. Toast the Walnuts: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Spread the walnut halves and pieces on a baking sheet and toast until fragrant, about 5-7 minutes. Keep an eye on them – you don’t want burnt nuts!
2. Chop and Blend: Let the toasted walnuts cool, then pulse them in a food processor until they’re finely chopped. Add the thyme, salt, and pepper, and blend until combined. Now it’s time for the good stuff – add the room-temperature butter and blend until smooth.

Prepare the Crudités

1. Get Your Veggies Ready: Rinse all the veggies and pat them dry with paper towels. You want them crunch-free and ready for snacking. Arrange them on a platter or individual serving plates – it’s time to get your snack on!

Assemble and Serve

1. Spread the Love: Slather the walnut butter on toasted baguette slices, then add a crunchy crudités selection. Now, grab a snack and enjoy – you’ve earned it!

Recipe Tips

• Walnut Butter Variations: For an added boost of flavor, try substituting the walnut butter with almond butter, hazelnut butter, or sunflower seed butter to create a unique taste experience with Giada crudités.
• Crudités Options: Experiment with various crudités combinations, such as rainbow carrots, zucchini sticks, cucumber slices, and red cherry tomatoes, to create visually appealing and colorful snack platters that are sure to delight.
• Flavor Enhancement: Enhance the flavor of the walnut butter by adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, a pinch of salt, or a sprinkle of paprika, creating a balanced and tangy taste experience that complements the crudités perfectly.
• Storage Tips: To maintain the freshness and creamy texture of the walnut butter, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, allowing it to come to room temperature before serving, which helps prevent separation and ensures a smooth consistency.
• Serving Suggestions: Take the dish to the next level by pairing the Giada crudités with walnut butter alongside other delicious snack options, such as roasted bread, crackers, or pita chips, creating a satisfying and filling spread for your next gathering or party.

Recipe FAQs and Variations

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• Giada Roasted Mushroom And Kale Pizzette