Cherry Stilton Crostata is a Taste Sensation
Cherry Stilton Crostata takes on an innovative twist to a classic Italian recipe by combining juicy cherries with creamy Stilton cheese, all wrapped up in a golden-brown flaky pastry.
You know what I love about summer? It’s definitely not the heat. That’s for sure. It’s all the delicious produce! It’s the fruits and vegetables that make summer worth putting up with the heat and humidity of summer. The sweet peaches and plums, the ripe tomatoes, all the zucchini! That’s what makes summer worthwhile.
This year I was drooling over the cherries. Have you seen them? All red and deliciously sweet? I’ve always been intimidated by them. Fresh cherries that is. There’s all that pitting and then figuring out what to do with them besides making a pie or a smoothie. So, I sort of made a pie in an easy, rustic, and open form. I made a crostata!
What is a crostata?
A crostata is a delightful Italian dessert that consists of a rustic, free-form pie made with a flaky pastry crust. The word “crostata” itself comes from the Italian word “crostata” which means crust. Unlike traditional pies that are baked in a pie dish, crostatas are typically baked on a baking sheet. This allows the crust to become golden and crispy all around. For those that love pie crust, you will love a crostata!
The filling of a crostata can vary from sweet to savory. This makes it a versatile and customizable dish for any occasion. They can be filled with caramelized onions and cheese or stone fruits like cherries, peaches, or nectarines.
What is the difference between a crostata and a galette?
Both crostatas and galettes are delicious desserts that feature a rustic, free-form crust and a flavorful filling. So what’s the difference? Just the name. Galette is French and crostata is Italian. They’re both made with a flaky crust rustically rolled out and filled with sweet or savory fillings. The edge is folded on top of the filling to hold it all in. Then they’re both baked on a baking sheet unlike a pie that is baked in a pie pan, pie plate, or pie tin. Whatever you want to call it.
Crostata is just one type of pie. There are so many. There’s a double crust pie and single crust pie. Lattice topped pie. Hand pie because they’re small and fit in your hand. We have custard pies and cream pies duly named for the filling. And then there’s the tart. It’s like a fancy pie with a scalloped edge and made with a shortbread crust that’s a combo of cookie and pie crust.
What are stone fruits?
Stone fruits are a category of fruit that have a large, hard pit or “stone” at the center, which is surrounded by sweet, juicy flesh. Some common examples of stone fruits include cherries, peaches, plums, and apricots. But there’s also avocados! Dates and coconuts are also stone fruits as well as olives.
For cherries, there’s two kinds. So, what’s the difference between tart cherry and cherry? Tart cherries or sour cherries have a distinct tangy flavor. On the other hand, sweet cherries offer a more mellow and juicy sweetness that can complement the savory notes of ingredients like stilton cheese in this crostata. While both varieties of cherries can be used in a crostata, it’s important to consider the overall flavor balance you want to achieve in your dish.
What is stilton cheese and how is it different from gorgonzola and blue cheese?
Stilton cheese is a classic British blue cheese. It’s known for its crumbly texture and rich, complex flavor. Stilton is a versatile cheese that can stand up to the sweetness of cherries while also enhancing the savory elements of the crostata.
Stilton, Gorgonzola, and blue cheese are all part of the deliciously complex world of blue cheeses. While Stilton hails from England and Gorgonzola from Italy, both bring their own unique flavors and textures. Stilton is tangy taste and perfect to pair with sweet cherries. Gorgonzola offers a creamier consistency and a slightly milder flavor profile.
What ingredients are in cherry stilton crostata?
To make the delectable Cherry Stilton Crostata, you will need a few simple ingredients that come together to create a harmonious blend of sweet and savory flavors. First, you’ll need some sweet cherries. I didn’t not use sour cherries in this recipe. I wanted the sweet and the tangy stilton to complement each other. The next thing is stilton cheese. Make sure to select a quality cheese. It doesn’t have to be the top of the line, but definitely look for a middle of the road cheese as far as cost goes.
I opted for purchased pie crusts. I have yet to master making them at home. So, I buy them for not only convenience, but because they’ll taste better than one I make from scratch. Along with the pie crusts, you will need some fresh thyme (or rosemary if you prefer) and some egg whites.
How do you make this fruit and cheese crostata?
First, you need to wash and pit your cherries. Then make sure to dry them with a towel. I have some stained kitchen towels from squeezing spinach that I use for tasks like this one. If you don’t have a kitchen towel to use, feel free to use paper towels. Coarsely chop your cherries once they’re washed, dried, and pitted. Finally, crumble the stilton and roughly chop the thyme.
I made individual crostatas by trimming the pie crust down to 7 inches, but if you want to make a larger one for all the share, then don’t trim the crust. Place the crust on a silpat lined baking sheet. Brush the egg white onto the crusts. Next, divide the cherries, stilton, and thyme evenly between the crostatas. Finally, fold up the edges of the crust over the filling and bake for 20 to 25 minutes.
What does this cherry stilton crostata taste like?
Oh so delicious! I mean, just look at that delicious crostata! Why would you want anything but sweet, ripe cherry flavors to mingle with the thyme and stilton cheese? The cherries are so sweet and juicy. I couldn’t help but eat a handful (or several) while prepping these beauties.
Then there’s the nutty tanginess of the Stilton and the earthy thyme. Both of these compliments the sweetness of the cherries. The flaky pie crust rounds out the flavors of this crostata with it’s flaky, buttery goodness. This crostata makes a perfect appetizer with some Malbec or other full bodied red wine.

Cherry Stilton Crostata
Cherry Stilton Crostata takes on an innovative twist to a classic Italian recipe by combining juicy cherries with creamy Stilton cheese, all wrapped up in a golden-brown flaky pastry.
Ingredients
- 2 cups whole cherries
- 6 ounces Stilton cheese, crumbled
- 2 - 9” pie crusts
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 large egg white
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350.
- Wash cherries in Veggie Wash per the bottle directions. Pit and coarsely chop the cherries. Set aside.
- Using a knife or a bowl, cut the pie crusts into 7 inch circles and place on a baking sheet lined with a silpat mat. Brush the crusts with the egg white.
- Divide the cherries evenly between the four crostatas. Sprinkle with the thyme and top with the Stilton. Bake at 350 for 25 to 30 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese I melted.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving.
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 1975Total Fat 113gSaturated Fat 41gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 64gCholesterol 78mgSodium 2123mgCarbohydrates 208gFiber 13gSugar 24gProtein 34g
That's insane. I don't think it's really that high in calories.
Scrumptious Stone Fruit Recipes
- Cherry Stilton Crostata from A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventures
- Dates with Mascarpone and Walnuts from Palatable Pastime
- Mango Habanero Chutney from Magical Ingredients
- Peach Tarts in Puff Pastry from Art of Natural Living
- Plum Crisp from Hezzi-D’s Recipe Box
- Stone Fruit Clafoutis from That Recipe
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I love the combo of savory and sweet in this!
Thank you! They’re are a great pairing.
I have never thought of pairing cherries and stilton cheese. This crostata with cherries and stilton sounds ultimate! I am trying this right away.
Thank you! It’s a great combo of flavors.
Cherry stilton in a crostata sounds really good! I bet it’s perfection with wine.
Yes! A nice Merlot would be a great pairing.
Craving this so bad right now! No cherries in our country right now though, so I wonder if I could use plums instead of cherries. Or even better, figs?
Mmmmmm FIGS! That sounds delicious!
This looks too good to eat, but I will anyway!
I hope you enjoy it!
I knew i loved cherries, but i didnt know what a crostata was. Now I know, and now i need to make one. Thanks for you!!
They’re so simple and can be made with almost any fruit or vegetable! I hope you like it.
I love a good galette! 😉
Thank you!
How tastings crostata must be cos it looks fabulous and tasty, thanks for sharing this delicious looking recipe.
Thank you!
Cherries and Blue Cheese together – How brilliant. Love the veggie/fruit wash. I need that in my life!
Thank you! It cleared the stickers off my peppers tonight! It’s a must in the kitchen.
I haven’t tried veggie wash yet but you give me pause to think that I probably should be using it.
Unless you grown your own, I definitely would. Water just doesn’t cut it.
Thank you Christie! I just stumbled upon your blog. I love it! You’re absolutely right about Veggie Wash. I discovered it years ago and it cleans more than just wax! I use it on the green veggies I love like asparagus and brussel sprouts. Dirt, chemicals, pesticides, all down the drain! Yippy!
The cherry dessert looks phenomenal; I’m going to make it for my Aunt Judy, who is the best cook/chef I know. She loves cherries and I’ve never seen a Stilton cheese/cherry dessert combo. Can’t wait!
Hugs!
I’m so happy you enjoy Veggie Wash as much as I do! It truly does make your produce taste AMAZING! Let me know how your aunt likes the crostata.
This seems like it would be so yummy! I really like how pretty and fancy it looks as well. Saving this one for sure!
Thank you! It looks fancy but isn’t fancy to assemble. It took minutes with a pre-made crust.
I love the simplicity of this recipe- and so pretty too. I am sort of grossed out now though and need to get some veggie-wash for my kitchen STAT! Lol!
LOL It is kind of not pleasant to think about; where our produce started and all the hands and machines and dirt it passed through to get to us.
First of all, that looks and sounds beyond delicious. But no – I’ve never heard of Veggie Wash. But I absolutely despise the wax covering on my cucumbers. I’m definitely getting this. Thanks!
I hope you do! It really does take the wax off in seconds.
I am so glad you mentioned Monty Python! I had to laugh when you did because I thought the same thing!
LOL that is hilarious. I’m glad I’m not the only one.
This is just a beautiful treat – well done! I hear you – our food goes through so much processing. I have a farm share this time of year (love buying local!) but I will check out Veggie Wash this winter!
Thank you! I haven’t ventured out into the CSA share. I’m trying to connect with local farmers and producers. It’s fun knowing where your food comes from.
My friend was just telling me that she and her husband harvested 60 pounds of cherries. (That’s a lot!). I will send this recipe over so she can use some of those cherries and can the rest. These crostatas look divine!
Thank you! I can’t imagine. 60 POUNDS? I’d be in heaven. I’d suggest roasted them, too.
I have never heard of a dessert like this but it sounds amazing. I love how rustic and delicious this one looks! Absolutely fabulosu!
Thank you! They’re so easy to put together. I hope you try it!
What a beautiful presentation for such a yummy dish. I just love anything with fresh cherries…so yummy!
Me, too! They’re little globes of yum!
Your recipe sounds amazing. Love the combination of all those fresh flavors!
I hear you about the residues on fruit. We are very careful about washing fruit and veggies and this wash would definitely be useful in the kitchen!
It truly is! The smaller bottle takes up as much space as a bar of soap or a sponge.
I didn’t even know this existed. Thanks!
You’re welcome!
We don’t have a whole foods around where we live, but on our travels I have shopped at whole foods and find the stores wonder.
That they are. We could spend hours in ours just looking at all the produce, cheese, and BREADS!
I love cheese with all sorts of fruits and nuts, so this is speaking to me. However, I’ve never had it with cherries.
You should try cherries! They’re so good and perfectly matched with the Stilton.
Oh now this looks absolutely delicious, I don’t think I’ve ever tried anything quite like it before but I love cherries so I’m happy to give it a try!
Thank you! I hope you do try it. It is delicious.
I’m just beginning to eat fruit and cheese together. I bet this is a good combo with the sharpness of the stilton and the tart cherry. Yum!
YES! They’re like yin and yang. So good together, but so different individually.
Your Cherry Stilton Crostata looks amazing. Haven’t tried the fruit & veggie wash. It sounds like a great product!
It is a great product! That wax on apples and cucumbers just disappears down the sink and not into your food.
It’s so important to wash fresh fruit before consuming and Veggie Wash looks like an awesome product. I’m not much of a fan of stilton cheese but I would totally try this with a Gorgonzola or a goat cheese as they pair well with cherries.
It is truly awesome! You’ll be surprised that your produce will taste better. I was convinced after these cherries. And I almost chose Gorgonzola! 🙂
This looks like a beautiful dish! Almost too beautiful to eat (ALMOST!). Chi reason one of my husbands favorite so I would love to make this for him.
LOL I had the same thought, but devoured them anyway.
This is the first time I am learning about veggie wash how very handy.
I am sad see summer go and with it the lovely me produce we enjoyed
Yes, I’m sad to see the produce go, as well, but that means fall produce is coming soon!
I’ve been eating fresh cherries all summer long and I love them. I can’t wait to try your crostata. It looks amazing. I need to grab some veggie wash next time I’m grocery shopping.
They’re so delicious, aren’t they?? Fresh cherries are amazing. I hope you can find the Veggie Wash. It makes your produce taste amazing.
I am totally drooling over this right now. My husband is going to love this, too! Sounds amazing.
Thank you!
This looks like the perfect dessert to try making this weekend! Plus I need to pick up some Veggie Wash now! 🙂
Thank you! I hope you enjoy it and the Veggie Wash.
I love cherries and have been so happy that they are so plentiful here and cheap! I have eaten 3x my body weight in them since May. This crostada is a great way to use them up before they go bad. And I certainly will be washing mine after reading this!
They are so super sweet and delicious this year aren’t they? I hope you try the Veggie Wash.
These look so good. I love summer cherries, and the addition of Stilton makes these so creative! Great job. I need to try some of that veggie wash too!
The Stilton does complement the cherries for sure! And the Veggie Wash is amazing at cleaning produce.
I just love the recipe such a great combination of yummy flavors! That veggie wash though, you brought up some great points, what a great product and with all of the fresh produce we have here in the valley I definitely need some here – I’ll be shopping for it soon! Great recommendation.
Thank you! It definitely is amazing at cleaning produce and having it taste SO delicious.
These look so good, I love sweet and savory together
I’m learning to love them together, too. I hadn’t before, but now I’m loving it!
I’ll be looking for this veggie wash. I can’t stand that wax film that’s on apples. I often remove the skin, and it has so many nutrients! A cup of tea with this crostata and I’ll be in dessert heaven! Beautiful!
For sure! There’s so much fiber in an apple skin. It would perfect if you could eat it, and now you can!
I really really love all kind of crostatas and tarts! The addition of melted cheese to the fresh cherries makes them so unique!
Thank you! The cheese does make this very interesting.
I don’t like stilton, but these galettes look delicious!
Thank you! It is an acquired taste.
The Crostata looks AMAZING! What a beauty!
I was searching for a veggie cleaners, one can never be too careful when feeding the young ones.
This is true! And water just isn’t safe to wash produce in.
Looks very deliciously appetizing….. Yum! The name itself is drool worthy….. 🙂
Thank you!
This crostata looks so delicious! I love the combination of flavors going on here, YUM!
Thank you! They’re delicious together, aren’t they?
These are stunningly beautiful!! I am grabbing a bottle of that Veggie Wash today!! I can’t get enough of fresh fruit this time of year!
Summer and early fall produce is so good, isn’t it?
This looks so yummy!!!!!
And I’m totes going to get some veggie wash. I hate hate wax on fruits it makes me mad! I’m excited to try this
Thank you! Wax on apples is THE WORST! This makes them so clean and so flavorful! You’d be amazed.
Too funny! I’ve actually always got two bottles of the wash on hand! We eat a lot of fruit!!! And this tart… brilliant! Sweet & savory!
That’s awesome!! Veggie Wash is so handy to keep on the counter and use all the time.
I use and love veggie wash! It takes off all that shiny wax that I really don’t want to feed my family!
SWEET! It definitely makes fruits and veggies healthier and more delicious.
So many good points about why to use Veggie Wash. My hubby would love the cherry crostata!
Definitely! I don’t trust our tap water and, well, water and wax don’t miss.