Save to Pinterest A dazzling trio of festive appetizers blending global flavors to brighten any holiday gathering. Includes Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Bites, Mini Caprese Skewers, and Spiced Moroccan Meatballs.
This recipe brings a joyful mix to my holiday table every year that everyone loves to share and enjoy together.
Ingredients
- Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Bites: 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed, 120 g (4 oz) brie cheese cut into 24 small cubes, 4 tbsp cranberry sauce, 1 egg beaten (for egg wash), Fresh thyme leaves for garnish
- Mini Caprese Skewers: 12 cherry tomatoes, 12 mini mozzarella balls (bocconcini), 12 fresh basil leaves, 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, 1 tsp balsamic glaze, Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Spiced Moroccan Meatballs: 500 g (1.1 lb) ground beef or lamb, 1 small onion finely chopped, 2 cloves garlic minced, 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, ½ tsp ground cinnamon, ½ tsp smoked paprika, ½ tsp salt, ¼ tsp black pepper, 1 tbsp olive oil (for frying), 100 ml (⅓ cup) plain yogurt (for dipping), 1 tsp harissa paste (optional for mixing into yogurt)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Step 2:
- For Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Bites a. Cut the puff pastry into 24 squares. Place each square into a mini muffin tin. b. Add a cube of brie and ½ tsp cranberry sauce to each. c. Brush pastry edges with egg wash. d. Bake for 13 15 minutes until golden. Garnish with thyme.
- Step 3:
- For Mini Caprese Skewers a. Thread one cherry tomato, one basil leaf, and one mozzarella ball onto each skewer. b. Arrange on a platter. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze, and season with salt and pepper.
- Step 4:
- For Spiced Moroccan Meatballs a. In a bowl, mix ground meat, onion, garlic, parsley, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, paprika, salt, and pepper. b. Form into 24 small meatballs. c. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry meatballs, turning, until browned and cooked through (8 10 minutes). d. Mix yogurt and harissa (if using) for dipping.
- Step 5:
- Arrange all appetizers on festive platters and serve warm or at room temperature.
Save to Pinterest This recipe always brings my family together around the table creating memorable festive moments.
Notes
Use store-bought cranberry sauce or homemade. Garnish with fresh herbs for extra color. Wine pairing Sparkling wine or a light-bodied red.
Required Tools
Mini muffin tin Baking sheets Mixing bowls Skewers or toothpicks Skillet or frying pan Knife and cutting board
Allergen Information
Meatballs contain alliums (onion garlic). Always check puff pastry and cheese labels for allergens or cross-contamination.
Save to Pinterest This festive trio is perfect for holiday celebrations and guaranteed to impress your guests.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What ingredients are used in the puff pastry bites?
They include puff pastry, brie cheese, cranberry sauce, an egg wash, and fresh thyme for garnish.
- → How are the caprese skewers assembled?
Each skewer has a cherry tomato, a mini mozzarella ball, and a fresh basil leaf, drizzled with olive oil and balsamic glaze.
- → What seasonings flavor the Moroccan meatballs?
The meatballs blend cumin, coriander, cinnamon, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, garlic, onion, and fresh parsley.
- → Can the meatballs be made vegetarian?
Yes, substituting mushrooms or falafel balls provides a vegetarian alternative without compromising flavor.
- → What is the suggested serving size?
The trio yields enough for 8-10 servings, with 24 bites, 12 skewers, and 24 meatballs in total.