Save 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.
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.
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 Cut the puff pastry into 24 squares Place each square into a mini muffin tin Add a cube of brie and ½ tsp cranberry sauce to each Brush pastry edges with egg wash Bake for 13 15 minutes until golden Garnish with thyme
- Step 3:
- For Mini Caprese Skewers Thread one cherry tomato, one basil leaf, and one mozzarella ball onto each skewer Arrange on a platter Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze, and season with salt and pepper
- Step 4:
- For Spiced Moroccan Meatballs In a bowl, mix ground meat, onion, garlic, parsley, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, paprika, salt, and pepper Form into 24 small meatballs Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat Fry meatballs, turning, until browned and cooked through (8 10 minutes) Mix yogurt and harissa (if using) for dipping
- Step 5:
- Arrange all appetizers on festive platters and serve warm or at room temperature
Save A dazzling trio of festive appetizers blending global flavors to brighten any holiday gathering
Notes
For a vegetarian trio, substitute mushrooms or falafel balls for meatballs 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
Contains dairy (brie, mozzarella, yogurt) and gluten (puff pastry) Meatballs contain alliums (onion, garlic) Always check puff pastry and cheese labels for allergens or cross-contamination
Save This festive trio offers a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors sure to impress your guests any holiday season
Kitchen Tips & Answers
- → Can I prepare the appetizers in advance?
Yes, puff pastry bites can be assembled and refrigerated before baking. Meatballs may be cooked earlier and reheated gently. Skewers are best made fresh to maintain texture.
- → Are there vegetarian options included?
The trio includes vegetarian-friendly Caprese skewers and cranberry brie bites. For a full vegetarian selection, substitute meatballs with mushrooms or falafel bites.
- → What is the best way to serve these appetizers?
Arrange the trio on festive platters, serving puff pastry bites warm, skewers fresh, and meatballs warm or room temperature with a yogurt-based dip.
- → How spicy are the Moroccan-style meatballs?
The meatballs have warm spices with optional harissa for a mild heat. Adjust spice levels by adding or omitting harissa in the yogurt dipping sauce.
- → What wine pairs well with this appetizer trio?
Light-bodied reds or sparkling wines complement the diverse flavors, enhancing the richness of cheese and spices without overpowering.
- → Can I use frozen puff pastry for the bites?
Absolutely, just ensure it is fully thawed according to package directions before assembling the bites for best results.