Pin it 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.
Preparation Time: 25 minutes Cooking Time: 25 minutes Total Time: 50 minutes
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
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F):
- Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Serve:
- Arrange all appetizers on festive platters and serve warm or at room temperature.
Pin it Preparation Time: 25 minutes Cooking Time: 25 minutes Total Time: 50 minutes
Notes
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.
Pin it This festive trio is perfect for holiday entertaining and sure to impress your guests.
Recipe FAQs
- → How should I store the appetizers before serving?
Keep puff pastry bites warm in a low oven and refrigerate skewers and meatballs separately. Serve meatballs at room temperature or gently reheat.
- → Can the meatballs be made vegetarian?
Yes, substitute the meatballs with mushrooms or falafel balls for a vegetarian-friendly option.
- → What is the best way to ensure the puff pastry cooks evenly?
Use a preheated oven and line baking sheets with parchment paper to promote even browning and prevent sticking.
- → How do I make the caprese skewers visually appealing?
Alternate colors by threading cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and mozzarella balls neatly and drizzle with balsamic glaze for shine.
- → What dip complements the Moroccan spiced meatballs?
A mix of plain yogurt and optional harissa offers a cool and mildly spicy contrast to the meatballs' spices.