Save 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
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:
- 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
- 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
- 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
- Arrange all appetizers on festive platters and serve warm or at room temperature:
Save It 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
Save It Recipe FAQs
- → Can the trio be prepared ahead of time?
The cranberry brie bites can be assembled and refrigerated before baking. Caprese skewers are best made shortly before serving. Meatballs can be cooked in advance and reheated gently.
- → What vegetarian options are suggested?
For a vegetarian twist, substitute the meatballs with falafel or mushroom-based bites to maintain the trio's balance of flavors.
- → How should the meatballs be cooked to retain moisture?
Fry the meatballs on medium heat, turning them regularly for even browning and cooking through without drying out.
- → What garnishes enhance the appetizer presentation?
Fresh thyme on the puff pastry bites and basil on the skewers add color and aroma, while a drizzle of balsamic glaze lends a refined finish.
- → Which beverages pair well with these appetizers?
Sparkling wine or a light-bodied red wine complements the rich, fresh, and spiced elements of the trio beautifully.