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
I enjoy serving this appetizer trio at holiday gatherings where everyone can try a variety of flavors and enjoy a festive start to the meal
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 (crisp 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 (mini 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 (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 This recipe always brings joy to my family gatherings making everyone feel festive and happy
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 A perfect festive appetizer trio to kickoff your holiday celebrations with variety and flavor
Common Questions
- → How long does preparation take?
Preparation takes about 25 minutes, with an additional 25 minutes for cooking, totaling 50 minutes.
- → Can I make a vegetarian version?
Yes, substitute meatballs with mushrooms or falafel balls while keeping the cranberry brie bites and caprese skewers as is.
- → What ingredients provide the global flavors?
The blend includes cranberry with brie, fresh basil and balsamic glaze, and spiced Moroccan meatballs featuring cumin, coriander, and smoked paprika.
- → Are there any special tools required?
You will need a mini muffin tin, baking sheets, skewers, and a skillet for frying the meatballs.
- → What are good drink pairings?
These appetizers pair well with sparkling wine or a light-bodied red, enhancing the festive experience.