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.
This recipe offers a versatile and flavorful selection perfect for holiday entertaining, combining easy prep with show-stopping tastes.
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:
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F) Line two baking sheets with parchment paper
- 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
- 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
- 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
Save These appetizers always bring everyone together with smiles and festive cheer at our holiday gatherings.
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
Nutritional Information
Calories: 320 Total Fat: 18 g Carbohydrates: 20 g Protein: 16 g per serving approx 3 of each appetizer
Save Enjoy this festive trio as a perfect start to your holiday celebrations and watch your guests delight in every bite
Recipe Questions
- → Can I prepare the appetizers ahead of time?
Yes, puff pastry bites and meatballs can be prepped and refrigerated; bake puff pastry bites just before serving for best texture.
- → What is a good vegetarian alternative for the meatballs?
Substituting meatballs with falafel balls or sautéed mushrooms provides a tasty vegetarian option.
- → How should I store leftovers?
Store leftover appetizers separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator and consume within 2 days.
- → What wine pairs well with this assortment?
Try sparkling wine or a light-bodied red to complement the diverse flavors of the trio.
- → Can I use store-bought cranberry sauce for the pastry bites?
Absolutely, store-bought cranberry sauce works well and saves preparation time.
- → How spicy are the Moroccan meatballs?
Their warmth comes from aromatic spices; adjust Harissa in the yogurt dip to control the heat level.