Save to Pinterest 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 Category Appetizer Difficulty Easy Cuisine International Yield 24 bites 12 skewers 24 meatballs serves 8 10 Diet Omnivore vegetarian option for skewers and pastry bites
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 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
- Step 3:
- 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
- Step 4:
- 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
- Step 5:
- Arrange all appetizers on festive platters and serve warm or at room temperature
Save to Pinterest 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
Nutritional Information
Calories 320 Total Fat 18 g Carbohydrates 20 g Protein 16 g
Save to Pinterest This festive trio is sure to delight guests and add a special touch to your holiday table
Recipe FAQs
- → How can I make the puff pastry bites ahead?
Prepare the cranberry brie puff pastry bites and freeze before baking. When ready, bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.
- → What vegetarian options work with this trio?
Substitute spiced meatballs with falafel or mushroom bites; the cranberry brie and caprese skewers remain naturally vegetarian.
- → Can I prepare the caprese skewers in advance?
Yes, assemble skewers a few hours ahead and keep refrigerated. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze just before serving to keep fresh.
- → What spices create the Moroccan meatball flavor?
Cumin, coriander, cinnamon, smoked paprika, and fresh parsley blend to create the warm, aromatic profile of the meatballs.
- → Is there an alternative dip for the meatballs?
Plain yogurt mixed with harissa adds a creamy, spicy contrast, but you can also serve a simple tzatziki or garlic sauce.