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.
This appetizer trio has become a holiday favorite in my family for its variety and ease of preparation.
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:
- 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 to Pinterest This appetizer has brought joy to many of our family holiday gatherings sharing smiles and compliments.
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 to Pinterest This festive appetizer trio is sure to delight your guests with minimal fuss and maximum flavor.
Common Recipe Questions
- → How do I prevent puff pastry from getting soggy?
Make sure to preheat the oven fully and use minimal cranberry sauce on each pastry piece. Baking on a lined sheet helps retain crispness.
- → Can I prepare the appetizers ahead of time?
The puff pastry bites and meatballs can be made in advance and gently reheated. Skewers are best assembled just before serving to keep them fresh.
- → What vegetarian substitutions work for the meatballs?
Swap meatballs for baked mushrooms or falafel balls to maintain festive flavors while keeping the dish vegetarian-friendly.
- → How should I serve the yogurt dip with the meatballs?
Mix plain yogurt with harissa paste for a creamy, spicy dip that complements the warm, spiced meatballs perfectly.
- → What wine pairs well with this trio?
Bright sparkling wine or a light-bodied red wine enhances the blend of fresh, savory, and spiced elements on the platter.