Pin 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:
- 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
Pin 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
Pin It Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I make the trio vegetarian?
Yes, substitute the Moroccan meatballs with mushrooms or falafel balls to keep the trio vegetarian-friendly.
- → What is the best way to prepare the puff pastry bites?
Cut puff pastry into squares, top each with brie and cranberry sauce, brush with egg wash, and bake until golden and flaky.
- → How should the mini caprese skewers be assembled?
Thread cherry tomato, basil leaf, and mini mozzarella onto skewers, then drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze; season lightly.
- → What spices flavor the Moroccan meatballs?
The meatballs feature a blend of cumin, coriander, cinnamon, smoked paprika, garlic, and fresh parsley for a warm, aromatic taste.
- → Is there a recommended dip for the meatballs?
A simple yogurt dip combined with optional harissa paste complements the spicy meatballs perfectly, balancing heat and creaminess.