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
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
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Save Recipe Help
- → Can I prepare the pastry bites ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the puff pastry bites in advance and refrigerate them until ready to bake. This helps save time on the day of serving.
- → What cheese works best for the caprese skewers?
Mini mozzarella balls, or bocconcini, provide a smooth and mild complement to the tomatoes and basil on the skewers.
- → How spicy are the Moroccan meatballs?
The meatballs have warm spices like cinnamon, cumin, and paprika, with an optional harissa-infused yogurt dip to add customizable heat.
- → Is there a vegetarian alternative for the meatballs?
Yes, mushrooms or falafel balls can be used as a flavorful vegetarian substitute within the trio.
- → What is the best way to serve these appetizers?
Arrange all three bites on festive platters and serve warm or at room temperature for easy entertaining and pleasing presentation.