Save Joy to the World Festive Appetizer Trio 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 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 Recipe FAQ
- → How do I keep the puff pastry bites crisp?
Ensure the oven is fully preheated to 200°C (400°F) and bake until golden brown. Avoid overcrowding the baking sheets to allow even crisping.
- → Can I prepare the skewers in advance?
Yes, assemble the Caprese skewers a few hours ahead and refrigerate. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic just before serving to maintain freshness.
- → What is an easy vegetarian substitution for meatballs?
Mushroom or falafel balls work well as a flavorful vegetarian alternative that complements the appetizer trio.
- → How should the spiced meatballs be cooked for best results?
Pan-fry the meatballs over medium heat in olive oil, turning frequently until evenly browned and cooked through, about 8–10 minutes.
- → What dipping sauce pairs well with the meatballs?
A mix of plain yogurt with optional harissa paste offers a cool, spicy complement to the warm spices in the meatballs.