Quick Christmas Appetizers Recipe

I just whipped up these puff pastry bites with cream cheese, brie, chunky cranberry sauce, prosciutto, walnuts, spinach, pomegranate seeds, red onion and basil, and honestly its a mess of sweet and salty flavors that totally makes my day every time i dig in.

I think this Quick Christmas Appetizers recipe brings a festive twist with a balance of fats, protein and vitamins. I love combining puff pastry, cream cheese, thin brie and chunky cranberry sauce with prosciutto, walnuts, spinach and pomegranate seeds for a nutritious bite that feels truly indulgent.

Ingredients

• puff pastry sheets: light, carb rich, and flaky, giving the base a delightfull crunch.
• cream cheese: offers creaminess, fatty protein, smooth texture and a subtle tang that balances richness.
• cranberry sauce: its sweet and tart with natural sugars and fibre, adding a festive zing.
• prosciutto: delivers savory protein, bringing a little salty punch and deep flavor to every bite.
• walnuts: packed with healthy fats, fibre, and a satisfying crunch with a nutty hint.
• brie cheese: brings a creamy, soft flavor, mixing well with the other ingredients.
• red onion: adds a slight sharp bite and crunch with loads of flavor.
• olive oil: drizzled lightly to enhance flavors without overpowering the festivity.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 package puff pastry sheets (usually 2 sheets, thawed)
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 4 oz brie cheese, sliced thin
• 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (preferably thick and chunky)
• 12 slices prosciutto or deli ham
• 1/2 cup walnuts, roughly chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh spinach, roughly torn
• 1/4 cup pomegranate seeds
• 1 small red onion, very thinly sliced
• Fresh basil leaves (about a handful)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make this

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep things neat.

2. On a lightly floured surface, unfold the puff pastry sheets and cut them into even squares or rectangles.

3. In each piece, spread a generous layer of cream cheese, then lay a thin slice of brie on top.

4. Drizzle about a teaspoon of thick, chunky cranberry sauce over the cheeses, spreading it out a bit.

5. Place a slice of prosciutto or deli ham over the cranberry for a nice salty kick.

6. Sprinkle the roughly chopped walnuts and torn fresh spinach evenly on each piece.

7. Add a few pomegranate seeds and scatter thin slices of red onion across the top.

8. Tear a few fresh basil leaves and add them to each appetizer, then lightly drizzle with olive oil.

9. Season lightly with salt and pepper, then pop them in the oven for about 12-15 minutes until the pastry is golden and puffy.

Equipment Needed

1. Oven (preheated to 400°F)
2. Baking sheet
3. Parchment paper
4. Clean counter space lightly dusted with flour
5. Sharp knife (for cutting pastry and slicing red onion)
6. Spatula or butter knife (for spreading cream cheese and drizzling sauce)
7. Cutting board
8. Measuring spoons (for adding olive oil and portioning cranberry sauce)

FAQ

• Q: Can these appetizers be made ahead of time?
  A: Yeah, you can prep the puff pastry and toppings earlier. Just keep them in the fridge and assemble right before baking to keep the pastry nice and crisp.
• Q: What if I dont have brie cheese?
  A: No worries! You can swap it out with another soft cheese like goat cheese. Just adjust seasoning since flavors may vary a bit.
• Q: How do I ensure the puff pastry stays crispy?
  A: Make sure the pastry is completely thawed and don’t overload with too many wet ingredients – this helps it crisp up while baking.
• Q: Can I use prosciutto instead of deli ham?
  A: Yes, prosciutto is actually a fab choice here. Its saltiness and texture adds a really nice twist to the appetizers.
• Q: How can I adjust the recipe for less sweet flavors?
  A: If you prefer it less sweet, reduce the cranberry sauce to 1/4 cup or use a tangier version for a better balance with the savory toppings.

Quick Christmas Appetizers Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Instead of puff pastry sheets, you could use phyllo dough which gives a lighter, crispier bite, though it might take a bit more work layering it with butter.
• If you cant find cream cheese, Neufchâtel or even a smooth ricotta can work as a substitute, giving a similar creamy feel.
• You can swap the brie for Camembert if brie is hard to come by. Theyre both soft and creamy so it still works great.
• For prosciutto, try using turkey ham or thin slices of salami if you want something with a bit of a different salty kick.
• If walnuts arent your thing, unsalted pecans are a nice replacement and provide a similar crunch without overpowering the other flavours.

Pro Tips

1. Make sure you keep the puff pastry cold before you work with it. If it warms up you might find it sticky and more likely to tear. Let it sit in the fridge for a few minutes if needed so that its easier to handle.
2. When you spread the cream cheese, be careful not to use too much. A thin even layer will mix better with the other flavors and also prevent the pastry from becoming soggy during baking.
3. Keep an eye on the oven and start checking a couple minutes before the timer goes off. Ovens can vary a lot so you dont want the pastry to burn or not get fully cooked.
4. Try switching up the order of the ingredients sometimes. For instance, putting the prosciutto under the cranberry sauce can help lock in moisture and keep everything tasting balanced. Enjoy experimenting and adjust based on what you like best.