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Cranberry Cream Cheese Appetizer Bites Recipe

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4 from 41 reviews

  • Author: admin
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 24 bites 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

These festive Cranberry Cream Cheese Appetizer Bites are a delightful holiday treat featuring flaky puff pastry filled with a creamy blend of cream cheese and orange zest, topped with whole berry cranberry sauce and a sprinkle of chopped nuts. Perfect as a bite-sized appetizer for Thanksgiving or Christmas gatherings, they offer a wonderful balance of tart and sweet flavors with a golden, crispy pastry shell.

Ingredients

Scale

Pastry and Base

  • 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
  • 1 egg (for egg wash)

Filling

  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 teaspoon orange zest
  • 1 teaspoon honey (optional)
  • ½ cup whole berry cranberry sauce

Toppings and Garnish

  • ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
  • Fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Oven and Muffin Tin: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) and lightly grease a mini muffin tin or line it with paper cups to prevent sticking.
  2. Cut and Shape Pastry: Roll out the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and cut it into 24 even squares. Press each pastry square firmly into the cups of the mini muffin tin, ensuring the dough goes slightly up the sides to hold the filling.
  3. Mix the Cream Cheese Filling: In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with orange zest and honey, mixing until smooth and homogeneous for a subtly sweet and citrusy flavor.
  4. Fill the Pastry Cups: Spoon about 1 teaspoon of the cream cheese mixture into each pastry cup, then add a small spoonful of whole berry cranberry sauce on top. Optionally, sprinkle chopped nuts over the cranberry sauce for added texture and flavor.
  5. Apply Egg Wash: Brush the exposed pastry edges with beaten egg to promote a golden, glossy finish during baking.
  6. Bake: Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for 14 to 16 minutes, or until the puff pastry is puffed, golden brown, and cooked through.
  7. Cool and Garnish: Remove the bites from the oven and let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes to set. Then transfer to a serving platter and garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs, if desired.
  8. Serve: Serve these appetizer bites warm or at room temperature to enjoy their full flavor and flaky texture.

Notes

  • These appetizer bites can be prepared ahead and reheated briefly in the oven before serving.
  • Use either store-bought or homemade whole berry cranberry sauce based on your preference.
  • For a sweeter variation, add a pinch of cinnamon to the cream cheese mixture or substitute mascarpone cheese for cream cheese for a richer taste.
  • Chopped pecans or walnuts add a nice crunch but are optional; leave out for a nut-free version.
  • Ensure puff pastry is well chilled before rolling and cutting for optimal texture.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

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Find it online: https://restaurantrecipesbook.com/cranberry-cream-cheese-appetizer-bites-recipe/