Save to Pinterest A vibrant, festive salad featuring golden puff pastry flowers filled with creamy brie and tangy cranberries, served atop fresh greens for an elegant appetizer or light meal.
This recipe was a hit at our holiday gathering and brought a delightful touch of elegance to the table.
Ingredients
- For the Cranberry and Brie Flower Bites: 1 sheet puff pastry thawed, 120 g (4 oz) brie cheese rind removed cut into 18 small cubes, 6 tbsp cranberry sauce (whole berry preferred), 1 egg beaten (for egg wash)
- For the Salad: 120 g (4 cups) mixed salad greens (e.g., arugula baby spinach frisée), 1 small pear thinly sliced, 30 g (1/4 cup) toasted pecans or walnuts roughly chopped, 40 g (1/3 cup) pomegranate seeds
- For the Dressing: 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1 tsp honey, Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F) Line a baking sheet with parchment paper
- Step 2:
- On a lightly floured surface roll out the puff pastry to smooth it Using a flower-shaped cookie cutter (about 6 cm/2.5 in) cut out 18 flower shapes
- Step 3:
- Place the pastry flowers on the prepared baking sheet Gently press the center of each flower to make a slight indentation
- Step 4:
- Place one cube of brie and 1 tsp cranberry sauce in the center of each pastry flower
- Step 5:
- Brush the edges of the pastry with the beaten egg
- Step 6:
- Bake for 12 15 minutes or until golden and puffed Allow to cool slightly
- Step 7:
- In a small bowl whisk together olive oil balsamic vinegar Dijon mustard honey salt and pepper to make the dressing
- Step 8:
- In a large bowl toss the salad greens with the dressing Arrange on a platter or individual plates
- Step 9:
- Top with pear slices toasted nuts and pomegranate seeds
- Step 10:
- Arrange 3 cranberry and brie flower bites per serving atop the salad Serve immediately
Save to Pinterest My family especially enjoys this dish as a holiday starter creating joyful memories around the table
Required Tools
Baking sheet Parchment paper Flower-shaped cookie cutter Pastry brush Mixing bowls Whisk
Allergen Information
Contains Gluten (puff pastry) Dairy (brie) Egg Tree nuts (pecans/walnuts) Mustard Always check ingredient labels for potential allergens
Nutritional Information
Calories 295 Total Fat 18 g Carbohydrates 26 g Protein 7 g per serving
Save to Pinterest This Cranberry and Brie Flower Bites Salad makes a perfect festive appetizer or light meal to share with loved ones
Questions & Answers
- → How do I keep the puff pastry crisp?
Bake the puff pastry until golden and allow it to cool on a rack to maintain crispness. Avoid covering with moist ingredients until just before serving.
- → Can I substitute the cranberry sauce?
Yes, fig jam or apricot preserves work well as alternatives to cranberry sauce, offering different flavor profiles.
- → What types of nuts complement this dish?
Toasted pecans or walnuts add a nice crunch and earthy flavor that pairs well with the creamy and sweet ingredients.
- → Is it possible to make a gluten-free version?
Use gluten-free puff pastry to accommodate gluten-free dietary needs without compromising texture or taste.
- → What dressing ingredients balance the flavors?
A blend of extra-virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper creates a sweet and tangy dressing that enhances the fresh and savory elements.
- → Can this be served as a light meal?
Yes, the combination of fresh greens, fruit, nuts, and pastry bites makes for a satisfying yet light meal option.