Save 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.
I first made these cranberry and brie flower bites for a holiday gathering and everyone was delighted by the combination of flavors and beautiful presentation.
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 This recipe always brings my family together during the holidays as we enjoy making and sharing these elegant bites.
Notes
Add cooked shredded chicken for extra protein or pair with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or light sparkling wine for the perfect complement.
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.
Save Enjoy this elegant, flavorful dish that's sure to impress your guests and delight your family.
Kitchen Guide
- → What type of pastry is used for the flower bites?
Light and flaky puff pastry is rolled out and cut into flower shapes to create a tender, golden base.
- → Can I substitute the cranberry sauce?
Yes, fig jam or apricot preserves can be used as alternatives for a varied sweet-tart taste.
- → How is the filling prepared inside the pastry?
Small cubes of creamy brie are placed in the center of each pastry flower with a spoonful of cranberry sauce before baking.
- → What greens complement this dish?
A mix of arugula, baby spinach, and frisée provides a fresh, slightly peppery base that balances the rich bites.
- → Is there a suggested dressing for the salad?
A simple dressing of extra-virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, and honey adds brightness and ties the flavors together.
- → Can this be adapted for dietary restrictions?
Gluten-free puff pastry can be used, and for added protein, cooked shredded chicken can be incorporated.