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.
This recipe has quickly become a favorite at my holiday gatherings because it looks impressive but is surprisingly simple to assemble.
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, frisé) 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 My family loves how these bites combine savory, sweet, and tangy flavors—all in a single colorful flower-shaped morsel.
Substitutions
Substitute cranberry sauce with fig jam or apricot preserves for a different flavor experience. You can also add cooked, shredded chicken for extra protein.
Serving Suggestions
Pair these flower bites with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light sparkling wine to complement the rich brie and tart cranberries.
Dietary Information
This recipe is vegetarian and can be adapted to gluten-free by using gluten-free puff pastry.
Save This elegant yet easy recipe will impress guests and delight family alike with minimal effort.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I use different fruit preserves in place of cranberry sauce?
Yes, fig jam or apricot preserves work well as flavorful alternatives, complementing the creamy brie and flaky pastry.
- → How do I achieve crispy, golden puff pastry flowers?
Ensure the oven is fully preheated to 200°C (400°F) and bake the pastry on parchment paper without overcrowding to allow even puffing and browning.
- → What nuts can I substitute in the salad topping?
Walnuts or pecans are ideal, but toasted almonds or hazelnuts can also add a pleasant crunch and flavor.
- → Is there a way to make this dish gluten-free?
Use gluten-free puff pastry to keep the texture and appearance while accommodating dietary needs.
- → Can this salad be served warm or should it be chilled?
The pastry bites are best served warm or slightly cooled, atop room temperature or chilled salad greens for contrast in texture and flavor.