Pin this 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.
The combination of warm, melty brie with tart cranberries is something I first served at a holiday gathering and it was an instant hit with all my guests.
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.
Pin this This recipe has become a family favorite at holiday dinners, always bringing smiles and compliments around the table.
Notes
Substitute cranberry sauce with fig jam or apricot preserves for a different flavor. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free puff pastry. Add cooked, shredded chicken for extra protein. Pair with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light sparkling wine.
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.
Pin this Enjoy these elegant bites as a perfect starter or light meal that’s both beautiful and delicious.