Save Pin 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 quickly became a favorite at family gatherings thanks to its beautiful presentation and delicious flavor combination.
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 Pin This salad always brings a smile when served at family events making every meal feel special.
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 Pin This dish combines elegance and ease making it perfect for both everyday meals and special occasions
Recipe FAQs
- → How can I make the pastry crispier?
Ensure the oven is fully preheated to 200°C (400°F) and bake the pastry flowers on parchment for even heat distribution. Avoid overcrowding the baking sheet.
- → Can I prepare the bites ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble and refrigerate the pastry flowers before baking. Bake just before serving to maintain crispness.
- → What type of cheese works best as a substitute for brie?
Soft cheeses like camembert or fontina provide a similar creamy texture and mild flavor.
- → Is there a gluten-free option?
Use gluten-free puff pastry to accommodate gluten sensitivities while keeping the same flaky texture.
- → How do the dressing ingredients complement the salad?
The blend of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, and honey creates a balanced, tangy, and slightly sweet dressing that enhances fresh greens and fruit components.