Sparkling Cranberry Walnut Vegan Brie Bites
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Fancy a bit of posh grub to ring in the New Year? I know, I know, "vegan and posh?" Seems like a tall order, but trust me on this one.
These Sparkling Cranberry & Walnut vegan new years eve appetizers are about to blow your mind.
Brief Overview
These delightful bites are inspired by the French but completely plant based, so no animals harmed. They are not too difficult but they do require some prep.
This recipe yields 24 bites, perfect for a New Year's Eve gathering, or a cheeky treat for yourself.
Main Benefits
Honestly, the best part is how good they taste. But they're also packed with healthy fats from the cashews and antioxidants from the cranberries.
Serve these elegant vegan appetizers at your New Year's bash and watch them disappear! That's what makes this recipe special.
Let's Get Started
Okay, so where did this idea come from? I saw a similar recipe floating around but, as you know, I can't help but put my own spin on things.
These Vegan cranberry brie bites are like a party in your mouth. Sweet, savoury, crunchy... the whole shebang! Plus, they look dead fancy, like something you'd find at a proper Vegan New Year's Eve party food .
These are essentially vegan puff pastry appetizers , making use of ready-made puff pastry that I get at the supermarket.
You can also easily switch up ingredients. For a nut-free option you can try substituting the cashews with sunflower seeds to get a cashew brie recipe vegan taste.
The secret ingredient? A good dose of patience! Making the cashew "brie" from scratch takes a bit of time, but honestly, it's totally worth it.
Plus, you can make it ahead of time, which is always a win. And don’t forget the toasting the walnuts! They need that extra crunch.
Also, the orange zest really brightens up the cranberry sauce, giving it that extra oomph .
So, there you have it! These festive vegan appetizers are not only delicious but also surprisingly easy to make (with a little bit of planning, of course).
Get ready to impress your mates with these sparkling cranberry walnut bites !
Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get This Party Started!
Right, so before we dive headfirst into making these delicious Sparkling Cranberry & Walnut Vegan Brie Bites for our Vegan New Year's Eve party food , let's get our ducks in a row.
Honestly, nobody wants to be scrambling for the right kit halfway through, do they? We'll make these Vegan holiday finger foods in no time!
Main Ingredients: The Nitty Gritty
For that dreamy Vegan "Brie" (Cashew Brie recipe vegan):
- 1 cup (140g) raw cashews soaked. Seriously, don't skip the soak! Overnight is best.
- 1/4 cup (60ml) water for blending.
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) melted refined coconut oil. Refined is key; otherwise, it'll taste like coconut.
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) lemon juice. Fresh is always best, yeah?
- 1 tablespoon (15g) nutritional yeast. This is what gives it that cheesy tang.
- 1/2 teaspoon (3g) garlic powder.
- 1/4 teaspoon (1.5g) salt.
Cranberry Sauce time! (Vegan cranberry brie bites):
- 12 ounces (340g) cranberries fresh or frozen. Whatever you've got.
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar.
- 1/4 cup (60ml) water.
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) orange zest. Ooh, that citrusy zing!
- 1/4 teaspoon (1.5g) ground cinnamon.
Puff Pastry Dreams (Vegan puff pastry appetizers):
- 1 sheet (about 14 ounces / 400g) vegan puff pastry. Thawed! Very important.
- 1/2 cup (50g) chopped walnuts, toasted. Toasting brings out the flavour, trust me.
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) maple syrup. Optional, for a final drizzle of sweetness.
Seasoning Notes: Jazz It Up!
For the Vegan cranberry brie bites , don't be afraid to play around. A pinch of nutmeg in the cranberry sauce? Go for it! A dash of smoked paprika in the cashew "brie" for a smoky flavour? Why not! We are going for Elegant vegan appetizers ! Spice combos for Festive vegan appetizers is the way to go.
Think orange and cinnamon, thyme and rosemary, or even a little chili flake for a kick. If you don't have all the spices, don't sweat it.
A mixed spice blend is often a lifesaver.
Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple
Okay, so you don't need a fancy molecular gastronomy kit for this. Here's what you actually need:
- A decent blender or food processor. Gotta get that cashew "brie" smooth!
- Small saucepan. For the cranberry magic.
- 24-cup mini muffin tin. Unless you want giant bites, which, honestly, I wouldn't judge.
- Baking sheet.
- Parchment paper. Stops things from sticking.
If you don't have a muffin tin, you can use cupcake cases on a baking sheet. It won't look quite as neat, but it'll do the job.
Ready to make some Vegan canapés New Year's ? Let's get cooking. These Plant based holiday appetizers will be a smash hit.
Cooking Method
Hey there, party people! Looking for some killer vegan new years eve appetizers to impress your friends? Ditch the same old veggie sticks and hummus.
Let's get fancy, shall we? We're diving headfirst into Sparkling Cranberry & Walnut Vegan Brie Bites . Honestly, these little things are addictive.
Prep Steps
Time is ticking! Organisation is the key to success, innit?
- Essential mise en place: First, soak your cashews. Seriously, do it the night before. If you’re like me and forgot, boil 'em for 20 minutes . Drain well, though, yeah? Also, chop your walnuts and get ready to toast them.
- Time saving organization tips: Prep your cranberry sauce ahead of time. It actually tastes better after a day or two. And thaw your puff pastry! Nobody wants rock solid pastry on New Year’s Eve.
- Safety reminders: Don’t burn yourself when toasting the walnuts! And watch those oven temps – hot puff pastry is no joke .
step-by-step Process
Right, let's get cooking! This is how you make some smashing vegan puff pastry appetizers .
- Blend your soaked cashews with the other "brie" ingredients. Until super smooth, you know? Then chill it for 30 minutes .
- Make the cranberry sauce. Simmer the cranberries, sugar, water, orange zest and cinnamon until thickened.
- Preheat your oven to 375° F ( 190° C) . Grease your mini muffin tin.
- Roll out the puff pastry. Cut into squares and press into the muffin cups.
- Spoon in the "brie," then the cranberry sauce, and sprinkle with those toasted walnuts.
- Bake for 15- 20 minutes . Until golden and puffed.
- Cool slightly before serving. Drizzle with maple syrup if you're feeling fancy.
Pro Tips
Want to nail these vegan cranberry brie bites like a pro?
- Expert techniques: Toast the walnuts in a dry pan until fragrant. Trust me, it makes a difference. Also, don’t overfill the pastry cups. They'll explode. Seriously, overfilling the pastry cups can cause them to overflow during baking, resulting in a messy and uneven bake.
- Common mistakes: Not chilling the cashew brie enough. It needs to be firm enough to hold its shape. Also, burning the puff pastry keep a close eye on it!
- make-ahead options: The cashew "brie" and cranberry sauce can be made a day or two in advance. Just assemble the bites right before baking for the best results. This makes your vegan New Year's Eve party food prep a breeze!
Honestly, these Sparkling Cranberry & Walnut Vegan Brie Bites are a game changer. They're elegant, flavorful, and totally plant based. Plus, they are the perfect vegan holiday finger foods .
Your guests will be raving about your elegant vegan appetizers for days. Cheers to a delicious and cruelty free New Year! And who knows, these could become a yearly tradition at your home!
Recipe Notes
Alright, so you're ready to tackle these Sparkling Cranberry & Walnut Vegan Brie Bites ? Ace! Here's a few extra bits and bobs to help you along the way.
I’ve had a few kitchen escapades myself so, hopefully, I can help you avoid my past blunders.
Ace Serving Suggestions
Think of the plating as the posh frock on your canapé. Presentation is key, especially when you're trying to impress with some fancy vegan New Years Eve appetizers .
Pop these Vegan Cranberry Brie Bites on a nice platter. Garnish with extra toasted walnuts. Maybe a sprig of rosemary for a festive touch?
Pair these beauts with a chilled glass of fizz, or a cranberry juice for a non-alcoholic option. These bites scream sophistication so give them a bit of your flair.
Stashing and Storing Your Creations
Right, so you've somehow managed not to devour the entire batch in one sitting? Hats off to you! Here's the lowdown on storing these Vegan Puff Pastry Appetizers properly.
These bites are best eaten on the day, but you can keep them in the fridge for up to 2 days .
Pop them in an airtight container. To reheat, a quick blast in the oven at 300° F ( 150° C) for a few minutes will do the trick.
Honestly, freezing isn't ideal. The puff pastry can get a bit soggy.
Playing Around with Flavours
Fancy a little tweak? Why not! For a gluten-free twist, simply swap the puff pastry for a gluten-free version. You know what? No one will even notice, promise!
For something a little different, try a Spiced Apple Variation . The cashew brie with a hint of cardamom works like magic.
Swap the maple syrup for a sugar-free alternative if you're watching the ol' waistline. These Vegan Canapés New Year's are all about having fun.
A Quick Look at the Good Stuff
Each bite is a little powerhouse of goodness! You're getting healthy fats from the cashews and walnuts. Vitamins from the cranberries.
Plus, they're totally plant based, which is a win for the planet. That's what I call Elegant Vegan Appetizers!
So there you have it, my friend! These Festive Vegan Appetizers are guaranteed to be a hit. Now, go forth, impress your mates, and have a cracking New Year's Eve! I hope this helped and happy cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions
I'm new to vegan cooking. Is this recipe for vegan New Years Eve appetizers too difficult?
Don't you worry your pretty little head! While there are a few steps involved, none of them are particularly tricky. The cashew "brie" and cranberry sauce just require a bit of patience. Read the recipe carefully, maybe watch a quick video on making cashew cheese, and you'll be right as rain.
Plus, even if they aren't perfect, they'll still taste delicious!
Can I make these Sparkling Cranberry & Walnut Vegan Brie Bites ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prep the cashew "brie" and cranberry sauce up to 3 days in advance and store them separately in the fridge. Then, just assemble and bake the bites when you're ready to serve them. You could even assemble the bites a few hours ahead and keep them unbaked in the refrigerator.
Just add a few minutes to the cooking time.
What's the best way to store leftover vegan New Years Eve appetizers?
If you're lucky enough to have any left, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep in mind the puff pastry will soften a bit. To reheat, pop them back in the oven at a low temperature (around 300°F/150°C) for a few minutes to crisp up the pastry again.
Avoid microwaving them, as that will make the pastry soggy.
I'm allergic to nuts. Are there any nut-free alternatives for the vegan "brie" in these appetizers?
No worries, mate! You can definitely make these nut-free. Try substituting the cashews with sunflower seeds that have been soaked. The flavor will be different, it's going to be a little earthier, but is a good nut-free option.
You can also find some commercially prepared vegan cream cheeses that will work if you don't want to make your own.
Can I use store-bought cranberry sauce for these vegan brie bites?
You certainly can! Using a good quality, store-bought cranberry sauce is a great time saver. Look for one that's made with whole cranberries and has a good balance of sweet and tart. You can even zhuzh it up a bit by stirring in some orange zest or a pinch of cinnamon to make it feel a little more special.
Just remember to check the ingredients to make sure it is in fact vegan!
Can I make these vegan New Years Eve appetizers gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just swap out the regular puff pastry for a gluten-free version. gluten-free puff pastry can be a little more delicate, so handle it with care. You might also need to adjust the baking time slightly, so keep a close eye on them. No one will even know the difference, they'll be gobbled up in seconds!
Sparkling Cranberry Walnut Vegan Brie Bites
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 80 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 5g |
| Fiber | 1g |
