Pin this Elegant bite-sized appetizers inspired by the magic of a star-filled New Years Eve, featuring a mix of vibrant flavors and sparkling presentation.
This is a favorite at our New Years parties & always impresses guests.
Ingredients
- Star-Shaped Puff Pastry Bites: 1 sheet puff pastry thawed, 1 egg beaten (for egg wash), 50 g goat cheese softened, 2 tbsp honey, 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves, 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
- Midnight Blueberry & Brie Crostini: 1 baguette sliced into 12 rounds, 100 g brie cheese sliced, 1/2 cup fresh blueberries, 2 tbsp balsamic glaze, 1 tbsp edible gold leaf or gold dust (optional for garnish), Fresh mint leaves for garnish
- Sparkling Smoked Salmon Stars: 100 g smoked salmon, 100 g cream cheese softened, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp fresh dill chopped, 1 tsp capers chopped, 12 mini blinis or cocktail pumpernickel rounds, Edible silver stars or glitter (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 2:
- For the Star-Shaped Puff Pastry Bites: Roll out puff pastry and cut into star shapes using a cookie cutter. Place stars on prepared tray, brush with egg wash. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until golden. Cool slightly. Mix goat cheese honey and thyme. Spoon onto pastry stars. Top with walnuts.
- Step 3:
- For the Midnight Blueberry & Brie Crostini: Toast baguette slices until golden. Top each with a slice of brie and a few blueberries. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and if desired decorate with edible gold leaf. Garnish with mint.
- Step 4:
- For the Sparkling Smoked Salmon Stars: Mix cream cheese lemon juice dill and capers. Spread mix onto blinis or pumpernickel rounds. Top with smoked salmon trimming with a small star cutter if desired. Garnish with edible silver stars or glitter.
Pin this My family always gathers around the table enjoying these treats while sharing New Years wishes.
Notes
To make it gluten-free use gluten-free puff pastry and bread. For a vegan version substitute plant-based cheese and skip the salmon. Add a pinch of cracked black pepper for extra flavor. Pairs beautifully with sparkling wine or a festive cocktail.
Required Tools
Baking sheet, Star-shaped cookie cutter, Mixing bowls, Small offset spatula or butter knife, Parchment paper
Allergen Information
Contains gluten dairy eggs nuts (walnuts) and fish (salmon). Always check ingredient labels for cross-contamination or hidden allergens.
Pin this These appetizers bring both elegance and fun to any festive gathering.
Recipe FAQs
- → What ingredients create the star shapes in these appetizers?
Star shapes come from cutting thawed puff pastry with a cookie cutter for the goat cheese bites, and from trimming smoked salmon and garnishes for the salmon stars.
- → How can these appetizers be made gluten-free?
Use gluten-free puff pastry and substitute the baguette and blinis with gluten-free bread alternatives.
- → Are there vegan options available for these bites?
Yes, substitute plant-based cheese for goat cheese and brie, and omit smoked salmon to suit vegan preferences.
- → What garnishes add sparkle to the appetizers?
Edible gold leaf and silver star glitter provide a festive shimmer to blueberry crostini and smoked salmon stars.
- → What flavors complement the goat cheese puff pastry bites?
Honey, fresh thyme, and chopped walnuts enhance the creamy goat cheese within the flaky star-shaped pastry.