November 25, 2024
Cranberry Cream Cheese Bites
These Vegan Cranberry Cream Cheese Bites are festive, easy to prepare, and so delicious! Flaky puff pastry, herbed cream cheese, cranberry sauce, and crunchy walnuts are combined for the perfect sweet and savory handheld bite!
Table of Contents
why you’ll love this recipe step-by-step instructions tips and faqsCranberry Cream Cheese Bites: The Perfect Festive Appetizer
The holidays are just around the corner, and these vegan Cranberry Cream Cheese Bites are the ultimate crowd-pleaser! With a combination of flaky puff pastry, creamy herbed filling, tangy cranberry sauce, and a crunchy walnut topping, these sweet-and-savory bites are as delicious as they are beautiful. Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner or need a quick appetizer for a party, this recipe has you covered!
Why You’ll Love These Cranberry Cream Cheese Bites
- Festive and Beautiful: Perfect for holiday gatherings with vibrant cranberry sauce and colorful toppings.
- Quick and Easy: Using pre-made puff pastry makes assembly a breeze!
- Crowd-Pleaser: The sweet, savory, and crunchy combination is irresistible.
- Make Ahead-Friendly: Prep components in advance for stress-free entertaining.
- Handheld and Convenient: These bites are the ideal size for easy serving and eating, no utensils required!
- Minimal Ingredients: With just a handful of easy-to-find ingredients, it’s simple to throw these together.
How to Make Cranberry Cream Cheese Bites
1. Par-Bake the Puff Paste:
Preheat your oven to 400°F. Roll out the thawed puff pastry on a floured surface and cut into 12 squares. Press each square into a cupcake tin, letting the edges fold naturally. Brush each pastry with oil and sprinkle with Everything but the Bagel Seasoning. Partially bake for 8–10 minutes, until light golden brown.
2. Prepare the Filling:
Mix vegan cream cheese, parmesan, green onion, minced garlic, and garlic powder in a bowl until smooth.
3. Fill and Bake Again:
Spoon a tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture into each partially baked puff pastry, followed by two teaspoons of cranberry sauce. Return to the oven and bake for another 5–7 minutes, until the pastry is golden brown and flaky.
4. Cool, Garnish, and Enjoy!
Cool for 10 minutes, then garnish with candied walnuts, lemon zest, and extra green onions. Serve warm or at room temperature. Enjoy!
Tips and FAQs
- Thaw Puff Pastry Properly: Let it thaw in the fridge to avoid stickiness.
- Prevent Soggy Pastry: Partially baking the puff pastry before adding the filling ensures it stays flaky and crisp.
- Keep Puff Pastry Chilled: If it gets too warm while assembling, place it in the fridge for a few minutes to make handling easier.
- Batch Baking: If making for a large crowd, prepare multiple cupcake trays and bake in batches to save time.
Can I make this Cranberry Cream Cheese Bites Gluten-Free?
Yes! Substitute with gluten-free puff pastry and double-check that your cream cheese and parmesan are also gluten-free.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to retain crispiness.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can partially bake the puff pastry and prepare the cream cheese mixture and cranberry sauce a day in advance. Assemble and bake just before serving.
Make Your Holidays Extra Special with These Cranberry Cream Cheese Bites
There’s nothing quite like the perfect blend of sweet, savory, and flaky to make your holiday table shine. These vegan Cranberry Cream Cheese Bites are not just a recipe—they’re a conversation starter, a crowd-pleaser, and a stress-free way to elevate any gathering.
Whether you’re hosting a festive party, attending a potluck, or simply indulging in a cozy night at home, these bites are guaranteed to impress. Give them a try and let the delicious flavors speak for themselves!
I hope you enjoy this irresistible dip as much as I do! If you try this dish, I’d love to hear about it! Leave a comment below, snap a photo, or take a video and post it to Instagram or TikTok, and tag me at @eat_figs_not_pigs and #EatFigsNotPigs. Don’t forget to pin this recipe for later and share it with your friends—it’s too good to keep to yourself! I can’t wait to see how you enjoy these bites!
Cranberry Cream Cheese Bites
Ingredients
- 1 sheet vegan-friendly puff pastry sheet, thawed
- Everything but the Bagel Seasoning
- 4 oz room temperature vegan cream cheese
- ½ cup grated vegan parmesan
- ¼ cup fresh minced green onion, plus more for garnish
- 4 cloves fresh minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ cup cranberry sauce
- ¼ cup crushed candied walnuts
- Lemon zest, for garnish, optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Roll out the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Cut it into 12 equal squares. Gently press each square into a prepared cupcake tin, letting the edges fold over naturally.
- Spray or brush each square with some oil and sprinkle each one with some Everything but the Bagel Seasoning.
- Place in the oven and partially bake until the puff pastry sheets are light brown, 8 to 10 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Meanwhile, place the cream cheese, parmesan, green onion, minced garlic and garlic powder in a bowl and mix until thoroughly combined.
- Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture into the partially baked puff pastry sheets, followed by 2 teaspoons of the cranberry sauce.
- Place back into the oven and bake until heated through and the puff pastry is flaky and golden brown, another 5 to 7 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for 10 minutes before removing the bites from the cupcake tray.
- Garnish each bite with 1 teaspoon of the crushed walnuts, a pinch of lemon zest, and green onion. These bites can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature. Enjoy!
