Save 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 recipe has become my go-to for New Years Eve parties, impressing guests with its variety and festive charm.
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
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- 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 10 minutes until golden. Cool slightly. Mix goat cheese honey and thyme. Spoon onto pastry stars. Top with walnuts.
- 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.
- 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.
Save Preparing these appetizers always brings the family closer as we share the joy of the holiday together.
Notes
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.
Save These appetizers add a magical touch to any New Years celebration and are sure to delight your guests.
Common Questions
- → How do I shape the puff pastry stars?
Roll out thawed puff pastry to an even thickness and use a star-shaped cookie cutter to cut out shapes before baking.
- → Can I prepare these appetizers ahead of time?
Yes, bake the puff pastry stars first and store the toppings separately. Assemble just before serving for freshness.
- → What are good alternatives for goat cheese in the pastry bites?
Soft cream cheese or ricotta can be used as substitutes, offering a mild, creamy texture.
- → How to keep crostini crisp for serving?
Toast baguette slices until just golden and cool completely before adding toppings to prevent sogginess.
- → What can I use instead of edible gold or silver stars?
Fresh herbs like mint or dill, or finely chopped nuts, can add decorative flair without special garnishes.