Mini Brie Christmas Trees with Cranberries, Apricots, Pistachios, and Cilantro Recipe
Introduction
Mini Brie Christmas Trees are a festive and delightful appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings. These bite-sized treats combine creamy brie with a vibrant topping of dried fruits, nuts, and fresh herbs, creating a beautiful and flavorful party snack.
Ingredients
- 4.40 ounces (125 grams) mini round brie (see note 1)
- ¼ cup (30 grams) dried cranberries
- 4 dried apricots
- ¼ cup (25 grams) shelled pistachios
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro (loosely packed, 5 grams) (see note 2)
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- Honey, for drizzling (to taste, see note 3)
Instructions
- Step 1: Finely chop the dried cranberries, dried apricots, pistachios, and fresh cilantro. Set the mixture aside.
- Step 2: Slice the brie horizontally in half, then cut each half into quarters. Finally, cut each quarter in half to create 16 wedges.
- Step 3: Insert a toothpick into each brie wedge. Holding the wedge by the toothpick, dip it into the chopped mixture to coat the surface evenly. Repeat with all wedges.
- Step 4: Arrange the coated brie wedges in an airtight container or on a serving plate and cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for up to 1 hour before serving.
- Step 5: Just before serving, sprinkle freshly cracked black pepper over the wedges and drizzle with honey to taste.
Tips & Variations
- Substitute fresh parsley for cilantro if you prefer a milder herb flavor.
- Use walnuts or pecans instead of pistachios for a different nutty crunch.
- For extra color, add finely chopped fresh mint or a sprinkle of pomegranate seeds on top.
- Ensure the brie is well chilled before cutting to achieve clean wedges.
Storage
Store the prepared brie wedges in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 hour before serving. Because of the fresh herbs and honey drizzle, it’s best enjoyed within this timeframe for optimal freshness. Reheat is not recommended as it will affect the texture and appearance.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare these in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the brie wedges and toppings, then refrigerate them for up to 1 hour before serving. Avoid assembling much earlier as the toppings and honey may cause the cheese to soften too much.
What can I use if I don’t have mini brie rounds?
You can use a regular brie wheel cut into wedges or another soft cheese like camembert. Just be sure to cut it into small, bite-sized pieces for ease of serving and dipping.
Print
Mini Brie Christmas Trees with Cranberries, Apricots, Pistachios, and Cilantro Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 16 mini brie wedges 1x
Description
Mini Brie Christmas Trees are delightful, bite-sized festive appetizers featuring creamy brie wedges coated with a colorful, chopped mixture of dried cranberries, apricots, pistachios, and fresh cilantro. They are finished with a drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper, perfect for holiday gatherings or elegant parties.
Ingredients
Brie and Toppings
- 4.40 ounces (125 grams) mini round brie
- ¼ cup dried cranberries (30 grams)
- 4 dried apricots
- ¼ cup shelled pistachios (25 grams)
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro (loosely packed, 5 grams)
- Black pepper, freshly cracked to taste
- Honey, a drizzle or to taste
Instructions
- Chop the mix-ins: Finely chop the dried cranberries, dried apricots, shelled pistachios, and fresh cilantro. Set this colorful mixture aside for coating the brie wedges.
- Cut the brie: Slice the mini round brie horizontally in half. Cut each half into quarters, then cut each quarter in half again, resulting in 16 small wedges perfect for bite-sized servings.
- Coat the brie wedges: Insert a toothpick into each brie wedge. Holding the toothpick, dip each wedge into the chopped mixture, making sure the sides are well coated with the dried fruit, nuts, and cilantro combination.
- Chill: Arrange the coated brie wedges in an airtight container or on a serving plate and cover tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for up to 1 hour to let the flavors meld and to keep the wedges firm.
- Serve: Just before serving, sprinkle the wedges with freshly cracked black pepper and drizzle with honey to add a touch of sweetness and a spicy finish that complements the creamy brie.
Notes
- Use a mini round brie weighing approximately 125 grams for perfectly sized, bite-sized wedges.
- Fresh cilantro adds a bright, herby note — loosely packed means gently pressing it into the measuring cup without compacting.
- Honey can be adjusted to taste or substituted with agave syrup for a different flavor profile.
- These can be prepped a few hours ahead and kept chilled until serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: brie cheese appetizer, holiday appetizer, Christmas appetizers, bite-sized cheese, festive cheese platter, no-cook appetizers
