Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare Peppers: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the halved mini bell peppers cut-side up on the baking sheet.12-15 Mini Bell Peppers
- Make Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined and smooth.8 oz Cream Cheese, 1/2 cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese, 2 tablespoons Green Onions, 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder, 1/4 teaspoon Smoked Paprika, 1/4 teaspoon Salt, 1/8 teaspoon Black Pepper
- Stuff Peppers: Using a small spoon or a piping bag (without a tip, just snip the corner), fill each bell pepper half generously with the cream cheese mixture.
- Bake: Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the peppers are tender-crisp and the filling is bubbly and lightly browned.
- Prepare Puff Pastry: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly flour a clean surface and unfold the thawed puff pastry sheet. Gently roll it out slightly to smooth any creases. Cut the pastry into 12-16 equal squares (about 2x2 inches).1 package Puff Pastry Sheets
- Assemble Bites: Place each pastry square into the cups of a mini muffin tin. Spoon about 1/2 teaspoon of fig jam into the bottom of each pastry square. Top the jam with a few small pieces of brie cheese and a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans.1/4 cup Fig Jam or Preserves, 4 oz Brie Cheese, 2 tablespoons Toasted Pecans
- Egg Wash and Bake: In a small bowl, whisk the egg with 1 tablespoon of water to create an egg wash. Lightly brush the edges of the puff pastry with the egg wash. If desired, sprinkle the edges with Everything Bagel seasoning.1 large Egg, 1 tablespoon Everything Bagel Seasoning
- Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed, golden brown, and the brie is melted and bubbly.
- Cool and Serve: Let the bites cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes before carefully removing them to a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.
- Prepare Cucumbers: Slice the cucumber into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Arrange them on a platter.1 large Cucumber
- Prepare Dill Spread: If making homemade dill cream cheese, combine softened cream cheese with 1-2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill, a squeeze of lemon juice, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix well.4 oz Dill Cream Cheese Spread
- Assemble Bites: Spread a generous dollop of dill cream cheese onto each cucumber slice.
- Top with Salmon: Artfully arrange a small piece of smoked salmon on top of the cream cheese.4 oz Smoked Salmon
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with a few capers (if using) and a tiny pinch of lemon zest on each bite. Serve immediately.1 tablespoon Capers, 1/2 teaspoon Lemon Zest
- Prepare Ingredients: Halve the cherry tomatoes. Drain the fresh mozzarella balls. Gather the fresh basil leaves.1 pint Cherry Tomatoes, 8 oz Fresh Mozzarella Balls, 1/4 cup Fresh Basil Leaves
- Assemble Skewers: Thread a cherry tomato half onto a small skewer or toothpick, followed by a fresh mozzarella ball, then a fresh basil leaf, and finally another cherry tomato half. Repeat for all skewers.
- Season and Drizzle: Arrange the assembled skewers on a serving platter. Drizzle lightly with olive oil, then season with a pinch of salt and black pepper. Finally, drizzle generously with balsamic glaze.1 tablespoon Olive Oil, Salt and Pepper, 2 tablespoons Balsamic Glaze
- Serve: Serve immediately.
Notes
These Easy New Year's Appetizer Ideas are designed for quick assembly and offer a delightful pop of flavor, making them incredibly satisfying for any New Year's Eve celebration. With preparation times ranging from 15 to 30 minutes, you’ll have more time to toast the new year!
