Pear, caramelised onion and brie bites are the easiest little appetiser you can whip up in 30 minutes. These easy canapés use a handful of ingredients all purchased from your local supermarket to create a delectable bite sized treat your guests will love. Make them the morning of and serve them on your Christmas table.
The holiday season is upon us, and that means it's time to bring out the culinary delights that will leave your guests talking well into the New Year. While the main course is essential, it's the alluring canapés that set the mood for a festive feast. This year, why not surprise your loved ones with the perfect balance of sweet and savoury in these Pear, Caramelised Onion & Brie Bites?
Christmas lunch can be a grand affair, and the right selection of canapés can elevate the dining experience. The Pear, Caramelised Onion & Brie Bites are an excellent choice for a sophisticated yet approachable appetiser that will please even the most discerning palates. And here's a bonus: they're ready in 30 minutes!
Effortless but Elegant
These bites are a combination of juicy pears, sweet caramelised onion jam, and creamy brie - a match made in heaven really. What makes these bites truly magical is not just the taste but the sheer simplicity of bringing them to life. Preparing these canapés is a stress-free experience, allowing you to focus on the joy of hosting rather than being confined to the kitchen. The process is a breeze, ensuring you spend less time cooking and more time celebrating with your loved ones.
You're likely already stressed with the cooking, baking and drinks making on the day so opt f limited ingredients, minimal prep and short bake time. For this recipe I used store-bought puff pastry, a jar of caramelised onion chutney, a wheel of brie and half a pear. Ingredients that are available year round. You can be fairly easy going with this recipe (say, a few drinks in perhaps), and while I've listed measurements, it's pretty hard to mess things up even if you're just guessing as you go.
Perks of a simple starter
- Quick prep time: In the midst of the holiday rush, these bites come to your rescue with minimal preparation. Spend less time in the kitchen and more time with your guests.
- Simple ingredients, complex flavours: With just a handful of ingredients, you can still create a dish packed full of flavour. The sweetness of pears, the richness of caramelised onions, and the creaminess of brie meld together seamlessly.
- Versatile elegance: Whether you're hosting an intimate family gathering or a festive soirée, these bites fit the bill. Their elegant presentation and sophisticated flavours make them suitable for any occasion.
Ingredients
- Spray oil
- Puff pastry
- Caramelised onion chutney
- Brie cheese
- Pear
- Honey
See recipe card below for quantities.
Tips and variations
- Pastry: for a lighter, crispier shell you could substitute the puff pastry for filo pastry. Alternatively, purchase pre-made vol-au-vent shells if you are in a pinch.
- Cheese: brie can be easily swapped for camembert cheese
- Additions: add a sprinkle of rosemary or thyme leaves to add an additional flavour component to these canapés
Equipment
- Muffin tin
- Knife
- Chopping board
- Teaspoon
Watch the video here. If you make this one, don't forget to tag me on TikTok or Instagram. I love to see it!
Pear, Caramelised Onion & Brie Bites
Ingredients
- Spray oil
- 1.5 sheets store-bought puff pastry defrosted
- 130 g ~6.5 tablespoon caramelised onion chutney
- 125 g wheel of brie cut into 12 pieces
- ½ pear ~100g, cut into 12 pieces
- Honey to drizzle
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 200ºC (180ºC fan-forced). Spray a 12 hole muffin tin lightly with oil.
- Slice puff pastry sheets evenly so you have 12 squares. Press these lightly into the muffin tin.
- Dollop in caramelised onion chutney and spread over the base.
- Top with one piece of brie and one piece of pear.
- Bake for 20 minutes until pastry is golden and puffed. Remove from oven and drizzle lightly with honey. Eat these hot or at room temperature.
Leave a comment