Cranberry Cheddar Bites Recipe

Introduction

Cranberry Cheddar Bites offer a delightful balance of tangy, sweet, and savory flavors that make a perfect appetizer for any gathering. The combination of a spicy cranberry chipotle jelly with sharp aged cheddar creates a bite-sized treat that’s both elegant and satisfying.

Ingredients

• 12 oz fresh cranberries
• ½ cup water
• ¼ cup fruit preserves (or jam)
• 1 tbsp chipotle adobo (just the sauce)
• 1 cup sugar
• ½ orange (juice and peel, use wide strips of the peel)
• 1½ tsp pectin (optional for a firmer set)
• 1 pinch salt
• 8 oz aged cheddar
• Honey (for drizzling)
• Roasted pistachios (roughly chopped)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a saucepan, combine the cranberries and water. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until most cranberries have burst and softened.
2. Step 2: Carefully transfer the hot cranberries and liquid to a food processor or blender. Blend until smooth, then pour the mixture back into the saucepan.
3. Step 3: Stir in the fruit preserves, chipotle adobo sauce, sugar, orange peel strips, orange juice, pectin (if using), and a pinch of salt. Mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
4. Step 4: Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, cooking for 2 minutes while stirring frequently to prevent burning. Reduce heat to a gentle simmer and cook for 15–20 minutes, stirring often, until thickened and jam-like, coating the back of a spoon.
5. Step 5: Line a quarter sheet pan with parchment paper. Pour the hot cranberry mixture evenly into the pan. Let cool at room temperature for about 2 hours, then cover and refrigerate until firm and sliceable, about 8 hours or overnight.
6. Step 6: Cut the aged cheddar into bite-sized squares approximately 1–1½ inches wide and ¼ inch thick. Place the chilled cranberry jelly on a cutting board and arrange the cheddar squares evenly on top. Using the cheese as a guide, cut both the jelly and cheese into matching squares.
7. Step 7: Assemble each bite by layering cheddar-jelly-cheddar-jelly squares. Drizzle with honey, sprinkle with chopped roasted pistachios, and serve chilled or slightly cool.

Tips & Variations

• Use pectin for a firmer jelly that slices cleanly, especially if you plan to prepare the bites in advance.
• Substitute the chipotle adobo with smoked paprika and a pinch of cayenne if you prefer milder spice.
• Try different aged cheeses like Gouda or Manchego for a unique twist.
• For a nut-free version, omit the pistachios or replace them with toasted pumpkin seeds.

Storage

Store the cranberry jelly and cheddar bites separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Assemble just before serving for the freshest presentation. To reheat the jelly slightly, warm it gently to soften before slicing if needed; however, the bites are best served chilled or at room temperature.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the cranberry chipotle jelly ahead of time?

Yes, the cranberry jelly can be made a day or two in advance and stored in the refrigerator. It needs time to firm up fully before slicing and assembling the bites.

What can I substitute for chipotle adobo sauce if I don’t have any?

You can use smoked paprika combined with a small pinch of cayenne pepper to mimic the smoky heat, or simply use a mild chili sauce if you prefer less spice.

Cranberry Cheddar Bites Recipe

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Cranberry Cheddar Bites are a delightful appetizer featuring a tangy and slightly spicy cranberry-chipotle jelly layered with sharp aged cheddar cheese. Sweet honey and crunchy roasted pistachios add the perfect finishing touch, making these bites a sophisticated and flavorful treat ideal for holiday gatherings or special occasions.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 10 hours (including chilling time)
• Yield: Approximately 24 bites 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cranberry Chipotle Jelly

• 12 oz fresh cranberries
• ½ cup water
• ¼ cup fruit preserves (or jam)
• 1 tbsp chipotle adobo sauce (just the sauce)
• 1 cup sugar
• ½ orange (juice and peel, wide strips of peel)
• 1½ tsp pectin (optional, for a firmer set)
• 1 pinch salt

Assembly

• 8 oz aged cheddar cheese
• Honey (for drizzling)
• Roasted pistachios (roughly chopped)

Instructions

1. Cook the Cranberries: Add the cranberries and water to a saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until most of the cranberries have burst and softened.
2. Blend Until Smooth: Carefully transfer the hot cranberries and liquid to a food processor or blender and blend until completely smooth. Pour the mixture back into the saucepan.
3. Add the Flavor: Stir in the fruit preserves, chipotle adobo sauce, sugar, orange peel, orange juice, pectin (if using), and a pinch of salt. Mix well to combine.
4. Boil and Thicken: Bring the mixture to a rolling boil and cook for 2 minutes, stirring often so it doesn’t burn. Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and cook for 15–20 minutes, stirring frequently, until thickened. The mixture is ready when it reaches 215–220°F and coats the back of a spoon completely, resembling jam consistency.
5. Set the Cranberry Jelly: Line a quarter sheet pan with parchment paper. Pour the hot cranberry mixture onto the pan and spread evenly. Let cool at room temperature for about 2 hours, then cover and refrigerate until very firm and sliceable, about 8 hours or overnight.
6. Slice the Jelly and Cheese: Cut the aged cheddar into bite-sized squares approximately 1–1½ inches wide and ¼-inch thick. Place the chilled cranberry chipotle jelly on a cutting board and lay the cheddar squares tightly in an even layer over the top. Use the cheese as a guide to cut straight down through the jelly, creating matching cheddar-and-jelly squares.
7. Assemble the Cranberry Cheddar Bites: Layer each bite alternating cheddar and jelly squares—cheddar, jelly, cheddar, jelly—stacking them. Drizzle honey over the assembled bites, sprinkle chopped roasted pistachios on top, and serve chilled or slightly cool.

Notes

• Using pectin is optional; it helps achieve a firmer jelly that is easier to slice.
• Adjust chipotle adobo sauce amount according to your spice preference.
• For best results, use aged sharp cheddar for a robust flavor contrast.
• The jelly needs to be fully chilled and firm to cut clean squares.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Keywords: cranberry cheddar bites, holiday appetizer, cranberry chipotle jelly, cheese bites, festive snacks