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Cranberry Cheddar Bites Recipe

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4.4 from 218 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Find it online: https://flavorsbymaya.com/cranberry-cheddar-bites-recipe/