Save A vibrant, zesty appetizer featuring sweet-tart cranberries, spicy jalapeños, and a medley of colorful vegetables nestled in buttery tartlet shells—perfect for parties or festive gatherings.
The first time I made these tartlets, my guests couldn&t stop raving about the vibrant combination. Each bite pops with fresh cranberry tang and gentle heat from jalapeños, making it a memorable appetizer for any festive table.
Ingredients
- Tartlet Shells: 12 mini tartlet shells (store-bought or homemade, approx. 2-inch diameter)
- Cranberry Jalapeño Filling: 1 cup fresh cranberries (or frozen, thawed), 1 small jalapeño (seeded and finely diced), 3 tbsp granulated sugar, 2 tbsp fresh orange juice, 1/2 tsp orange zest, 1/4 cup red bell pepper (finely diced), 1/4 cup yellow bell pepper (finely diced), 1/4 cup green bell pepper (finely diced), 2 tbsp red onion (finely minced), 2 tbsp fresh cilantro (chopped), Pinch of salt
- Garnish: 2 tbsp crumbled feta cheese (optional), Extra chopped cilantro or scallion greens
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prep Cranberries:
- In a food processor, pulse cranberries until coarsely chopped. Transfer to a bowl.
- Mix Filling:
- Add jalapeño, sugar, orange juice, orange zest, diced bell peppers, red onion, cilantro, and salt to the cranberries. Mix well and let sit for 10 minutes for flavors to meld.
- Fill Tartlets:
- Arrange tartlet shells on a baking sheet. Fill each shell generously with the cranberry jalapeño mixture.
- Bake:
- Bake tartlets for 10–12 minutes until shells are crisp and filling is bubbling gently.
- Garnish & Serve:
- Remove from oven and let cool slightly. Garnish with crumbled feta and extra cilantro or scallion greens if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Save When I brought these tartlets to our last holiday dinner, my family loved having a bright, fresh bite before the main course. The recipe quickly became tradition for any celebration.
Required Tools
You will need a food processor, mixing bowl, baking sheet, and spoon for easy assembly and baking.
Allergen Information
Contains gluten and dairy. For allergies, use gluten-free tartlet shells and omit or replace feta with a dairy-free alternative. Check packaging of store-bought shells for possible nut or soy traces.
Nutritional Information
Each tartlet provides approximately 90 calories, 3 g total fat, 15 g carbohydrates, and 2 g protein.
Save Serve these tartlets warm for the most flavor impact, or chill for easy transport to parties. Your guests will remember them!
Kitchen Guide
- → Can I make these tartlets ahead of time?
Yes, prepare tartlets a few hours earlier and garnish just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
- → Is there a vegan option?
Simply omit the feta cheese or use a plant-based alternative to suit a vegan preference.
- → How do I adjust the spice level?
Reduce or increase jalapeño amount to control heat, and always seed jalapeños for milder flavor.
- → What pairs well with these tartlets?
Serve alongside sparkling wine, crisp white wine, or other festive beverages for a delightful pairing.
- → Can I use frozen cranberries?
Yes, thaw frozen cranberries and use them as directed for the filling’s vibrant taste and texture.
- → Are gluten-free options available?
Opt for gluten-free tartlet shells if needed; check packaging, especially for allergies or dietary restrictions.