These mini quesadillas with melted Brie cheese, pear, cranberries and hazelnuts make the perfect bite-sized appetizer at only 57 calories apiece.
As much as I love a good cookie at Christmastime, it's really about the Brie. In fact, it's a little too much about the Brie sometimes (says my jeans, not my heart). It was only two weeks ago that I posted my 3-Ingredient Brie & Cranberry Phyllo Turnovers. So, really I guess it's all about Brie AND cranberries, preferably melted together.
The danger comes when I sit myself in front of a wedge of Brie and proceed to devour the entire thing. It has happened...just ask my family. I can control the consumption if I tuck the Brie inside of something, like phyllo dough or whole wheat tortillas, and pair it with sweet and savory ingredients.
Did I mention that each of these treats is only 57 calories? Not too shabby for a holiday appetizer with oozing cheese.
Pears and dried cranberries add just the right amount of sweetness to these mini quesadillas, but it's the hazelnuts that really bring all of the flavors together. The recipe calls for a small of amount of the nut, but just a dab will do you.
The recipe:
Using a 2 ½-inch circle cookie cutter (or a glass with a 2 ½-inch circumference and a small knife), cut 3 circles from each tortilla.
In a medium bowl, toss together the pear slices, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, dried cranberries and hazelnuts.
On one half of each tortilla circle, layer one pear slice, on piece of Brie and a couple of cranberries and hazelnut pieces. Fold over the tortillas to form half-circles.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Place several quesadillas in the pan and cook until the tortillas are golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes per side.
Repeat with the remaining quesadillas. Serve.
Other appetizer recipes:
Cookin' Canuck's 3-Ingrededient Brie & Cranberry Phyllo Turnovers
Cookin' Canuck's Crostini with Balsamic Caramelized Onions, Melted Cheese & Sage
A Farmgirl's Dabbles' Mini Phyllo Cups with Whipped Goat Cheese, Grapes & Thyme
The Healthy Family & Home's Healthy Artichoke Dip
Jessiker Bakes' Homemade Sundried Tomatoes Bruschetta
Mini Brie & Pear Appetizer Quesadillas Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 whole wheat flour tortillas
- 1 pear cored & thinly sliced
- 1 ½ teaspoons fresh lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon grated nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon dried cranberries
- 1 tablespoon chopped hazelnuts
- 5 ounces Brie cheese thinly slice & cut in half
Instructions
- Using a 2½-inch circle cookie cutter (or a glass with a 2½-inch circumference and a small knife), cut 3 circles from each tortilla.
- In a medium bowl, toss together the pear slices, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, dried cranberries and hazelnuts.
- On one half of each tortilla circle, layer one pear slice, on piece of Brie and a couple of cranberries and hazelnut pieces. Fold over the tortillas to form half-circles.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Place several quesadillas in the pan and cook until the tortillas are golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes per side.
- Repeat with the remaining quesadillas. Serve.
Notes
Nutrition
Disclosure: I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for me to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
Nutmeg Nanny
Oh my, these look perfect. I love brie, what a combination you've made here 🙂
Karielyn@TheHealthyFamilyandHome
Hi Dara! Thanks so much for including my Healthy Artichoke Dip in your list of other appetizer recipes...everything looks so good! 😉
La Cuisine d'Helene
They look so good and easy to make. Merry Christmas!
bellini
I couldn't let another day go by without wishing you and your family a Merry Christmas Dara. Eat lots and smile often. It does look delicious around the Cooking Canuck tree.
Laura (Tutti Dolci)
These are a perfect holiday bite!
Tieghan
Mmmm!! Brie! I would love these cute little quesadillas!
Liz @ The Lemon Bowl
Three cheers to brie!! I would trade a cookie or cheese any day. 🙂
Katrina @ WVS
These look like the perfect snack! Lovely recipe!
Kelli @ The Corner Kitchen
Always yes to pears & brie!! Such a great (and easy!) appetizer, Dara!
Liz
Thank you for the nice recipe. Happy Holidays to you and your family.
Joanie @ Zagleft
Brie is my weakness! This sounds wonderful and easy and perfect for a party.
Bev @ Bev Cooks
Here in a few weeks when I can eat brie again, I AM SO DOING THIS.
Paula – bell’alimento
Oh my this sound amazingly delicious! I had to share on Facebook!
Taylor @ FoodFaithFitness
The hubs requested appies for dinner on Christmas and this looks totally right up our ally! Especially at only 57 calories a piece, you are a genius! You can never ever go wrong with brie cheese and I am loving the addition of the pears for a good crunch!