Savory Sweet Cream Cheese & Onion-Cranberry Bites
These delightful hors d'oeuvres feature a creamy layer of low-fat cream cheese spread over crunchy whole wheat crackers, topped with a luxurious Caramelized Onion-Cranberry Compote. The rich, golden-brown onions complement the tartness of the cranberries, creating a perfect balance of salty and sweet flavors. Ideal for parties or gatherings, these bites can be prepared ahead of time, allowing for a stress-free entertaining experience. Simply let them sit at room temperature before serving for the best flavor.
N/A
Servings
25
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Butter
1 tablespoon (Melted)
Sweet onions
2 cups (Thinly sliced)
Balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup (N/A)
Cranberries
1/2 cup (Coarsely chopped)
Sugar
1 tablespoon (N/A)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (N/A)
Grated orange rind
1/2 teaspoon (N/A)
Whole wheat crackers
16 (N/A)
Low-fat cream cheese
8 ounces (Softened)
Instructions
1
1. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced sweet onions and sauté for 15 to 18 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are golden brown and tender.
2
2. Add the balsamic vinegar, chopped cranberries, sugar, salt, and grated orange rind to the skillet. Cook the mixture for another 2 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the liquid has reduced to about 2 tablespoons, forming a thick compote.
3
3. Allow the Caramelized Onion-Cranberry Compote to cool slightly. This can be made a day ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator; just let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.
4
4. To assemble the bites, spread 1 1/2 teaspoons of low-fat cream cheese on each of the 16 whole wheat crackers. Top each with 1 tablespoon of the Caramelized Onion-Cranberry Compote.
5
5. For a final touch, garnish each bite with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or parsley leaves. Serve and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
1g
Fat
3g
Carbs
0.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the flavor profile of the Savory Sweet Cream Cheese & Onion-Cranberry Bites?
These bites offer a perfect balance of salty and sweet flavors, combining creamy low-fat cream cheese with a rich Caramelized Onion-Cranberry Compote.
What type of crackers are recommended for this recipe?
The recipe specifies using 16 whole wheat crackers for the base.
How long should I sauté the onions?
Sauté the thinly sliced sweet onions for 15 to 18 minutes over medium heat until they are golden brown and tender.
Can I make the Onion-Cranberry Compote in advance?
Yes, the compote can be made a day ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Should I serve these appetizers cold or at room temperature?
For the best flavor, let the components sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.
What are the ingredients in the compote?
The compote consists of sweet onions, balsamic vinegar, chopped cranberries, sugar, salt, and grated orange rind.
How much cream cheese goes on each cracker?
Spread 1 1/2 teaspoons of low-fat cream cheese on each cracker.
How much compote should be placed on each bite?
Each cracker should be topped with 1 tablespoon of the Caramelized Onion-Cranberry Compote.
What are the suggested garnishes for this dish?
You can garnish each bite with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or parsley leaves.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is tagged as vegetarian.
How many calories are in one bite?
Each bite contains approximately 25 calories.
How much fat is in each serving?
There is 1g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in each serving?
Each serving contains 3g of carbohydrates.
What is the protein content per serving?
There is 0.5g of protein per serving.
What type of onions should I use?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of thinly sliced sweet onions.
What is the purpose of the orange rind?
The grated orange rind adds a citrusy note to the compote to balance the savory onions and tart cranberries.
How do I know when the compote has finished cooking?
Cook until the liquid has reduced to about 2 tablespoons and it forms a thick consistency.
What kind of cream cheese is recommended?
The recipe specifically uses low-fat cream cheese for a lighter creamy layer.
How many bites does this recipe make?
This recipe yields 16 assembled bites.
What equipment is needed to cook the onions?
A large skillet is needed to melt the butter and sauté the onions.
Does the recipe use balsamic vinegar?
Yes, 1/4 cup of balsamic vinegar is used to deglaze the pan and flavor the compote.
Are the cranberries fresh or dried?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of coarsely chopped cranberries; fresh or frozen work best for a compote.
Is there added sugar in the recipe?
Yes, 1 tablespoon of sugar is added to the compote mixture.
Can these be considered finger food?
Yes, they are tagged as finger food and hors d'oeuvres, making them perfect for parties.
What heat setting should I use for the skillet?
The butter should be melted and onions sautéed over medium heat.
How long do I cook the mixture after adding the balsamic and cranberries?
Cook for an additional 2 to 4 minutes after adding these ingredients.
How much butter is required?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of butter.
Is the cream cheese softened before use?
Yes, the recipe suggests using 8 ounces of softened low-fat cream cheese.
What is the primary sodium source in this recipe?
The primary sodium sources are the 1/2 teaspoon of salt and the whole wheat crackers.
Can this recipe be used for a stress-free entertaining experience?
Yes, because the compote can be prepared in advance, it allows for easy assembly right before your guests arrive.