Cranberry Brie Bites are a perfect appetizer for holiday gatherings, combining the creamy texture of brie with the tartness of cranberry sauce, all encased in a flaky puff pastry cup. These delightful bites offer a beautiful balance of flavors and textures that can easily elevate any festive occasion. Not only are they visually appealing, but their combination of sweet, tart, and creamy also ensures they disappear quickly from the appetizer table.
Why You’ll Love Cranberry Brie Bites
- Festive Flavors: The cranberry and brie combination is both classic and festive, making it perfect for holiday celebrations.
- Easy to Make: With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, these bites are surprisingly simple to assemble.
- Versatile: You can easily customize them with different toppings or use other types of cheese if you prefer.
- Perfect for Parties: Their bite-size nature makes them ideal for mingling and snacking at events.
Ingredients Notes
- Puff Pastry: Provides a flaky, buttery base. Thaw according to package instructions before using.
- Brie Cheese: The creamy texture and mild flavor of brie complement the tart cranberry sauce. Remove the rind if preferred, but it’s edible and softens when baked.
- Cranberry Sauce: You can use either homemade or store-bought cranberry sauce. Whole berry sauce adds nice texture, but smooth cranberry sauce works as well.
- Fresh Rosemary: Adds a hint of earthiness and makes the bites look even more festive. Thyme is a good substitute if rosemary is not available.
Recipe Steps
- Preheat Oven & Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to the temperature specified on the puff pastry package. Grease a mini muffin tin or line it with mini muffin liners.
- Prepare the Puff Pastry: Roll out the thawed puff pastry slightly to even it out. Cut into squares that will fit into the cups of your mini muffin tin. Press the squares gently into the tin to form cups.
- Add the Brie: Cut the brie into small pieces that will fit inside the puff pastry cups. Place a piece of brie into each puff pastry cup.
- Add Cranberry Sauce: Spoon a small amount of cranberry sauce on top of the brie in each cup. The amount can be adjusted based on personal preference.
- Bake: Bake according to the puff pastry package instructions, usually around 15-20 minutes, until the pastry is golden and puffed.
- Garnish: Once removed from the oven and slightly cooled, garnish each bite with a small sprig of fresh rosemary.
Storage and Serving
- Storage: Best served fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven to restore the puff pastry’s crispness.
- Serving Tip: Serve warm for the best texture and flavor experience.
How to Make Cranberry Brie Bites
Ingredients
- Puff Pastry: 1 sheet, thawed
- Brie Cheese: 8 oz (225 g), cut into small cubes
- Cranberry Sauce: About 1/2 cup, whole berry or smooth based on preference
- Fresh Thyme Leaves: For garnish (optional)
- Chopped Pecans: For garnish (optional), toasted
- Egg: 1, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a mini muffin tin or line it with mini muffin liners.
- Prepare the Puff Pastry:
- Roll out the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Cut into squares that will fit into the cups of your mini muffin tin. A standard size might be around 2×2 inches, but adjust based on your tin size. Press the squares gently into the muffin cups.
- Add the Brie:
- Place a cube of Brie cheese into each puff pastry cup. The size of the Brie cubes can be adjusted based on your preference, but they should be small enough to allow room for cranberry sauce and puff up without overflowing.
- Add the Cranberry Sauce:
- Spoon a small amount of cranberry sauce on top of each Brie cube. You don’t want to overfill the cups, as the sauce can bubble and spill over when baking.
- Bake:
- Brush the edges of the puff pastry with beaten egg for a golden finish. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Once baked, allow them to cool for a couple of minutes, then transfer to a serving platter. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves and toasted chopped pecans if desired. Serve warm.