Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe

These Cranberry Brie Bites are the perfect festive appetizer for your holiday gatherings! With flaky puff pastry, creamy brie, and tangy cranberry sauce, they deliver a delightful blend of flavors and textures in every bite. Elegant yet easy to prepare, they’re ideal for entertaining, whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a cozy winter dinner party.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Elegant and Festive: Beautifully garnished with fresh herbs, these bites look sophisticated and are perfect for holiday gatherings.
• Quick and Easy: Ready in about 30 minutes, with minimal prep time.
• Perfect Balance of Sweet and Savory: The creamy brie pairs perfectly with the tangy cranberry sauce and flaky pastry.
• Versatile and Customizable: Add nuts, swap fillings, or adjust toppings to make it your own!

Ingredients

• 1 sheet refrigerated puff pastry, thawed
• 1 cup brie cheese, cut into small cubes
• 1 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional, for added crunch)
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• Fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs (optional garnish)

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Prepare the Oven and Puff Pastry: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly flour a surface and gently roll out the thawed puff pastry. Cut it into 2-inch squares, yielding about 12-16 squares.
2. Assemble the Bites: Lightly grease a muffin tin. Place each puff pastry square into a muffin cup, pressing down gently to form a small cup shape. Place a cube of brie cheese in each pastry cup, followed by 1-2 teaspoons of cranberry sauce. If desired, sprinkle with chopped pecans or walnuts for an added crunch.
3. Bake: Brush the edges of the pastry with the beaten egg to create a golden finish. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and the brie has melted.
4. Garnish and Serve: Allow the bites to cool slightly before serving. Garnish with a small sprig of fresh rosemary or thyme, if desired, for a festive touch.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Rolling pin (for gently rolling the puff pastry)
• Sharp knife or pastry cutter
• Muffin tin
• Pastry brush for egg wash
• Measuring spoons

Serving and Storage Tips

• Serving: These bites are best enjoyed warm for the perfect gooey, melted cheese experience. Serve them fresh out of the oven for a delicious appetizer or snack.
• Storage: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for about 5 minutes to re-crisp the pastry.

Recipe Variations

• Different Jam or Sauce: Try fig jam, apricot preserves, or even a spicy pepper jelly in place of cranberry sauce for a different twist.
• Add a Savory Element: Add a slice of prosciutto or a pinch of caramelized onions under the brie for extra flavor.
• Make It Extra Nutty: Add slivered almonds or crushed pistachios instead of pecans or walnuts for a fun texture.

Helpful Notes

• Handling the Puff Pastry: Thaw the puff pastry according to package instructions, but keep it cool to make it easier to handle.
• Prevent Sticking: Grease the muffin tin lightly, as the melted brie can sometimes stick to the pan.
• Even Sizing: Cut the puff pastry squares to equal sizes for consistent baking and appearance.

Tips from Chefs

• Chef Ina Garten: “For an even flakier pastry, chill the assembled bites in the fridge for 10 minutes before baking to firm up the puff pastry.”
• Chef Jamie Oliver: “Add a tiny pinch of salt on top to bring out the flavors of the cheese and cranberry, especially if using unsalted nuts.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I use phyllo dough instead of puff pastry?
Yes! Phyllo dough will give you a lighter, crispier bite. Layer 2-3 sheets, brushing with melted butter between layers, before adding the fillings.

Q2: Can I make these bites ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the bites and freeze them (unbaked) on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to an airtight container and store for up to 2 weeks. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Q3: What if I don’t have a muffin tin?
You can bake these on a lined baking sheet, though they may spread slightly. Form small “cups” with the pastry and press the edges to hold the filling in place.

Q4: Can I use a different cheese?
Absolutely! Camembert, goat cheese, or cream cheese can also work well in this recipe, though they may have a slightly different melting quality.

Q5: How can I prevent the cranberry sauce from leaking out?
Be careful not to overfill each pastry cup. Using a thicker cranberry sauce or jam can also help keep the filling inside.

Perfect for Holiday Entertaining

These Cranberry Brie Bites are an elegant, deliciously festive appetizer that will impress your guests and add a gourmet touch to any holiday spread. They’re easy to make, versatile for different tastes, and packed with warm, gooey, cheesy goodness that everyone will love. Make a batch for your next gathering, and watch them disappear in no time!

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