Easy Cranberry Brie Bites are a delightful appetizer that’s perfect for holiday gatherings or any special occasion.
They combine flaky puff pastry, creamy brie cheese, and sweet-tart cranberry sauce for an irresistible bite-sized treat. These bites are simple to prepare yet look elegant and taste incredible, making them a crowd-pleaser.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Mini muffin tin
- Rolling pin
- Knife or pastry cutter
- Small spoon
Ingredients Overview
- Puff Pastry: The base of this recipe, puff pastry adds a flaky, buttery texture to the bites.
- Brie Cheese: A soft and creamy cheese that melts beautifully, adding richness to the dish.
- Cranberry Sauce: The perfect balance of sweetness and tartness to complement the brie.
- Optional Garnish: Fresh rosemary or chopped pecans for a festive touch.
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 1 wheel brie cheese, cut into small cubes
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- Optional: chopped pecans, fresh rosemary sprigs
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a mini muffin tin or spray it with nonstick cooking spray. - Prepare the Puff Pastry:
Roll out the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface to smooth out any creases. Cut the pastry into 24 equal squares using a knife or pastry cutter. - Assemble the Bites:
Press one square of puff pastry into each cup of the mini muffin tin, gently pushing it down to form a base. - Add the Brie and Cranberry Sauce:
Place a cube of brie cheese into the center of each pastry square. Top the cheese with a small spoonful of cranberry sauce. - Optional Garnish:
If desired, sprinkle chopped pecans or place a small rosemary sprig on top for added flavor and presentation. - Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden and the brie is melted. - Cool and Serve:
Let the bites cool for a few minutes before carefully removing them from the muffin tin. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Recipe Tips
- Make Ahead: Assemble the bites in advance and refrigerate them until ready to bake.
- Customize the Filling: Try swapping cranberry sauce with fig jam, apricot preserves, or raspberry jam.
- Use Store-Bought Dough: Crescent roll dough or phyllo dough can be used as alternatives to puff pastry.
What to Serve With This Recipe
- Pairings: Serve alongside other appetizers like charcuterie boards, stuffed mushrooms, or roasted nuts.
- Drinks: Cranberry brie bites pair wonderfully with sparkling wine, champagne, or festive mocktails.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze cranberry brie bites?
Yes! Assemble and freeze the uncooked bites on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container. Bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
What if I don’t have mini muffin tins?
You can place the puff pastry squares on a regular baking sheet, but fold the edges up slightly to contain the filling.
How do I keep the bites warm?
Place the bites in a low oven (200°F) to keep them warm before serving.
Serving Suggestions
These cranberry brie bites are ideal for holiday parties, potlucks, or as a starter for a festive dinner. Arrange them on a decorative platter and watch them disappear!
Easy Cranberry Brie Bites
Equipment
- Mini muffin tin
- Rolling Pin
- Knife or pastry cutter
- Small spoon
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry thawed
- 1 wheel brie cheese cut into small cubes
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce homemade or store-bought
- Optional: chopped pecans fresh rosemary sprigs
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a mini muffin tin or spray it with nonstick cooking spray.
- Prepare the Puff Pastry:
- Roll out the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface to smooth out any creases. Cut the pastry into 24 equal squares using a knife or pastry cutter.
- Assemble the Bites:
- Press one square of puff pastry into each cup of the mini muffin tin, gently pushing it down to form a base.
- Add the Brie and Cranberry Sauce:
- Place a cube of brie cheese into the center of each pastry square. Top the cheese with a small spoonful of cranberry sauce.
- Optional Garnish:
- If desired, sprinkle chopped pecans or place a small rosemary sprig on top for added flavor and presentation.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden and the brie is melted.
- Cool and Serve:
- Let the bites cool for a few minutes before carefully removing them from the muffin tin. Serve warm or at room temperature.
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