Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe
Introduction
Cranberry Brie Bites are the perfect festive snack that combines sweet, savory, and tangy flavors in a delightful, bite-sized package. Creamy brie cheese sits nestled inside flaky puff pastry, topped with zingy cranberry sauce and baked until golden. These elegant bites are sure to impress at any gathering.
Ingredients
- 1 sheet of puff pastry (store-bought or homemade)
- 4 oz. brie cheese
- 4 tablespoons cranberry sauce
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Fresh thyme or rosemary (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) fan. Line a baking tray with parchment paper or a silicone liner to prevent sticking.
- Step 2: Unroll the puff pastry sheet onto a clean surface. Brush the entire surface lightly with the beaten egg for a golden finish. Cut the pastry into about 40 small, even rectangles.
- Step 3: Pair up the rectangles by placing one on top of another, pressing gently to form 20 doubled layers that will puff nicely.
- Step 4: Arrange the layered rectangles on the prepared baking tray, spacing them slightly apart. Bake for about 10 minutes until golden and puffed. Remove from oven but keep the tray nearby.
- Step 5: While baking, slice the brie into small, uniform pieces. Once pastries are out of the oven, place a slice of brie on each puff and return to the oven for 1–2 minutes until the cheese softens and begins to melt.
- Step 6: Transfer the warm pastry puffs to a serving plate. Top each with a small dollop of cranberry sauce and garnish with fresh rosemary or thyme leaves if desired. Serve immediately.
Tips & Variations
- Use canned cranberry sauce for convenience or homemade for extra freshness and flavor.
- Swap brie for camembert, goat cheese, or cream cheese for different flavor profiles.
- For added texture, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the cranberry topping before baking.
- Make them ahead by assembling and refrigerating before baking; bake or reheat just before serving to keep pastry crisp.
- Try replacing cranberry sauce with caramelized onions or pesto for a savory twist.
Storage
Store any leftover bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 5–7 minutes to regain crispness. Avoid microwaving, which can make the pastry soggy.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
What are Cranberry Brie Bites?
Cranberry Brie Bites are small, puff pastry cups filled with creamy brie cheese and topped with tangy cranberry sauce. They are elegant, bite-sized appetizers perfect for holiday gatherings or parties.
Can I make them ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the bites a few hours in advance and keep them refrigerated until ready to bake. You can also bake them fully in advance and reheat in the oven just before serving to refresh the pastry’s crispness.
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Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 20 Cranberry Brie Bites 1x
Description
Cranberry Brie Bites are an elegant and festive appetizer featuring creamy Brie cheese nestled inside flaky puff pastry, topped with tangy cranberry sauce and a hint of fresh herbs. Baked to golden perfection, these bite-sized treats offer a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and buttery flavors, making them a sophisticated addition to holiday parties, casual gatherings, or special occasions.
Ingredients
Pastry
- 1 sheet of puff pastry (store-bought or homemade)
Filling
- 4 oz. Brie cheese, sliced into small, uniform pieces
- 4 tablespoons cranberry sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Other
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Fresh thyme or rosemary leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Tray: Preheat your oven to 200°C/400°F (fan). Line a baking tray with baking parchment or a silicone liner to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Prepare Puff Pastry: Unroll the puff pastry sheet carefully on a clean surface to avoid tearing. Lightly brush the entire surface with beaten egg wash for a golden finish. Using a sharp knife or pastry cutter, cut the pastry into approximately 40 small, even-sized rectangles.
- Layer the Pastry: Pair the rectangles by placing one directly on top of another and gently pressing them together, creating about 20 doubled-up rectangles. This layering enhances puffiness during baking.
- Bake Pastry Shells: Arrange the layered pastry rectangles spaced slightly apart on the prepared baking tray. Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes or until the pastries are puffed and golden brown. Remove from oven and keep the tray nearby.
- Prepare Brie and Melt: While the pastry bakes, slice the Brie into small uniform pieces for even melting. Once the pastry shells come out of the oven, place one slice of Brie on each puff. Return the tray to the oven for 1 to 2 minutes, just enough to soften and slightly melt the cheese.
- Add Topping and Serve: Carefully transfer the warm pastry puffs to a serving plate. Top each with a small dollop of cranberry sauce and garnish with fresh rosemary or thyme leaves. Serve immediately while warm as a delightful appetizer or snack.
Notes
- You can assemble the bites a few hours ahead and refrigerate before baking to save time.
- For best texture, bake just before serving to keep the pastry crisp and avoid sogginess.
- Canned cranberry sauce works well, but homemade cranberry sauce adds extra flavor.
- Alternative cheeses such as Camembert, goat cheese, or cream cheese can be used for different flavor profiles.
- Optionally, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top before baking for added crunch and nuttiness.
- Reheat baked bites in the oven for a few minutes to restore crispiness if made in advance.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: International
Keywords: Cranberry Brie Bites, Holiday Appetizer, Puff Pastry Snacks, Festive Cheese Bites, Cranberry Cheese Appetizer
