Cranberry Brie Bites

Bring Some Festive Flavor to Your Holiday Table

These Cranberry Brie Bites are a crowd-pleasing appetizer that combine the creamy goodness of brie, the tangy sweetness of cranberry sauce, and the buttery crispness of puff pastry. Topped with crunchy pecans or walnuts, these bites are a warm, indulgent treat that’s easy to make and perfect for any holiday gathering. Their elegant appearance, ease of assembly, and irresistible flavor make them a must-have for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special event!

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Why You’ll Love Cranberry Brie Bites

• Quick and Easy to Prepare: With just a handful of ingredients, these bites come together effortlessly.
• Elegant Presentation: Each bite-sized pastry looks beautiful on a holiday platter and makes a great impression.
• Flavor Combination: The creamy brie, tangy cranberry sauce, and optional nut topping create a delicious balance of flavors and textures.
• Perfect for Holiday Gatherings: These bites are ideal for parties, family dinners, or festive get-togethers and can be prepared ahead of time for a stress-free appetizer.

Ingredients for Cranberry Brie Bites 🛒

For the Pastry Cups:

• 1 package (1 sheet) refrigerated puff pastry, thawed – the flaky base for the bites; be sure to let it thaw before using so it’s easy to work with
• 1 cup brie cheese, cut into small cubes – the star ingredient that melts into gooey perfection
• 1 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought) – adds a tangy sweetness that complements the creamy brie
• ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional) – for a delightful crunch that pairs beautifully with the creamy and tangy flavors

For Finishing Touches:

• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash) – helps the puff pastry achieve that beautiful golden color
• Fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs (optional garnish) – adds a hint of herbaceous flavor and a touch of elegance to each bite

Step-by-Step Instructions 🥄

Step 1: Prepare the Puff Pastry and Preheat the Oven

1. Set the Oven Temperature: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature is ideal for achieving a golden, flaky crust while allowing the cheese to melt and the cranberry sauce to warm.
2. Roll Out the Puff Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, gently roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet. Using a rolling pin, even out the sheet if it’s slightly uneven to ensure uniform thickness.
3. Cut into Squares: Cut the puff pastry sheet into 2-inch squares. You should be able to get about 12-16 squares, depending on the size of your pastry sheet.

Step 2: Assembling the Cranberry Brie Bites

1. Prepare the Muffin Tin: Lightly grease a mini muffin tin with cooking spray or butter. This prevents the pastry from sticking and makes removing the bites easy after baking.
2. Form the Pastry Cups: Take each 2-inch puff pastry square and press it gently into a muffin cup, creating a small cup shape with the edges slightly overlapping the top of each cup. This step is key to ensuring each bite holds its shape and filling.
3. Add the Brie Cheese: Place a small cube of brie cheese into the center of each puff pastry cup. Brie’s creamy, slightly nutty flavor is perfect for these bites.
4. Top with Cranberry Sauce: Add 1-2 teaspoons of cranberry sauce on top of the brie. The cranberry’s bright, tangy flavor complements the rich brie and buttery puff pastry.
5. Optional Crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the cranberry sauce for a delightful crunch that adds both flavor and texture. If you’re serving guests with nut allergies, this step can be skipped, and the bites will still be delicious.

Step 3: Baking the Bites

1. Egg Wash for a Golden Crust: Brush the edges of each puff pastry cup with the beaten egg. This will help create that beautiful golden-brown finish on the pastry.
2. Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on them, as baking times may vary slightly based on your oven. You’ll know they’re ready when the puff pastry has puffed up, turned golden brown, and the brie has melted.
3. Cooling: Remove the Cranberry Brie Bites from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for a couple of minutes. This cooling step ensures the filling sets slightly, making them easier to handle.

Step 4: Garnishing and Serving

1. Garnish with Fresh Herbs: For an added touch of elegance and a hint of fresh flavor, garnish each bite with a small sprig of rosemary or thyme. The herbal notes of these garnishes add a wonderful balance to the richness of the brie and the sweetness of the cranberry sauce.
2. Serve Warm: Cranberry Brie Bites are best enjoyed warm when the brie is still gooey and the pastry is perfectly flaky. Arrange them on a festive platter and watch them disappear as your guests dive in!

Tips for Perfect Cranberry Brie Bites

• Work Quickly with Puff Pastry: Puff pastry is easiest to work with when it’s cool, so avoid letting it sit at room temperature for too long.
• Use High-Quality Brie: Since brie is the main ingredient, choose a good-quality brie cheese for the best flavor.
• Homemade Cranberry Sauce: If you have the time, homemade cranberry sauce can elevate these bites even more. Simmer fresh cranberries with sugar and a splash of orange juice for a tangy, flavorful sauce.
• Pre-Cut Brie Ahead of Time: Brie can get sticky as it warms up, so cutting it into cubes and keeping them in the fridge until ready to use makes assembly quicker and cleaner.

Variations and Add-Ins

• Add a Touch of Honey: Drizzle a small amount of honey over the cranberry sauce for an extra hint of sweetness.
• Swap Out the Nuts: Try pistachios or almonds for a different flavor, or omit nuts entirely for a nut-free version.
• Try a Different Cheese: While brie is classic, Camembert or creamy goat cheese can work wonderfully in these bites, adding a unique twist.

Serving and Storing

• Serving Suggestions: Pair these Cranberry Brie Bites with a glass of sparkling wine or a festive punch for the perfect holiday appetizer combination.
• Storing Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them in a 300°F oven for about 5-7 minutes to re-crisp the pastry before serving again.

Why These Bites Will Be a Holiday Hit 🎉

Cranberry Brie Bites bring together classic holiday flavors in one delightful, bite-sized appetizer. The combination of creamy brie, sweet-tart cranberry sauce, and flaky puff pastry makes each bite a perfect blend of textures and tastes. They’re easy to make but feel elegant, making them an ideal choice for holiday gatherings or even as a fun snack to share with family. Whip up a batch and enjoy the delicious flavors of the season!