Description
Delight your guests with these easy-to-make Cranberry Brie Bites, featuring flaky puff pastry filled with melty brie cheese and tangy cranberry sauce. Perfect as an elegant appetizer or festive treat, these bite-sized pastries are garnished with fresh thyme and optional crunchy pecans for added texture and flavor.
Ingredients
Pastry
- 1 package (17.3 oz) frozen puff pastry, thawed
Filling
- 8 oz wheel of brie cheese
- 1 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Garnish and Extras
- 2-3 sprigs fresh thyme for garnish
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a mini muffin tin thoroughly to prevent sticking and ensure easy release of the pastry bites.
- Cut Puff Pastry: Roll out the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and cut into 24 equal squares, sized to fit perfectly into the mini muffin cups.
- Form Pastry Cups: Press each pastry square gently into the muffin cups, shaping each into a small cup that will hold the filling securely.
- Prepare Brie: Slice the brie cheese into 24 small cubes, approximately 1/2 inch in size, to ensure even melting and portion control.
- Fill Pastry Cups: Place one cube of brie into each pastry cup, arranging them carefully to prevent spillage during baking.
- Add Cranberry Sauce: Spoon a generous amount of cranberry sauce over the brie in each cup, contrasting the creamy cheese with tart sweetness.
- Optional Topping: If using, sprinkle chopped pecans atop each bite for a delightful crunch and enhanced flavor complexity.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the puff pastry turns golden brown and the brie melts completely beneath the cranberry topping.
- Cool and Garnish: Remove from oven and allow the bites to cool for a few minutes before garnishing with fresh thyme sprigs. Serve warm for the best flavor and texture experience.
Notes
- Using a fresh wheel of brie with the rind on adds a creamy texture and richer flavor.
- For a vegetarian option, ensure the cranberry sauce does not contain non-vegetarian ingredients.
- An egg wash can be applied to the pastry before baking for a shinier, more golden crust.
- These bites can be prepared ahead and baked just before serving to maximize freshness.
- Store leftover bites in an airtight container and reheat gently in the oven to maintain crispness.