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Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.1 from 35 reviews
  • Author: Kimberly
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30-35 minutes
  • Yield: 24 bites
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Form Pastry Cups: Press each pastry square gently into the muffin cups, shaping each into a small cup that will hold the filling securely.
  4. Prepare Brie: Slice the brie cheese into 24 small cubes, approximately 1/2 inch in size, to ensure even melting and portion control.
  5. Fill Pastry Cups: Place one cube of brie into each pastry cup, arranging them carefully to prevent spillage during baking.
  6. Add Cranberry Sauce: Spoon a generous amount of cranberry sauce over the brie in each cup, contrasting the creamy cheese with tart sweetness.
  7. Optional Topping: If using, sprinkle chopped pecans atop each bite for a delightful crunch and enhanced flavor complexity.
  8. 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.
  9. 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.