Cranberry Brie Bites are mini treats that pack a lot of flavor! They combine baked brie cheese with sweet cranberry sauce, all wrapped in crispy pastry.
These little bites are perfect for parties or just a cozy snack at home. I always try to make extra because they disappear fast—everyone loves them! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Puff Pastry: This flaky pastry is key for a great texture. If you can’t find puff pastry, you could use phyllo dough, but remember to layer it well for a flaky bite!
Brie Cheese: Brie adds a creamy richness. If you’re looking to cut down on calories, try a lower-fat cheese like Neufchâtel or a soft, creamy goat cheese as a substitute.
Cranberry Sauce: Homemade cranberry sauce can add a personal touch, but store-bought works perfectly. If you’re not a fan, you can use other fruit preserves like raspberry or cherry.
Nuts: Pecans or walnuts add crunch and depth. If you have nut allergies, simply omit them or use seeds like pumpkin seeds instead.
Fresh Rosemary: This adds flavor and fragrance. If you’re out of fresh herbs, dried rosemary will work, just use less since it’s more potent.
How Do I Get the Perfect Puff Pastry Bites?
Getting those pretty, puffy pastry bites just right is all about technique. Here’s how to ensure they turn out great:
- Make sure your pastry is cold before you roll it out. This helps to create those flaky layers.
- Don’t overfill the pastry cups—just a little cheese and cranberry go a long way!
- Brush the edges of the pastry with egg for a beautiful golden color. This is a simple trick that makes them look professional!
- Keep an eye on them towards the end of baking time. Every oven is different, and you want that perfect golden brown.
- Let them cool slightly before removing from the tin. This helps avoid any sticking!
How to Make Delicious Cranberry Brie Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bites:
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 8 ounces Brie cheese, rind removed and cut into small cubes
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (fresh or canned)
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped (plus extra sprigs for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional, for sprinkling)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 20 minutes of prep time and another 15-18 minutes of baking time. So, you can have these tasty bites ready in under 40 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is important so the bites cook evenly and get nice and crispy!
2. Prepare the Puff Pastry:
Roll out your sheet of puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Use a sharp knife or a pizza cutter to slice the sheet into about 12 small squares that will fit into the muffin cups of your tin.
3. Form the Cups:
Take each puff pastry square and gently press it into the muffin tin, making little cups that will hold all your delicious ingredients.
4. Add the Brie:
Place a small cube of Brie cheese at the bottom of each pastry cup. The cheese will melt beautifully as it bakes!
5. Add Cranberry Sauce:
Top the Brie with about 1 teaspoon of cranberry sauce. This gives a sweet and tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with the creamy cheese.
6. Sprinkle with Nuts and Rosemary:
If you’re using nuts, sprinkle them on top of the cranberry sauce. Follow this with a sprinkle of finely chopped rosemary for added flavor and a touch of brown sugar if you’d like to enhance the sweetness.
7. Brush with Egg Wash:
Using a pastry brush, lightly coat the edges of each puff pastry cup with the beaten egg. This will help them turn a lovely golden brown as they bake.
8. Bake:
Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for about 15-18 minutes. Keep an eye on them until the pastry is puffed and golden, and the cheese is all melted and gooey.
9. Cool and Remove:
Once baked, remove the bites from the oven and let them cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes. Then, gently take each bite out of the tin and set them on a serving plate.
10. Serve Warm:
These bites are best enjoyed warm! You can garnish them with extra sprigs of rosemary for a pretty presentation.
Enjoy your delicious Cranberry Brie Bites as a perfect appetizer for any occasion! They are sure to be a big hit at parties or family gatherings!
Can I Use Frozen Puff Pastry?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or follow the package instructions for quick thawing. This will ensure it remains pliable and easy to work with!
What Can I Substitute for Brie Cheese?
If you’re not a fan of Brie, you can use other soft cheeses like Camembert, goat cheese, or even cream cheese for a different flavor profile!
How Do I Store Leftover Cranberry Brie Bites?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at a low temperature to maintain that crispy pastry texture before serving again!
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can assemble the bites in advance! Just cover them and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. They may need an extra minute or two in the oven if they’re coming straight from the fridge.
