Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can prepare these appetizers in no time.
- Festive Appeal: The combination of cranberry and Brie offers a classic holiday flavor, making them ideal for festive celebrations.
- Versatile: Suitable for various occasions, from casual get-togethers to elegant parties.
- Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe with different jams or toppings to suit your taste preferences.
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 8 oz Brie cheese, cut into small cubes
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Fresh rosemary or thyme for garnish (optional)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Prepare the Puff Pastry:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- On a lightly floured surface, unfold the puff pastry sheet and gently roll it out to smooth any creases.
- Cut the puff pastry into 24 equal squares using a sharp knife or pizza cutter.
- Assemble the Bites:
- Lightly grease a mini muffin tin and place each puff pastry square into the cups, pressing gently to form a small cup shape.
- Place a cube of Brie cheese into each puff pastry cup.
- Top each Brie cube with approximately 1/2 teaspoon of cranberry sauce. Be careful not to overfill to prevent overflow during baking.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and allow the bites to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a serving platter.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish each bite with a small sprig of fresh rosemary or thyme, if desired, for added color and flavor.
- Optionally, drizzle a little honey over the top for a hint of sweetness.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields 24 bites, serving approximately 8-12 people as an appetizer.
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 30 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Cranberry Brie Bites: Add a small pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a few drops of hot honey for a spicy-sweet twist.
- Apricot and Brie Puff Pastry Bites: Replace the cranberry sauce with apricot preserves for a different fruity flavor that pairs beautifully with Brie.
- Walnut and Cranberry Brie Bites: Sprinkle chopped walnuts on top of the cranberry sauce before baking to add a nutty crunch and extra texture.
- Fig and Brie Puff Pastry Bites: Use fig jam instead of cranberry sauce for a rich, sweet contrast to the Brie.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftover bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the bites on a baking sheet and warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5-7 minutes to restore crispness.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen puff pastry?
Yes, just make sure to thaw it according to package directions before rolling it out.
2. Can I make these with other types of cheese?
Yes, creamy cheeses like Camembert or soft goat cheese also work well.
3. Can I use homemade cranberry sauce?
Absolutely! Homemade cranberry sauce adds a fresh flavor and can be adjusted to your preferred sweetness.
4. Do I have to use a mini muffin pan?
While a mini muffin pan helps shape the bites, you can also bake them on a lined baking sheet; they may spread slightly but will still taste great.
5. Can I freeze cranberry Brie bites?
Yes, assemble the bites without baking, then freeze. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes as needed.
6. How do I keep the bites from getting soggy?
Serve them fresh out of the oven to prevent sogginess, as puff pastry softens over time.
7. Can I make them without cranberry sauce?
Yes, try fig jam, apricot preserves, or even a dab of honey for sweetness.
8. Can I use crescent roll dough instead of puff pastry?
Yes, crescent roll dough will work, though it won’t be as flaky. Cut into squares as you would with puff pastry.
9. What type of Brie is best?
Use a creamy, mild Brie. Triple-cream varieties are particularly smooth and delicious.
10. Are these bites vegetarian?
Yes, they are vegetarian-friendly if you use Brie and cranberry sauce with no animal-based additives.
Conclusion
Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Bites are an
Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Bites
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 bites
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Bites are the perfect holiday appetizer! These bite-sized treats combine creamy Brie, tangy cranberry sauce, and flaky puff pastry for an elegant, crowd-pleasing dish. Quick, easy, and endlessly customizable!
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 8 oz Brie cheese, cut into small cubes
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Fresh rosemary or thyme for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Puff Pastry
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to smooth creases.
- Cut into 24 equal squares.
- Assemble the Bites
- Grease a mini muffin tin and press each puff pastry square into the cups to form a small cup shape.
- Add a cube of Brie cheese to each cup.
- Top each with 1/2 teaspoon of cranberry sauce.
- Bake
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until puff pastry is golden and cheese is melted.
- Let cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a serving platter.
- Garnish and Serve
- Garnish with rosemary or thyme, if desired.
- Optionally, drizzle honey for added sweetness.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Swap cranberry sauce for other jams (e.g., apricot, fig) for a different flavor.
- Add nuts like walnuts for texture or crushed red pepper for a spicy kick.
- Best served immediately, but leftovers can be stored and reheated.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 - 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
