Description
These Cranberry Brie Bites are a delicious and elegant appetizer featuring creamy brie cheese and tart cranberry sauce baked inside flaky puff pastry. Perfect for holiday gatherings or any special occasion, they combine a crispy golden crust with melty cheese and a touch of sweetness. Optionally topped with chopped nuts for added texture and flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Pastry
- 2 sheets puff pastry, thawed
- Spray cooking oil
Filling
- 8 ounces brie
- 1 cup cranberry sauce
- Optional: 2-3 tablespoons finely chopped nuts (such as pecans or walnuts)
Instructions
- Prepare the Brie: Place the brie cheese, still in its wrapper, in the freezer for about 15 minutes before starting. This firms up the cheese, making it easier to cut into small pieces later. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 400ºF and generously spray the muffin tin with cooking oil to prevent sticking.
- Cut the Puff Pastry: On a lightly floured surface or cutting board, roll out the first sheet of thawed puff pastry slightly. Using a pizza cutter or sharp knife, cut the sheet into 12 equal squares. Repeat the process with the second sheet to yield a total of 24 puff pastry squares. Place each square gently into the prepared muffin tin cups.
- Slice the Brie: Remove the brie from the freezer and unwrap it. Cut the brie into 24 equal pieces by first cutting it into quarters, then slicing each quarter into 6 smaller pieces. This size fits perfectly into each puff pastry cup.
- Assemble the Bites: Place one piece of brie into each puff pastry cup in the muffin tin, ensuring the cheese rests nicely on the dough.
- Add Cranberry Sauce: Spoon about one teaspoon of cranberry sauce on top of each piece of brie. This adds a vibrant tangy sweetness that complements the creamy cheese.
- Add Nuts (Optional): If desired, sprinkle a pinch of finely chopped nuts over the cranberry sauce for extra crunch and flavor depth.
- Bake the Bites: Place the muffin tins in the preheated oven and bake for 11 to 13 minutes, or until the puff pastry turns golden brown and the brie melts beautifully.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the muffin tins from the oven and let the bites rest for 3 to 5 minutes. Use a butter knife to carefully loosen the edges of each bite, then gently lift them out. Transfer to a serving platter and enjoy warm.
Notes
- Freezing the brie briefly before cutting helps achieve even slices and prevents sticking.
- You can use homemade or store-bought cranberry sauce depending on preference.
- Chopped pecans or walnuts work best for the nut topping, but feel free to experiment with your favorites.
- Serve these bites warm for best flavor and texture.
- These make excellent party appetizers and pair well with sparkling wine or cider.
