Cranberry Brie Bites are little pockets of joy! These tasty treats combine creamy brie cheese with sweet, tangy cranberry sauce, all wrapped in flaky pastry.
They’re perfect for parties or just a cozy night in. I love how easy they are to make—just bake, and they’re ready to impress your friends (or your snack cravings)! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Puff Pastry: This is the base of your bites, giving them that delightful flaky texture. If you can’t find puff pastry, you can use phyllo dough, just be sure to layer a few sheets together for sturdiness.
Brie Cheese: This creamy cheese pairs perfectly with cranberry. If brie is hard to find, you can substitute with Camembert or another soft cheese like goat cheese for a different flavor.
Cranberry Sauce: Store-bought is convenient, but homemade is a treat! You can even use other fruit preserves like raspberry or fig if you want to mix it up.
Fresh Rosemary: This adds a lovely aroma. If you don’t have fresh rosemary, dried rosemary works too—just use less since it’s more concentrated. A dash of thyme could also be a pleasant alternative.
Nuts: Pecans or walnuts add crunch, but feel free to skip them if you have nut allergies. You could also use seeds like sunflower seeds for that same crunch.
How Can I Perfectly Shape Puff Pastry into Cups?
The key to making perfect pastry cups is being gentle with the dough to avoid tearing. First, roll it out on a floured surface to ensure it’s even. Then, cut it into squares big enough for your muffin tin.
- Press each square lightly into the greased muffin tin—don’t stretch it!
- Make sure it’s snug in the bottom of each cup for proper baking.
- Brushing the edges with the egg wash not only helps the pastry brown nicely but also keeps the layers together!
Remember, if some pastry comes out a bit wonky, they will still taste delicious! The imperfections often result in unique shapes that add charm to your presentation.
Cranberry Brie Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bites:
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 6 oz brie cheese
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 tsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped (plus a few sprigs for garnish)
- 2 tbsp crushed pecans or walnuts (optional)
For the Egg Wash:
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp water
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes around 10 minutes for preparation and about 15–18 minutes for baking. In total, you can have these delicious bites ready in about 30 minutes—perfect for a quick appetizer!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First, set your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it gets hot while you prepare your bites. Don’t forget to lightly grease a mini muffin tin to prevent sticking!
2. Prepare the Puff Pastry:
Roll out your sheet of puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Make sure it’s nice and even! Cut the pastry into 12 equal squares, which should be big enough to fit into the cups of the mini muffin tin.
3. Create the Pastry Shells:
Gently press each square into the muffin tin to form little pastry cups. Be careful not to stretch the dough too much; you want it to hold its shape!
4. Add the Brie:
Next, cut the brie cheese into small pieces, about the size of the muffin cups. Place one piece into each pastry shell—you want the cheese to melt perfectly!
5. Top with Cranberry Sauce:
Spread about a teaspoon of cranberry sauce over the brie in each cup. This will add a beautiful burst of flavor.
6. Add the Rosemary:
Sprinkle a small pinch of chopped fresh rosemary on top of each bite for a lovely herbal touch.
7. Optional Crunch:
If you’d like a little extra texture, sprinkle some crushed pecans or walnuts on top of the bites. This is totally optional—feel free to skip it if you prefer!
8. Egg Wash for Golden Color:
In a small bowl, whisk the egg and water together to create an egg wash. Brush the edges of each pastry bite lightly with this mixture to help them brown beautifully while baking.
9. Bake the Bites:
Pop the bites into the preheated oven and bake for 15–18 minutes. Keep an eye on them until the pastry is golden brown and puffed, and the brie is all melty!
10. Cool and Garnish:
Once baked, take them out and allow them to cool slightly. For a lovely presentation, garnish each bite with a small sprig of rosemary if you’d like!
11. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve these warm and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors! The creamy brie and sweet cranberry are a match made in heaven!
This recipe yields about 12 bite-sized appetizers, perfect for holiday parties or any festive gathering. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Can I Use Store-Bought Puff Pastry?
Absolutely! Store-bought puff pastry is a fantastic time-saver and is designed to be easy to work with. Just make sure to thaw it according to the package instructions before using!
Can I Prepare These Bites Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Prepare the bites up to the point of baking and store them covered in the fridge for a few hours. When you’re ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time as they will go in cold.
What Can I Substitute for Brie Cheese?
If brie isn’t available, you can use Camembert or even a creamy goat cheese for a tangy twist. Just make sure the cheese melts well for that gooey texture!
How Should I Store Leftover Cranberry Brie Bites?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until warmed through and crispy again.
