Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe

Introduction

Cranberry Brie Bites are a perfect blend of creamy cheese, tangy cranberry, and flaky puff pastry. These bite-sized appetizers are simple to make and ideal for holiday gatherings or any special occasion. Their sweet and savory combination is sure to impress your guests.

Ingredients

• 2 sheets puff pastry, thawed
• 1 cup cranberry sauce
• 8 ounces brie
• Spray cooking oil
• Optional: 2-3 tablespoons nuts, finely chopped

Instructions

1. Step 1: About 15 minutes before starting, place the brie cheese, still in its wrapper, in the freezer to firm up. Preheat your oven to 400º F. Generously spray the muffin tins with cooking oil.
2. Step 2: Roll out the first sheet of thawed puff pastry on a cutting board. Using a pizza cutter, cut the dough into 12 equal squares. Repeat with the second sheet. Place each square into the muffin tin cups.
3. Step 3: Remove the brie from the freezer and unwrap it. Cut the cheese into 24 equal pieces by first slicing into quarters, then cutting each quarter into 6 pieces.
4. Step 4: Place one piece of brie into each puff pastry cup in the muffin tins.
5. Step 5: Spoon about 1 teaspoon of cranberry sauce over each piece of brie.
6. Step 6: If using, sprinkle a pinch of finely chopped nuts over the cranberry sauce on each bite.
7. Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for 11 to 13 minutes until the pastry is golden brown and the cheese is melted. Let the bites rest for 3 to 5 minutes before carefully loosening the edges with a butter knife to remove them from the tin. Transfer to a serving platter.

Tips & Variations

• For a different twist, try using fig jam instead of cranberry sauce.
• Add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the brie before baking for extra aroma.
• Use pecans or walnuts if adding nuts; they complement the flavors nicely.
• Make sure the brie is chilled before cutting to get clean slices and prevent sticking.

Storage

Store leftover cranberry brie bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat briefly in a 350º F oven for about 5 minutes to restore crispiness before serving. They are best enjoyed warm.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare these bites ahead of time?

You can assemble the bites and refrigerate them for a few hours before baking. Just add baking time if baking straight from the fridge to ensure the pastry cooks through.

What can I use if I don’t have puff pastry?

Phyllo dough can be a lighter substitute, but it requires careful handling and layering with butter. Store-bought crescent roll dough can also work for a different texture.

Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe

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4.7 from 122 reviews

These Cranberry Brie Bites are a delightful appetizer featuring creamy brie cheese wrapped in flaky puff pastry, topped with sweet cranberry sauce and optional crunchy nuts. Perfect for holiday gatherings, they are easy to prepare and bake to golden perfection, offering a delicious blend of textures and festive flavors.

• Author: rami
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 13 minutes
• Total Time: 33 minutes
• Yield: 24 bites 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pastry

• 2 sheets puff pastry, thawed
• Spray Cooking Oil

Filling

• 8 ounces brie cheese
• 1 cup cranberry sauce
• Optional: 2-3 tablespoons finely chopped nuts (such as pecans or walnuts)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Brie: Place the brie cheese, still in its wrapper, in the freezer for about 15 minutes before starting. This step firms up the cheese, making it easier to cut into the required pieces.
2. Preheat and Prepare Muffin Tin: Preheat your oven to 400ºF (204ºC). Generously spray the muffin tin cups with cooking oil to prevent sticking.
3. Cut Puff Pastry: Roll out one sheet of thawed puff pastry on a clean surface. Use a pizza cutter to slice the sheet into 12 equal squares. Repeat the process with the second sheet, resulting in 24 pastry squares. Place the squares into the sprayed muffin tin cups, lining each cup.
4. Cut the Brie: Remove the chilled brie from the freezer and unwrap. Cut the cheese into 24 equal pieces by first slicing into quarters, then cutting each quarter into 6 pieces.
5. Assemble Bites: Place one piece of brie into each puff pastry-lined muffin cup. Using a spoon, top each brie piece with approximately 1 teaspoon of cranberry sauce.
6. Add Nuts (Optional): If you prefer added texture and flavor, sprinkle a pinch of finely chopped nuts over each cranberry-topped brie piece.
7. Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 11 to 13 minutes, until the puff pastry is golden brown and the brie is melted and bubbly.
8. Cool and Remove: Allow the bites to rest for 3 to 5 minutes after baking. Then, use a butter knife to carefully loosen the edges to remove them from the muffin tin without breaking.
9. Serve: Transfer the cranberry brie bites to a serving platter and enjoy warm as a perfect festive appetizer.

Notes

• Freezing the brie before cutting makes it easier to slice into neat pieces without crumbling.
• You can use homemade or store-bought cranberry sauce depending on preference.
• To add extra flavor, consider sprinkling a small amount of fresh thyme or rosemary on top before baking.
• If nuts are used, finely chopping them ensures they melt slightly and integrate well with the bite.
• Serve warm for best flavor and texture.

Keywords: Cranberry Brie Bites, Puff Pastry Appetizer, Holiday Appetizer, Easy Party Snacks, Baked Brie, Cranberry Sauce Recipes