Description
Cranberry Brie Bites are delightful, bite-sized appetizers featuring flaky puff pastry filled with creamy Brie cheese and tangy cranberry sauce. Enhanced with optional crunchy nuts, fresh rosemary, and a honey drizzle, these elegant treats combine sweet, savory, and nutty flavors perfect for holiday parties or any gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed
- 1 small wheel of Brie cheese, cut into small cubes
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Optional Toppings
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- Honey for drizzling
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a mini muffin tin or line it with mini muffin liners to prevent sticking and make removing the bites easier.
- Prepare the Puff Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet to smooth it out and thickness that suits your preference. Cut the pastry into 24 evenly sized small squares that will fit into your mini muffin tin cups.
- Assemble the Bites: Press each puff pastry square gently into the cups of the mini muffin tin, shaping them to hold the filling. Place a small cube of Brie cheese in the center of each pastry cup.
- Add Cranberry Sauce: Spoon approximately one teaspoon of cranberry sauce on top of each Brie cube. If desired, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the top to add texture and a nutty flavor.
- Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until the puff pastry becomes golden brown and the Brie cheese melts into a creamy filling.
- Garnish: Once baked, remove the bites from the oven and sprinkle them with fresh chopped rosemary to add herbal freshness. If you like an extra touch of sweetness, drizzle honey lightly over the top.
- Serve: Allow the cranberry Brie bites to cool slightly for a few minutes before serving. They are best enjoyed warm, showcasing the melted Brie and flaky pastry, though they remain delicious at room temperature.
Notes
- Ensure the puff pastry is properly thawed but still cold to make rolling and cutting easier.
- You can substitute fresh cranberries cooked with sugar if you prefer homemade cranberry sauce.
- The nuts are optional; for a nut-free version, simply skip them.
- Use mini muffin liners for easier cleanup and removal of the bites.
- These bites can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and gently reheated in the oven to maintain crispiness.
