These Cranberry Brie Bites are a cute and tasty snack! Made with flaky pastry, creamy brie cheese, and sweet-tart cranberry sauce, they are truly delicious.
They’re perfect for parties or movie nights. I love how quick they are to whip up. Just fill, bake, and enjoy the yummy goodness—what could be easier? 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Puff Pastry: This flaky pastry is key for that buttery crunch. If you’re in a pinch, phyllo dough works too, though the texture will be different. You can also make homemade pastry if you have the time!
Brie Cheese: Brie is creamy and melts beautifully. If you want a stronger flavor, try Camembert instead. For a non-dairy option, a vegan cream cheese could work, but it won’t be quite the same.
Cranberry Sauce: Whole berry sauce adds texture and taste. If you’re short on time, store-bought is fine. You can also use other jams like raspberry or fig for a unique twist.
Nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts add a nice crunch. If allergies are a concern, sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds are great substitutes.
Herbs: Fresh rosemary or thyme enhances flavor. If you don’t have fresh herbs, use dried ones; just remember that dried are stronger, so use less.
How Do I Make Sure My Puff Pastry Turns Out Perfectly?
Getting the puff pastry right is crucial for these bites. Here’s how to achieve a golden, flaky texture:
- Keep your pastry cold until you’re ready to use it. Warm pastry won’t puff as much.
- Don’t overwork the dough; roll it just enough to cut into squares.
- Grease the muffin tin well to prevent sticking.
- For an extra golden finish, brush the edges of the pastry with a bit of beaten egg before baking.
How to Make Cranberry Brie Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 8 oz brie cheese, rind removed and cut into small cubes
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (preferably whole berry)
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- 1 tbsp brown sugar (optional, for topping)
- Fresh rosemary or thyme for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 20 minutes to prepare, plus 12-15 minutes for baking, for a total of around 35-40 minutes. It’s quick enough for a last-minute appetizer but impressive enough for any gathering!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your cranberry brie bites bake evenly and come out perfectly golden. While the oven heats up, lightly grease a mini muffin tin to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Puff Pastry:
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet. Use a sharp knife or a pizza cutter to cut it into 24 small squares. These squares should be big enough to fit into each mini muffin cup, covering the bottom and sides.
3. Form the Cups:
Gently press each pastry square into the muffin tin cups, shaping them into tiny cups. Make sure they cover the sides well, so they can hold all the delicious filling!
4. Fill with Brie:
Place a small cube of brie cheese into each puff pastry cup. The brie will melt beautifully and make these bites wonderfully creamy!
5. Add the Cranberry Sauce:
Top each piece of brie with about a teaspoon of cranberry sauce. This sweet and tart layer perfectly complements the rich cheese.
6. Sprinkle with Nuts:
For some crunch, sprinkle the chopped pecans or walnuts over the cranberry sauce. If you want to add a little extra sweetness, you can also sprinkle a bit of brown sugar on top.
7. Bake Your Bites:
Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, until the pastry is golden and puffed, and the brie is melted and bubbly. The savory aroma will fill your kitchen!
8. Cool and Remove:
Once baked, take the muffin tin out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Carefully remove the cranberry brie bites from the tin, as they may still be hot.
9. Garnish:
If desired, garnish your bites with fresh rosemary or thyme for a lovely touch and added flavor. It’s all about making them look as good as they taste!
10. Enjoy!
Serve these warm and enjoy every delicious bite. They are sure to be a hit at any gathering!
Can I Use Frozen Puff Pastry?
Absolutely! Frozen puff pastry works great for this recipe. Just make sure to thaw it in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight before using, so it’s pliable and easy to work with.
What Can I Substitute for Brie Cheese?
If you don’t have brie cheese, camembert is a nice alternative due to its similar creamy texture and flavor. For a lighter option, goat cheese can also work well, though it will change the flavor profile a bit.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to crisp them back up!
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the bites up to the baking stage, refrigerate the assembled cups, and bake them fresh just before serving. They’ll be just as delicious!
