Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe
Cranberry Brie Bites are the ultimate crowd-pleaser for any get-together, whether it’s a festive holiday gathering or a casual weekend with friends. Imagine buttery, golden puff pastry filled with oozy, creamy Brie cheese, sweet-tart cranberry sauce, and the gentle crunch of pecans, all jazzed up with a little fresh rosemary. These bites are so easy to whip up, but their flavor combination is pure magic—making every bite totally irresistible. Get ready to watch them disappear in seconds!
Ingredients You’ll Need
There’s something perfectly comforting about how a few simple ingredients can come together to create such elegant magic. Each one plays its part, adding a pop of flavor, a creamy texture, or just the right festive color to your Cranberry Brie Bites. Here’s what you need, and why you don’t want to skip a thing:
- Puff Pastry: The key to those impossibly light, flaky layers—keep it cold and handle gently for best results.
- Brie Cheese: Creamy, buttery, and melty, Brie is the heart of these bites; cut the rind or keep it, it’s up to you.
- Cranberry Sauce (whole berry): The tartness balances out the richness of the cheese; homemade or store-bought both work beautifully.
- Pecans (optional): Sprinkle them for crunch and a toasty, nutty flavor—walnuts or almonds are delicious subs too.
- Fresh Rosemary: Just a bit brings an aromatic, earthy note that makes everything taste festive.
- Egg (beaten): An egg wash gives the pastry that perfect, bakery-style golden sheen.
- Cooking Spray or Butter: Essential for greasing the muffin tin so your Cranberry Brie Bites pop right out.
How to Make Cranberry Brie Bites
Step 1: Prep Your Muffin Tin and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C), and grab your trusty mini muffin tin. Give it a good spritz with cooking spray or a rub of butter—nothing ruins the anticipation like a stuck bite!
Step 2: Roll and Cut the Puff Pastry
On a lightly floured surface, gently roll out your thawed puff pastry into an even rectangle. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice the sheet into 24 neat squares—don’t stress if they aren’t all identical, they’ll puff up gloriously in the oven.
Step 3: Assemble the Bites
Nestle each puff pastry square into its muffin cup, pressing lightly so the dough fits snugly into the bottom and sides. Pop a cube of creamy Brie right in the center, then spoon about a teaspoon of cranberry sauce over the cheese for that sweet-tart punch.
Step 4: Add Toppings and Brush with Egg Wash
If you like a little nutty crunch, sprinkle chopped pecans over each cup. A pinch of fresh, chopped rosemary goes a long way to brighten every bite. Finally, brush the exposed pastry edges lightly with the beaten egg—this step makes them golden and dreamy.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 13 to 15 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and irresistibly golden brown. Let the Cranberry Brie Bites cool for a couple of minutes before carefully easing them from the tin. Serve warm and bask in the compliments!
How to Serve Cranberry Brie Bites
Garnishes
Scatter a few extra rosemary leaves or a sprinkle of chopped toasted nuts over the platter for a quick flourish. If you want to turn heads, a light dusting of flaky sea salt can make the flavors pop even more. A few curls of orange zest will also feel right at home here, adding a lovely citrus perfume.
Side Dishes
Pair Cranberry Brie Bites with an assortment of fresh fruits—think apple or pear slices—and maybe a crisp salad with a tangy vinaigrette. If you’re serving a crowd, add them to a festive cheese and charcuterie board for a bit of warmth and indulgence among all the cool nibbles.
Creative Ways to Present
Set these bites out on a rustic wooden board with a scattering of cranberries and sprigs of rosemary tucked around for a natural look. For fancier occasions, place each bite in a colorful paper baking cup or a mini muffin liner. If you’re lucky enough to have a tiered cake stand, Cranberry Brie Bites look delightful stacked among other finger foods.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Pop any leftover bites into an airtight container as soon as they’ve cooled. They’ll keep nicely in the refrigerator for up to three days. The filling might set a little, but a quick reheat will restore that melted Brie goodness!
Freezing
You can freeze fully baked Cranberry Brie Bites by arranging them on a tray to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to a month—perfect for when you want to get ahead for holidays or parties. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To re-crisp the pastry and warm the filling, arrange bites on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 5–7 minutes. This brings back the flaky texture and gets the Brie nice and gooey again, just like fresh!
FAQs
Can I make Cranberry Brie Bites ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble everything in the muffin tin up to a few hours ahead and keep covered in the fridge. Pop them into the oven just before serving so they’re fresh and warm for your guests.
What can I use instead of puff pastry?
If you can’t find puff pastry, crescent roll dough makes a great substitute. The texture is a bit different (softer and more bread-like), but you’ll still get tasty results. Just watch the baking time as it may cook a touch faster.
Can I use a different cheese?
While Brie is classic and oh-so-creamy, Camembert or triple cream cheeses work wonderfully too. Choose a soft-ripened cheese for the right melt factor.
Do Cranberry Brie Bites work for larger muffin tins?
You can use a standard muffin tin to create heartier portions or even cut the pastry bigger to match the muffin well size. Just increase the baking time by a few minutes to make sure everything turns golden and the cheese is melted through.
How do I prevent the bites from sticking?
Greasing the muffin tin generously is the secret, whether you use nonstick spray or butter. Let the bites cool slightly before removing—twist each one gently with a spoon or small spatula and they’ll pop right out.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a show-stopping appetizer that’s as easy to make as it is to love, these Cranberry Brie Bites won’t let you down. Don’t be surprised if they become your new go-to for every party and potluck—give them a try, and you’ll see why everyone raves about them!
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Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 bites
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cranberry Brie Bites are a delightful combination of creamy Brie cheese, tangy cranberry sauce, and flaky puff pastry, perfect for any holiday gathering or party.
Ingredients
Puff Pastry:
1 sheet puff pastry (thawed)
Brie Cheese:
1 wheel (8 ounces) Brie cheese (cut into small cubes)
Cranberry Sauce:
1/2 cup whole berry cranberry sauce
Pecans:
1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Rosemary:
1 teaspoon fresh rosemary (chopped)
Egg Wash:
1 egg (beaten)
Greasing:
cooking spray or butter (for greasing muffin tin)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a mini muffin tin.
- Prepare Pastry: Roll out the puff pastry, cut into 24 squares, and press into the muffin tin.
- Add Ingredients: Place Brie, cranberry sauce, pecans, and rosemary in each pastry cup.
- Brush and Bake: Brush pastry edges with egg wash and bake for 13–15 minutes until golden.
- Serve: Cool slightly, then remove from tin and serve warm.
Notes
- You can substitute crescent roll dough if puff pastry is unavailable.
- Best served warm but can be reheated in the oven.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bite
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
