Description
These Cranberry Brie Bites are delightful mini appetizers featuring creamy Brie cheese tucked inside flaky puff pastry cups, topped with sweet whole berry cranberry sauce and optional chopped pecans and fresh rosemary. Perfect for holiday parties or any festive gathering, they bake to golden perfection in just 18 minutes and can be served warm or at room temperature.
Ingredients
Scale
Puff Pastry Base
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
Filling
- 8 ounces Brie cheese, rind on, cut into small cubes
- 1/2 cup whole berry cranberry sauce
Optional Toppings
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
Egg Wash
- 1 egg, beaten
Instructions
- Prepare Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 24-cup mini muffin tin to prevent sticking.
- Shape Puff Pastry: Roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface to smooth it out. Cut the pastry into 24 equal squares, ensuring they are large enough to fit into the muffin cups.
- Form Pastry Cups: Gently press each pastry square into the muffin tin cups, creating small shells that will hold the filling.
- Add the Brie: Place one small cube of Brie cheese into the center of each pastry cup, distributing them evenly.
- Add Cranberry Sauce: Top each piece of Brie with about 1 teaspoon of whole berry cranberry sauce for a sweet-tart contrast.
- Optional Toppings: Sprinkle chopped pecans and a few pieces of finely chopped fresh rosemary over each bite if you are using them, adding texture and flavor.
- Apply Egg Wash: Using a brush, lightly coat the exposed edges of the puff pastry with the beaten egg to achieve a golden, glossy finish when baked.
- Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and beautifully golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bites to cool in the tin for 5 minutes before carefully removing them. Serve warm or at room temperature for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For a sweeter twist, drizzle each bite with a little honey after baking.
- You can substitute the cranberry sauce with raspberry preserves or fig jam for a different flavor variation.
- Store leftover bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat leftovers briefly in a warm oven to restore crispness before serving.
