Introduction
These Cranberry Brie Bites are the ultimate holiday appetizer, delivering maximum flavor with minimal effort. They are guaranteed to be the first thing to disappear at any gathering, from casual potlucks to elegant New Year’s Eve parties. Originating from the modern trend of fast, elegant finger foods, these bites balance the rich, earthy warmth of melted Brie cheese with the bright, tangy sweetness of cranberry sauce, all nestled in a flaky, golden puff pastry cup. They are incredibly easy to assemble, making them a perfect last-minute addition to your entertaining menu.
Ingredients
- 1 sheet Frozen Puff Pastry (about 8 oz / 225 g), thawed
- 4 oz (115 g) Brie Cheese, cut into 16 small cubes (rind kept on)
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) Whole Berry Cranberry Sauce (canned or homemade)
- 2 Tbsp (30 ml) Chopped Pecans or Walnuts (optional)
- 1 large Egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Optional Garnish: A few sprigs of fresh rosemary, finely chopped
Step-by-step Preparation
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Prepare the Pastry and Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 12 or 16-cup mini-muffin tin. Unroll the thawed puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Using a pizza cutter or sharp knife, slice the sheet into 16 equal squares.
Tip: Ensure the pastry is cold but pliable. If it gets too warm, the layers won’t puff properly. If using a standard muffin tin, cut the pastry into 12 slightly larger squares. -
Assemble the Bites: Gently press one puff pastry square into each cup of the muffin tin, allowing the corners to stick up slightly. Place one cube of Brie cheese in the center of each pastry square. Top the cheese with approximately 1 teaspoon of cranberry sauce.
Tip: If you want a more gourmet flavor, stir a pinch of chopped rosemary into the cranberry sauce before spooning it onto the Brie. -
Egg Wash and Bake: Brush the exposed edges of the puff pastry lightly with the beaten egg wash. This helps them achieve that beautiful golden-brown color and flaky texture. Place the tin in the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes.
Tip: The bites are done when the pastry is puffed and deeply golden, and the cheese is soft and gooey. Do not overbake, or the cheese can seize up. -
Cool and Serve: Remove the tin from the oven and immediately sprinkle the tops with the chopped pecans (if using). Let the bites cool in the tin for 5 minutes before carefully removing them with a small offset spatula or butter knife. Serve warm.
Tip: Serving them warm ensures the Brie is perfectly melted and creamy.
Nutritional Information
While an exact count depends on the size and brand of ingredients used, each Cranberry Brie Bite (approx. 16 servings) typically contains about 100–120 calories. These bites are naturally high in healthy fats and carbohydrates due to the puff pastry and dairy content. They offer a good source of calcium (from the Brie) and antioxidants (from the cranberries). This is an indulgent appetizer best enjoyed in moderation.
Storage
Cranberry Brie Bites are best consumed within a few hours of baking. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2–3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated oven or toaster oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5–7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted again. Avoid microwaving, as this will make the puff pastry soggy.
Conclusion
These elegant bites are incredibly versatile. For serving, arrange them on a platter garnished with extra sprigs of fresh rosemary or sugared cranberries for a stunning presentation. If you wish to experiment, try substituting the cranberry sauce with fig jam, apricot preserves, or spicy jalapeño jelly for a sweet and savory kick. They pair beautifully with a crisp, dry Prosecco or a festive, spiced holiday cocktail.