Let’s talk appetizers. If the holidays had a golden standard, it’d look like cranberry brie bites. Think creamy brie meeting tangy cranberry sauce, all snuggled into buttery puff pastry.
Bite-sized, beautiful, and so good you’ll wonder why you didn’t make extra. Trust me, these are the kind of treats that disappear faster than the time it takes to say, "mini muffin tin."
How To Make Cranberry Brie Bites Appetizer
- You need puff pastry, brie cheese, cranberry jam and chopped walnuts for this recipe.
- Slice the puff pastry sheet into 12 even squares.
- Place the pastry squares in a greased muffin tin, forming little baskets.
- Divide the brie into even slices and place in the pastry cups.
- Add a dollop of sauce on top.
Expert Tips
- Mini Muffin Tin Is Your Best Friend: It keeps the bites neat and helps the pastry puff just right.
- Don’t Skip the Chill: Slightly chilled pastry is easier to work with and bakes better.
- Size Matters: Cut brie into small, even pieces for consistent melting.
- Thicker Cranberry Sauce Wins: A runny sauce won’t stay put during baking.
- Customize Like a Pro: Add chopped pecans for crunch or drizzle with honey for a sweet twist.
Recipe Variations + Topping Suggestions
Why stick to just one flavor combo when you can experiment?
- Swap the Sauce: Try fig or apricot preserves instead of cranberry.
- Add Crunch: Top with chopped pistachios, pecans, or toasted walnuts before baking.
- Go Savory: A drizzle of balsamic glaze before serving adds a gourmet edge.
- Spice Things Up: A pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika brings heat to the sweet.
- Play with Cheese: Any semi-soft cheese would work and so would goat cheese!
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Feeling adventurous? Sprinkle sea salt on top for that perfect salty-sweet balance.
Serving Suggestions
These puff pastry cups are the MVP of any gathering. Serve them warm for maximum gooey brie factor. Arrange them on a platter with sprigs of rosemary, and you’ve got yourself a showstopper.
You can pair them with:
- Sparkling wine or cocktails (hello, instant elegance). Try this popular martini!
- Love puff pastry? Here are chicken vol-au-vents you can serve to meat eaters.
- A festive cheese board with fruits like grapes or apple slices.
- These caprese skewers are dead easy to make.
- Cured meats for a heartier spread.
- Stuffed cherry tomatoes can have loads of different fillings.
Looking for more Christmas canapes? Check out these recipes for inspiration.
Make Ahead and Storage and Freezing
Planning ahead is your holiday superpower.
- Refrigerate: Assemble the bites in the muffin tin but hold off on baking. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
- Freeze: You can freeze cranberry brie bites unbaked on a baking sheet or in a muffin tin in the freezer until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container.
- Reheat: You can reheat cranberry brie bites by baking them straight from the freezer. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Leftovers? (If there are any.) Store them in the fridge for up to three days and reheat in the oven at 350°F to bring back the crunch.
How do you make Cranberry Brie Bites with puff pastry?
To make this recipe, roll out a crescent roll dough sheet and cut it into squares to fit into a mini muffin pan. Place a piece of brie cheese into each square, then top with cranberry sauce. Bake at 375 degrees until the pastry is golden and the cheese is melted. These bites are always a hit at gatherings!
Can I use crescent dough instead of puff pastry for this recipe?
Yes, you can use crescent dough if you prefer. The texture will be slightly different, but it will still be delicious. Just roll out the crescent dough sheet and cut it into pieces to fit the muffin cups.
Do I need to remove the rind from the brie cheese?
It is not necessary to remove the rind, as it melts well and adds flavor. However, if you prefer, you can remove it before cutting the brie into 24 pieces for the bites.
Do I need to remove the rind from the brie cheese?
It is not necessary to remove the rind, as it melts well and adds flavor. However, if you prefer, you can remove it before cutting the brie into 24 pieces for the bites.
Can I prepare Cranberry Brie Bites in advance?
Yes, you can prepare them in advance and freeze them. To serve, reheat in the oven at 350 degrees until warmed through. This makes them a convenient finger food for parties.
What type of cranberry sauce is best for this recipe?
Whole cranberry sauce or cranberry orange sauce are both excellent choices. The tartness of the sauce complements the creaminess of the brie cheese perfectly.
How can I ensure my puff pastry dough bakes evenly?
To ensure even baking, make sure the dough is rolled out to an even thickness. Using a baking sheet to catch any overflow and baking at 375 degrees should give you the best results.
What can I use to garnish the Cranberry Brie Bites?
You can add a little sprig of rosemary or a dollop of orange marmalade on top for a festive touch. These garnishes not only enhance the appearance but also add a burst of flavor.
Are Cranberry Brie Bites suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, they are suitable for vegetarians as they do not contain any meat products. However, always check the nutritional values and ingredients of the brands you use to ensure compliance with dietary preferences.
Can these bites be part of my favorite holiday appetizers?
Absolutely, Cranberry Brie Bites with puff pastry are a huge hit and can easily become one of your favorite holiday appetizers. They are super simple to make and always impress guests.
📖 Recipe
Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 pastry cups 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cranberry Brie Bites are made with crescent dough, brie cheese, pecan nuts, and cranberry sauce. A festive holiday appetizer!
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly coat a mini muffin tin with nonstick cooking spray to ensure easy removal of the baked cranberry brie bites.
- Roll the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface to smooth any creases. Cut the pastry dough into 12 equal squares using a sharp knife.
- Place each pastry square into a mini muffin cup, pressing gently to create a sturdy base for the filling. If you're using crescent roll dough, follow the same cutting and shaping process.
- Cut the wheel of brie into 12 small pieces. For easier handling, ensure you use chilled brie and optionally remove the rind off the brie for a smoother texture. Place one cheese square in the center of each puff pastry cup.
- Top each piece of creamy brie with a teaspoon of cranberry sauce. Opt for whole berry cranberry sauce or homemade cranberry sauce for the best results. If desired, try flavor variations such as raspberry jam, fig jam, or even red pepper jelly.
- Sprinkle finely chopped pecans or chopped walnuts over the brie cranberry sauce for added crunch. A dash of sea salt can elevate the flavors.
- Bake the cranberry brie bites in the oven for 15–18 minutes, or until the flaky puff pastry is golden brown and puffed. Keep an eye on the mini muffin pan to avoid burning.
- Let the baked brie bites cool slightly in the muffin tin before carefully removing them. Garnish each with a sprig of fresh rosemary for a festive touch.
- Serve warm as a perfect holiday appetizer, or store leftovers in an airtight container. To reheat, simply place the baked cranberry brie bites on a baking sheet and warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pastry cup
- Calories: 2578
- Sugar: 47.8 g
- Sodium: 2136.5 mg
- Fat: 180.4 g
- Saturated Fat: 57 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 173.4 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Protein: 71.5 g
- Cholesterol: 240 mg
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