Baked Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe
Introduction
Baked Cranberry Brie Bites are a delightful appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings or any special occasion. These flaky puff pastry cups filled with creamy brie and tangy cranberry sauce offer a perfect balance of flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 4 oz brie cheese, cut into 12 cubes
- ½ cup cranberry sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tbsp candied pecans, chopped (optional crunch)
- Fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish (optional flair)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a mini muffin tin to prevent sticking.
- Step 2: Roll out the thawed puff pastry and cut it into 12 equal squares. Press each square gently into the muffin cups, making sure they form little pastry cups.
- Step 3: Place one cube of brie into each pastry cup. Add a spoonful of cranberry sauce on top of the brie. Sprinkle chopped candied pecans over each for added texture, if using.
- Step 4: Bake the bites for 15 to 18 minutes until the pastry is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Step 5: Allow the bites to cool for about 5 minutes. Garnish each with a small sprig of fresh rosemary for a festive touch before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For a different flavor, try substituting cranberry sauce with fig jam or apricot preserves.
- Use walnuts or almonds instead of candied pecans to change up the crunch.
- To prevent the puff pastry from puffing too high, gently press the centers down before adding fillings.
Storage
Store leftover baked cranberry brie bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5-7 minutes to restore crispness. They are best enjoyed warm.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare these bites in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the bites and keep them covered in the refrigerator for a few hours before baking, making party prep easier.
What can I use if I don’t have candied pecans?
If you don’t have candied pecans, plain toasted nuts or even crushed pretzels can add a nice crunch and complement the flavors well.
PrintBaked Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe
These Baked Cranberry Brie Bites are a delightful appetizer featuring creamy brie cheese and sweet-tart cranberry sauce baked inside flaky puff pastry. Enhanced with optional candied pecans for crunch and fresh rosemary for a festive aroma, they are perfect for holiday gatherings or special occasions.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
- Total Time: 25-28 minutes
- Yield: 12 bites 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Puff Pastry Layer
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
Filling
- 4 oz brie cheese, cut into 12 cubes
- ½ cup cranberry sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tbsp candied pecans, chopped (optional)
Garnish
- Fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a mini muffin tin lightly to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Pastry Cups: Roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet on a clean surface and cut it into 12 equal squares. Gently press each square into the greased mini muffin cups, forming little pastry cups.
- Add Filling: Place one cube of brie cheese into each pastry cup, then spoon a tablespoon of cranberry sauce over the brie. If you like extra texture and flavor, sprinkle some chopped candied pecans on top.
- Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and the filling is bubbly and melted.
- Cool and Garnish: Remove the bites from the oven and let them cool for about 5 minutes. Garnish each bite with a small sprig of fresh rosemary to add a festive touch before serving.
Notes
- Use store-bought cranberry sauce for convenience or homemade sauce for a fresher taste.
- Candied pecans add a lovely crunch and sweetness but can be omitted for a nut-free option.
- Make sure the puff pastry is well-chilled before cutting to ensure easy handling.
- Allow bites to cool slightly for easier handling and optimal flavor.
- These bites can be assembled ahead of time and baked just before serving.
Keywords: cranberry brie bites, baked appetizer, puff pastry appetizer, holiday appetizers, brie cheese recipes, cranberry sauce appetizers
