Baked Cranberry Brie Bites are little pockets of joy! They have creamy brie cheese wrapped in flaky pastry and topped with tangy cranberry sauce. Yum!
Perfect for parties or snack time, these bites are super easy to make. I love to serve them warm straight from the oven. Everyone just can’t resist eating more!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Puff Pastry: This gives the bites their flakiness. If you can’t find puff pastry, phyllo dough is a good alternative, though it will have a different texture. You can also use biscuit dough for a heartier option.
Brie Cheese: Brie adds creaminess, but you could substitute with other soft cheeses like Camembert or even goat cheese for a tangy twist. If you’re vegan, try a plant-based cheese that melts well.
Cranberry Sauce: You can use store-bought cranberry sauce for convenience, or make your own by simmering fresh or frozen cranberries with sugar and orange juice. For a different flavor, try using raspberry or cherry preserves.
Walnuts/Pecans: These nuts add crunch, but feel free to omit them if you’re allergic, or replace them with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for added texture.
How Do I Perfectly Prepare Puff Pastry for These Bites?
Getting the puff pastry just right is key for these bites. Here’s how to do it:
- Make sure your puff pastry is fully thawed in the fridge or at room temperature—this helps it roll out easily.
- Keep your work surface lightly floured to prevent sticking, but don’t over-flour it.
- Roll out the pastry a bit more if you want thinner shells, but keep them thick enough to hold the filling well.
- Press the squares gently into the muffin tin, ensuring the corners stay up to create a “cup.”
By following these steps, you’ll create the perfect foundation for your cranberry brie bites, allowing them to puff nicely while baking!
Baked Cranberry Brie Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 8 oz Brie cheese, rind removed and cut into small cubes
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- Fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs for garnish (optional)
- Honey for drizzling (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and another 15-20 minutes to bake. So, in just about 30-35 minutes, you’ll have a lovely appetizer ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is essential to ensure your pastry bakes evenly and turns golden brown.
2. Prepare the Puff Pastry:
Next, take your thawed puff pastry and unroll it on a lightly floured surface. Use a sharp knife to cut the pastry into 12 squares, each about 2×2 inches. This will form your bite-sized pastry shells.
3. Form the Pastry Shells:
Now, gently press each square into the cups of a lightly greased mini muffin tin to form little shells. Make sure to press it nicely into the bottom and sides to hold all the delicious filling!
4. Add the Brie:
Time to add the stars of the show! Place one small cube of Brie cheese in the bottom of each pastry shell. The creamy cheese will melt beautifully as it bakes.
5. Top with Cranberry Sauce:
Now, take about a teaspoon of cranberry sauce and spoon it on top of the Brie in each shell. If you’re feeling adventurous, sprinkle some chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and flavor.
6. Bake:
Pop the muffin tin into the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on them—they should be golden brown and puffed up, with the Brie all melty and gooey!
7. Cool and Garnish:
Once baked, remove the muffin tin from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This makes them easier to handle. If you want to get a bit fancy, you can garnish them with fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs, and drizzle a little honey on top for sweetness.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Your baked cranberry Brie bites are now ready to enjoy! Serve them warm and watch them disappear in no time. They’re perfect for parties, gatherings, or just a simple snack at home!
These delightful bites bring together the flaky texture of pastry, the rich creaminess of Brie, and the zesty sweetness of cranberry—all in one perfect pop-in-your-mouth treat!
Can I Use Different Cheeses?
Absolutely! While Brie is traditionally used for its creamy texture, you can substitute it with Camembert, goat cheese, or even a sharp cheddar for a different flavor. Just ensure the cheese melts well.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover baked cranberry Brie bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
Can I Make These Bites Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the pastry shells and fill them with Brie and cranberry sauce in advance. Simply refrigerate until you’re ready to bake, allowing for a quick and easy appetizer just before serving!
What Can I Serve with Baked Cranberry Brie Bites?
These bites are great on their own, but you can pair them with a variety of sides. Consider serving them alongside a fresh salad, some sliced baguette, or a cheese platter for a more festive spread.
