Cranberry Brie Bites are like little hugs for your taste buds! They combine creamy brie cheese and sweet cranberry sauce wrapped in flaky pastry. Perfect for snacking or parties!
These bites are so tasty that you’ll want to make a hundred—seriously, they disappear fast! I love serving them warm; the cheese gets gooey, and everyone always comes back for more!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Puff Pastry: This flaky pastry is the base of the bites. If you can’t find puff pastry, phyllo dough can work as a substitute, but the texture will be crisper. I find that store-bought pastry saves time!
Brie Cheese: Brie gives these bites their creamy texture. If you’re looking for alternatives, try Camembert or even goat cheese for a tangy twist. I’ve used a mix of cheeses for added flavor.
Cranberry Sauce: You can use store-bought cranberry sauce, but homemade is so easy! Just simmer fresh or frozen cranberries with sugar and water until they burst. Both work well, but homemade adds a personal touch!
How Do I Make Sure My Puff Pastry is Perfectly Golden?
Getting that beautiful golden color on puff pastry is all about temperature and timing. Start by preheating your oven to the right temperature.
- Grease your muffin tin lightly; this helps the bites come out easily!
- Make sure to cut the pastry into even squares to ensure they all bake evenly.
- Keep an eye on them while they bake. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges puff up and turn golden brown—usually around 15-18 minutes.
If they seem to be browning too quickly, you can cover them loosely with foil until they are done baking. Enjoy these bites fresh out of the oven for the best gooey cheese experience!
Cranberry Brie Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 6 oz brie cheese, rind removed and cut into small pieces
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped (plus more for garnish)
- Fresh whole cranberries (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 20-25 minutes to prep and bake. It’s quick enough for a snack or a fun appetizer at your next gathering, and they taste best served warm!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that’s warming up, lightly grease or spray a mini muffin tin to ensure the bites don’t stick.
2. Cut the Puff Pastry:
Unfold your thawed puff pastry on a clean surface. Use a sharp knife or a pizza cutter to slice it into 24 small squares, each about 2×2 inches. They don’t have to be perfect—just close enough!
3. Form the Cups:
Gently press each pastry square into a cup of the mini muffin tin. Make sure to push down enough to create a small well to hold all the delicious filling.
4. Add the Brie:
Place a piece of brie cheese into the center of each cup. Don’t be shy; the more creamy goodness the better!
5. Spoon on the Cranberry Sauce:
Top each with about 1 teaspoon of cranberry sauce. This adds a wonderful tartness that complements the rich brie.
6. Mix the Topping:
In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and chopped rosemary. This will give your bites a wonderful sweet and savory flavor.
7. Sprinkle the Mixture:
Evenly sprinkle the brown sugar and rosemary mixture over the cranberry sauce on each pastry bite. This adds a lovely crunch and sweetness!
8. Bake Until Golden:
Pop the muffin tin into your preheated oven. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and puffy, and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Cool Down:
Once done, remove from the oven and let cool slightly in the pan for about 5 minutes. This will help them firm up a bit, making them easier to remove.
10. Serve & Enjoy:
Gently remove the cranberry brie bites from the muffin tin and transfer them to a serving plate. Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs and whole cranberries if you like. Serve them warm for the best experience!
These cranberry brie bites are a perfect blend of sweet, creamy, and flaky flavors, making them an amazing addition to any gathering. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While brie is traditional, you can substitute it with Camembert or even goat cheese for a tangy flavor. Just be mindful of the cheese’s meltability for the best texture.
What If I Don’t Have Rosemary?
No problem! Thyme or sage can be great alternatives for a similar herbal flavor. You can also omit the herbs entirely if you prefer a more straightforward taste.
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the bites up to the baking step and store them in the fridge for up to a day. Just bring them to room temperature before baking to ensure even cooking. If they’re already baked, reheat them in a warm oven for about 10 minutes.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to restore that lovely crispiness!
