Description
These Brie and Cranberry Bites are elegant and easy-to-make appetizers featuring flaky puff pastry filled with rich, creamy brie cheese and tangy whole berry cranberry sauce. Baked to golden perfection and optionally topped with toasted nuts and fresh herbs, these bite-sized treats are perfect for holiday gatherings or any special occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Puff Pastry
- 1 sheet puff pastry (from a 17.3-ounce/490g package), thawed but kept cold
Cheese
- 1 (8-ounce/227g) wheel or wedge of brie cheese, chilled
Filling
- ½ cup whole berry cranberry sauce
Egg Wash
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon water
Optional Add-ons
- ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts, toasted
- Fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs for garnish
- Honey for drizzle
- Flaky sea salt for sprinkling
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Your Workstation: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and position a rack in the middle. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and simplify cleanup.
- Prepare the Brie and Puff Pastry: Cut the chilled brie into 24 small, roughly ½-inch cubes, keeping the rind on. If your kitchen is warm, refrigerate the cubes while prepping the pastry. Unfold the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface, smooth out seams with a rolling pin to an even 10×15 inch rectangle without rolling too thin.
- Cut the Pastry into Squares: Trim the edges of the pastry for a neat rectangle. Cut the sheet into 4 long strips lengthwise, then cut each strip into 6 squares, totaling 24 squares.
- Assemble the Brie and Cranberry Bites: Press each pastry square gently into a 24-cup mini muffin tin to shape. Place one cube of brie in each pastry cup, then top with ½ to 1 teaspoon of whole berry cranberry sauce. Sprinkle toasted nuts on top if desired.
- Create the Egg Wash and Seal (Optional but Recommended): Whisk the egg and water together. Lightly brush the exposed pastry edges with egg wash for a shiny, golden finish and to help seal. If assembling on a baking sheet instead of muffin tin, pinch the pastry corners over the filling and seal with egg wash.
- Bake to Golden Perfection: Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until the puff pastry is deeply golden, puffed, and flaky, and the brie is melted and just beginning to ooze.
- Cool and Garnish: Let the bites cool in the tin or on the baking sheet for 5-10 minutes to let the cheese set. Transfer to a serving platter and garnish with honey drizzle, flaky sea salt, and fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs if desired.
Notes
- Keeping the brie chilled until assembly helps prevent premature melting and makes cutting easier.
- Use whole berry cranberry sauce for a better texture and flavor contrast over jellied versions.
- Pressing the pastry squares into a mini muffin tin helps maintain their shape and contain the filling.
- The egg wash is optional but highly recommended for a beautiful, golden brown finish and better sealing of the pastry edges.
- Letting the bites cool slightly avoids burns and allows the melted brie to set properly for easier eating.
- Toasting nuts enhances their flavor and adds a delightful crunch to the bites.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Brie bites, cranberry appetizers, puff pastry appetizer, holiday snacks, easy party food, baked brie, savory bites
