These baked cranberry brie bites are warm, gooey, and oh-so-delicious! Each little pastry is filled with creamy brie and topped with sweet cranberry sauce, making them perfect for sharing.
If you want to impress your friends at a party, these bites are a hit! I always make extra, just in case—I can’t resist sneaking a few before the guests arrive! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Puff Pastry: This flaky pastry is the star of the bites. If you can’t find puff pastry, you could try phyllo dough, but keep in mind that the texture will be different. I love using ready-made sheets for convenience!
Brie Cheese: Soft and creamy, Brie adds richness. If you want a tangy twist, try camembert or a sharp cheddar; however, the texture may vary. I usually stick with Brie to keep it classic.
Cranberry Sauce: Fresh or canned works well here! You can also use homemade cranberry sauce if you have it on hand. For a twist, add some apricot preserves to mix in for a more fruity flavor.
Nuts: Pecans or walnuts add a nice crunch. If you’re nut-free, feel free to skip them! I often throw in some chopped nuts for added texture and flavor.
Brown Sugar: This ingredient is optional but can enhance the sweetness. You can leave it out or substitute it with honey if you prefer a more natural sweetener.
How Do I Make Sure My Pastry Is Perfectly Flaky?
The secret to flaky pastry is all in the handling! Here’s how to ensure your puff pastry turns out well:
- Keep your puff pastry cold until ready to use. Warm pastry can become difficult to handle.
- Don’t overwork the dough when rolling it out; just enough to make clean squares.
- Make sure to preheat your oven fully. A hot oven helps the pastry rise properly.
This way, you get golden, flaky pastry that’s the perfect base for your creamy Brie and sweet cranberry filling! Enjoy your baking!
Baked Cranberry Brie Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bites:
- 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed
- 6 oz Brie cheese, rind removed
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (fresh or canned)
- 1/4 cup pecans or walnuts, chopped (optional)
- 1 tbsp brown sugar (optional)
- Fresh rosemary leaves for garnish (optional)
Time Needed:
This recipe takes about 25 minutes in total—10 minutes for preparation and 15 minutes to bake. Perfect for a quick and fabulous appetizer!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a mini muffin tin with cooking spray or butter so your bites pop out easily later.
2. Roll and Cut the Puff Pastry:
Next, roll out the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Use a knife or pizza cutter to cut the pastry into 12 equal squares. This will give you enough pieces to fill each mini muffin cup.
3. Form the Pastry Shells:
Take each puff pastry square and gently press it into the muffin tin cups to form little pastry shells. Make sure to press the dough up the sides to hold all that yummy filling!
4. Add the Brie:
Cut your Brie cheese into small pieces, approximately the same size as the bottom of each pastry cup. Place a piece of Brie into each pastry shell, making sure it fits comfortably.
5. Mix the Cranberry Filling:
In a small mixing bowl, combine the cranberry sauce with the chopped nuts and brown sugar (if using). This mixture will add a delightful sweet-tart flavor to each bite.
6. Fill the Cups:
Spoon about a teaspoon of the cranberry mixture over the Brie in each pastry cup. Don’t overfill; a little goes a long way!
7. Bake the Bites:
Pop the muffin tin into the preheated oven and bake for about 15-18 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown and puffy, and the Brie is nicely melted. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning!
8. Cool and Garnish:
Once baked, remove the tin from the oven and let the bites cool for a few minutes. Carefully lift them out of the tin. If you like, garnish with fresh rosemary leaves for a touch of color and extra flavor.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
These delicious bites are best enjoyed warm! Serve them as a fabulous appetizer at your next gathering, and watch them disappear!
This dish makes perfect party appetizers with the flaky puff pastry, creamy Brie, and sweet-tart cranberry topping. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Store-Bought Cranberry Sauce?
Absolutely! Store-bought cranberry sauce works perfectly in this recipe, whether it’s fresh or canned. Feel free to use your favorite brand to save time!
What Can I Substitute for Brie?
If you’re not a fan of Brie, you can substitute it with other soft cheeses like camembert or goat cheese. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture will change slightly.
How Long Do Leftovers Last?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to regain that fresh, gooey texture.
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can assemble the bites ahead of time and store them in the fridge. Just bake them right before serving for the best results. They only take about 15-18 minutes to bake!
