These Baked Cranberry Brie Bites are a perfect mix of sweet and cheesy goodness! With flaky pastry dough, creamy brie cheese, and tart cranberry sauce, they make a tasty treat.
They’re super easy to make, and your guests will love them! I always keep an eye on the oven because they disappear fast. You might want to make a double batch! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Puff Pastry: This forms the flaky cup for your bites. If you’re short on time, store-bought works great. No puff pastry? Try using phyllo dough or biscuit dough as a substitute, just adjust the baking time accordingly.
Brie Cheese: Brie adds a creamy texture. If you can’t find brie, cream cheese is a good alternative, though it might not melt quite the same. Also, other soft cheeses like camembert work well if you’re feeling adventurous!
Cranberry Sauce: You can use homemade or store-bought cranberry sauce. If you want less sugar, consider using a cranberry chutney for a spicier twist, or even a fruit preserve like raspberry or cherry. They add a unique flavor!
Nuts: Walnuts and pecans give a nice crunch. If anyone has nut allergies, leave them out or use sunflower seeds for a bit of crunch without the nuts.
How Do You Make Perfect Baked Cranberry Brie Bites?
Getting these bites just right is all about layering flavors and watching the baking time. Here’s the key:
- When rolling out the puff pastry, ensure it’s uniform so that all bites cook evenly.
- Press the dough firmly into the muffin tin to avoid any puffing upwards. Make sure to leave enough room to hold the brie and cranberry sauce.
- Don’t overfill! Just a teaspoon of cranberry sauce keeps things balanced and prevents spilling while baking.
- Brush the edges with the egg wash, which helps achieve a golden color and a nice shine once baked.
- Keep an eye on them while baking; every oven is different. You want that golden brown pastry without overcooking the cheese.
Make these bites ahead of time and pop them in the oven just before guests arrive. They smell amazing and will impress everyone!
Baked Cranberry Brie Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bites:
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 8 oz brie cheese, rind removed and cut into small cubes
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- Fresh rosemary sprigs (for garnish, optional)
For the Egg Wash:
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon water
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes of prep time and around 15-18 minutes to bake. That gives you about 40 minutes in total to create these delicious bites, perfect for snacking or entertaining guests!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is the perfect temperature to achieve that golden-brown puff pastry. Don’t forget to lightly grease a mini muffin tin to prevent sticking later on!
2. Prepare the Puff Pastry:
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the thawed puff pastry to eliminate any creases. Then, cut the pastry into 12 equal squares. Make sure each square is big enough to fit into the muffin tin wells.
3. Form the Puff Pastry Cups:
Gently press each puff pastry square into the wells of the mini muffin tin. You want to create small cups that will hold all the yummy fillings. Just be sure not to stretch the dough too much!
4. Add the Brie:
Next, take a small cube of brie cheese and place it in the bottom of each puff pastry cup. This will melt beautifully during baking, creating a creamy, delicious layer.
5. Spoon in the Cranberry Sauce:
Using a spoon, add about 1 teaspoon of cranberry sauce on top of the brie in each cup. This sweet-tart sauce is what makes these bites so irresistible!
6. Top with Nuts:
Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans over the cranberry sauce. They add a delightful crunch and flavor that complements the cheese and sauce perfectly.
7. Prepare the Egg Wash:
In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water to create an egg wash. Using a pastry brush, lightly brush the edges of the puff pastry cups with this mixture. This helps the pastry turn golden brown and gives it a nice shine.
8. Bake the Bites:
Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you want the pastry to puff up beautifully and turn golden brown while the brie melts.
9. Cool and Remove:
Once they are done baking, remove the bites from the oven and let them cool slightly. Carefully take them out of the muffin tin; they’re a bit delicate, so handle them gently!
10. Garnish and Serve:
If desired, garnish each bite with a small sprig of fresh rosemary for a lovely touch. These bites are best served warm, so enjoy them fresh out of the oven!
These Baked Cranberry Brie Bites are a fantastic blend of buttery pastry, creamy brie, sweet cranberry, and crunchy nuts. Perfect for any gathering or as a special treat for yourself!
Can I Use Frozen Puff Pastry?
Absolutely! Just thaw the puff pastry overnight in the refrigerator, or let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes until pliable. Once thawed, roll it out on a floured surface and proceed with the recipe.
What Can I Substitute for Brie Cheese?
If you’re not a fan of brie, you can substitute it with cream cheese, camembert, or even goat cheese. Keep in mind that the flavor may change slightly, but you’ll still get that delightful melted cheese texture!
How Do I Store Leftover Bites?
Store any leftover baked cranberry brie bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to restore their crispness.
Can I Make These Bites Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the bites and assemble them, then cover and refrigerate until ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they’re cold from the fridge.
