Cranberry Brie Bites are little bursts of joy! They’re made with creamy Brie cheese, sweet-tart cranberry sauce, all wrapped in crispy pastry. Perfect for snacks or parties!
These bites are so easy to make, even my cat could probably help (though I wouldn’t recommend it)! I love serving them warm right out of the oven—everyone goes crazy for them!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Puff Pastry: This is the star ingredient for a flaky base. If you’re in a pinch, store-bought is always a winner! You can also try phyllo dough, although it’s a bit flakier and different in texture.
Brie Cheese: The creamy richness of Brie is key! If Brie isn’t available, Camembert makes a good substitute. You could also use cream cheese for a different flavor profile, though the texture will be less gooey.
Cranberry Sauce: Whole berry sauce adds a delightful tartness. If you can’t find it, homemade cranberry sauce is simple to make! You can also swap it for a fruit jam like raspberry or apricot if you’re feeling adventurous.
Nuts: Walnuts and pecans add crunch. If you have nut allergies, skip them altogether or use seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds for a similar texture!
How Do You Make Sure the Pastry Is Perfectly Flaky?
Getting the pastries right is all about handling the dough with care. Puff pastry needs to be cold when it goes into the oven to achieve those beautiful layers. Here are a few tips:
- Work quickly and keep the pastry chilled. If it gets too warm, pop it back in the fridge for a few minutes.
- Roll the pastry gently, don’t overwork it to maintain those buttery layers.
- Press the pastry into the muffin tins without stretching it, as this will help avoid a tough texture.
These tips will help ensure you end up with crispy, tender bites that your guests will love!
How to Make Cranberry Brie Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 8 oz Brie cheese, rind removed and sliced
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (whole berry preferred)
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans, toasted
- Fresh rosemary sprigs, for garnish (optional)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and an additional 12-15 minutes to bake. You’ll spend some time assembling the bites, but it’s totally worth it once they’re warm and gooey out of the oven!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab a mini muffin tin and lightly grease it so your bites pop out easily after baking.
2. Prepare the Puff Pastry:
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the thawed puff pastry. Then cut it into 24 small squares, approximately 2 inches each. This will be the delightful base for your bites!
3. Form the Pastry Shells:
Gently press each pastry square into the mini muffin tin cups to create little shells. Make sure they fit snugly!
4. Add the Brie:
Place a slice of Brie cheese into the bottom of each pastry shell. Don’t be shy with the cheese—it’s what makes these bites so creamy and delicious!
5. Top with Cranberry Sauce:
Next, add about 1 teaspoon of cranberry sauce on top of each piece of Brie. The sweetness of the sauce pairs perfectly with the creamy cheese.
6. Sprinkle the Nuts:
Now sprinkle the chopped toasted walnuts or pecans on top of the cranberry sauce. This adds a great crunch and depth of flavor to each bite.
7. Brush with Egg Wash:
To promote a lovely golden color, brush the edges of the pastry with the beaten egg using a pastry brush.
8. Bake to Perfection:
Pop the muffin tin into the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes until the pastry is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly. Keep an eye on them so they don’t over-brown!
9. Cool and Remove:
Once they’re out of the oven, let the bites cool for a few minutes before carefully removing them from the muffin tin. They may be a bit hot, so take your time!
10. Garnish and Serve:
If you like, add a small sprig of fresh rosemary on top of each bite for a beautiful touch. Serve these delightful snacks warm and enjoy the compliments!
These Cranberry Brie Bites are perfect for any celebration, combining flaky pastry, creamy Brie, fresh cranberry sauce, and a satisfying crunch. Your guests will be reaching for seconds!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While Brie is traditional, you can substitute it with Camembert for a similar flavor or even use cream cheese for a milder taste. Just keep in mind that the texture will be different!
How Do I Make These Bites Vegan?
You can use vegan puff pastry, which is readily available at most stores, and swap the Brie for a plant-based cheese alternative. For the cranberry sauce, just ensure it’s free of added animal products!
Can I Prepare These Bites in Advance?
Yes! You can assemble the bites a few hours ahead of time and keep them covered in the fridge. Just bake them right before serving for that fresh, warm taste!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
