Description
Cranberry Brie Bites are elegant, bite-sized appetizers featuring flaky puff pastry filled with creamy brie cheese and tangy cranberry sauce, topped with crunchy pecans and fragrant rosemary. Perfect for holiday parties or special occasions, these savory-sweet treats are baked until golden and served warm for a delightful melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Ingredients
Scale
Pastry
- 2 puff pastry sheets, defrosted if frozen
Filling
- 8 ounces brie, wheel or triangle
- ¼ cup whole cranberry sauce
Toppings and Finishing
- 1 large egg, whisked
- ¼ cup pecans, chopped (or walnuts or pistachios)
- 1 tablespoon chopped rosemary, or thyme, optional
Instructions
- Thaw Puff Pastry: Thaw the frozen puff pastry sheets overnight in the refrigerator or on the counter until pliable but cool, about 40 minutes. Remove from packaging and keep covered with plastic wrap if not using immediately.
- Preheat the Oven: Position the oven rack in the middle and preheat the oven to 400ºF (190ºC).
- Prepare the Pastry: Roll each puff pastry sheet into a 12 by 9 inch rectangle. Cut the dough into 3 inch squares to make 12 pieces per sheet. Place each square into a mini muffin tin, gently pressing to form a small bowl shape. Repeat for both sheets to yield 24 pastry cups.
- Prepare the Cheese: Trim the rind from the edges of the brie and cut the cheese into 24 even pieces, approximately 1 inch long and ½ inch wide each.
- Assemble: Place one piece of brie into each puff pastry cup, then add 1 teaspoon of whole cranberry sauce on top of the cheese.
- Add Egg Wash: Lightly brush the exposed edges and corners of the puff pastry with the whisked egg to aid browning.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12 minutes or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown. If any cheese spills over, carefully spoon it back into the center of the cups while still warm. Allow to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before removing.
- To Serve: Garnish the cranberry brie bites with chopped pecans and chopped rosemary or thyme. Serve warm for the best texture and flavor experience.
Notes
- Storing: Store leftover bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Freeze cooked bites in a resealable plastic bag or airtight container for up to 1 month.
- Reheating: Reheat frozen or refrigerated bites in an oven at 350ºF (177ºC) until warmed through and crisp, about 8 to 10 minutes.
- Using Crescent Dough: Substitute with an 8-ounce tube of refrigerated crescent dough sheet by rolling it into a rectangle and cutting into 24 smaller pieces. Bake at 375ºF (190ºC) for 10 to 12 minutes until golden.
