These Baked Cranberry Brie Bites are little pockets of joy! With creamy brie cheese and sweet cranberry sauce wrapped in flaky pastry, they’re sure to impress your guests.
Honestly, who can resist that oozy cheese? I love popping these bites in my mouth at parties—they’re simple to make and always a hit! Perfect for any celebration! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Puff Pastry: This is the best base for these bites, giving them that wonderful flaky texture. If you need a gluten-free option, look for gluten-free puff pastry at the store, or try using phyllo dough, though the texture will differ a bit.
Brie Cheese: This cheese melts beautifully and has that creamy flavor we love. If Brie isn’t available, you could substitute with Camembert or even a mild goat cheese. It’ll change the flavor slightly, but it will still be tasty!
Cranberry Sauce: The sweet and tart flavor of cranberry sauce is key here. You can use homemade cranberry sauce or store-bought, but if you’re out, try using other fruit preserves like raspberry or apricot for a different twist.
Nuts: I like adding pecans or walnuts for a nice crunch. If you have nut allergies, seeds like sunflower seeds or even skipping them altogether works fine, too!
Fresh Rosemary: This herb adds a great aromatic touch. Fresh thyme or even a hint of sage could also work well for different flavor notes. Dried herbs can be used too, but fresh is best for that vibrant taste.
How Do You Get the Puff Pastry Perfectly Golden Brown?
Getting that beautiful golden color on your puff pastry is all about technique! Here’s how to do it right:
- Make sure the egg wash is evenly applied. This gives the pastry that lovely sheen.
- Don’t overcrowd the pastry cups—this ensures they bake evenly without steaming.
- Check for doneness frequently in the last few minutes of baking. Once they’re golden, take them out to prevent burning.
Give them a few minutes to cool before serving. This helps the cheese set slightly so it doesn’t ooze out too much when you take a bite!
How to Make 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 (can be whole berry or jellied)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped (plus small sprigs for garnish)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe will take about 20 minutes to prepare and 15-18 minutes to bake, totaling around 40 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick, elegant appetizer or snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures it’s hot enough for your pastry to puff beautifully as soon as it goes in.
2. Prepare the Pastry:
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet to smooth it out. Cut the pastry into 24 squares, about 2×2 inches each. This will give you enough to fit into the muffin tin cups.
3. Form the Pastry Cups:
Gently press each pastry square into the cups of your mini muffin tin. You want to create little pockets that will hold all the delicious fillings.
4. Add the Brie:
Place a cube of Brie cheese into the bottom of each pastry cup. Don’t be shy with the cheese—it’s the star of the dish!
5. Spoon in the Cranberry Sauce:
Next, add about a teaspoon of cranberry sauce over the Brie in each cup. This adds that lovely sweetness and tang that pairs so well with the cheese.
6. Top with Nuts and Rosemary:
If you like a bit of crunch, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the cranberry sauce. Then add the finely chopped rosemary to give everything an aromatic kick.
7. Egg Wash Time:
To give your bites a golden finish, brush the edges of the puff pastry with the beaten egg. This helps them brown beautifully as they bake.
8. Bake the Bites:
Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed, and the Brie is all melty and delicious.
9. Cool and Garnish:
Once they’re done, remove the bites from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Garnish each with a small sprig of fresh rosemary for that final touch.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve these warm and enjoy the fantastic combination of flaky pastry, creamy Brie, sweet cranberry, and fragrant rosemary! They make for the perfect appetizers at any gathering.
Enjoy your cooking adventure! 🧀🥨
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While Brie is the classic choice for these bites, you can also use Camembert or even a mild goat cheese if you prefer a different flavor. Just keep in mind that the melting properties may vary slightly.
How Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the pastry cups and fill them with the cheese and cranberry mixture up to a day in advance. Just cover them with plastic wrap and keep them in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, bake them directly from the fridge—add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time if needed.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through, to keep the pastry crispy.
Can I Use Frozen Cranberry Sauce?
Yes, frozen cranberry sauce works great! Just make sure it’s thawed before using, so the extra moisture doesn’t make the pastry soggy. If it’s too chunky, consider blending it for a smoother consistency that spreads easily.
