Description

Baked Cranberry Brie Bites are a delightful and elegant appetizer combining melted Brie cheese and tangy cranberry in a flaky puff pastry crust. Perfect for holiday gatherings or any celebration, these bite-sized treats offer a perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and tart flavors with an easy prep and quick bake time.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

Puff pastry sheets (enough for 24 small squares)
8 oz Brie cheese, cut into small cubes (rind removed if preferred)
1/2 cup cranberry sauce or 1/2 cup fresh cranberries
2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Optional Ingredients

Fresh rosemary or thyme, finely chopped for garnish
1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (for nutty crunch variation)
Cayenne pepper or chili flakes (for spicy kick)
Fig jam, apricot preserves, or pomegranate seeds (as cranberry substitutes)
Basil or sage leaves (herb variation)

Instructions

Prep the Puff Pastry: Allow puff pastry sheets to thaw at room temperature until pliable but not sticky. Lightly roll out the sheets and cut into small squares sized to hold the filling comfortably without overflowing.
Assemble the Filling: Cut Brie into small cubes, removing rind if desired. Place a spoonful of cranberry sauce or scatter fresh cranberries over each dough square, then top with a Brie cube. Drizzle with honey or maple syrup for subtle sweetness.
Shape the Bites: Fold the corners of each pastry square towards the center carefully, or place the squares into a mini muffin tin to form small cups holding the filling securely.
Brush with Egg Wash and Add Herbs: Brush exposed pastry surfaces with beaten egg to promote browning and a glossy finish. Sprinkle fresh herbs such as rosemary or thyme on top to add aroma and a fresh visual touch.
Bake to Perfection: Arrange prepared bites on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 15 minutes or until the pastry is puffed and golden, and the Brie is melted and bubbling.

Notes

Keep puff pastry cold until assembly to ensure it puffs properly during baking.
Avoid overfilling to prevent spills and uneven baking.
If using fresh cranberries, add a little sugar or sauce to balance their tartness.
Mini muffin tins help with uniform shape and reduce filling spillage.
Keep a close eye near the end of baking to avoid overcooking and drying out the pastry.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Appetizers
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bite
Calories: 90
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 70mg
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 5g
Fiber: 0.5g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 15mg

Keywords: cranberry, brie, appetizer, puff pastry, holiday snacks, finger food, baked bites, easy recipe