Cranberry Brie Bites are the perfect combination of flaky puff pastry, melty brie cheese, and tangy cranberry sauce, topped with crunchy pecans. These delightful morsels are not only festive but also incredibly easy to make, making them a favorite for holiday gatherings and casual get-togethers. The allure of these bites lies in their sweet and savory balance, making them a crowd-pleaser at any party.
Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Brie Bites
There are countless reasons to adore these Cranberry and Brie appetizers. First, they offer a perfect blend of flavors that appeal to everyone. Second, the use of puff pastry creates a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy brie. Third, these bites are incredibly simple to prepare, making them an ideal choice for busy hosts. Fourth, they can be made ahead of time, giving you more freedom to enjoy your guests. Fifth, they are visually stunning, making them a great centerpiece for any table. Sixth, they’re vegetarian-friendly, catering to a variety of dietary preferences. Lastly, they are a fantastic way to incorporate seasonal ingredients, adding a festive touch to your appetizer spread.
Ingredients for Cranberry Brie Bites
Gather these items:
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed and cold
- 6 ounces brie cheese, cut into small cubes
- 1 cup whole berry cranberry sauce
- 1/4 cup chopped toasted pecans
- Fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish
- Optional: 1 tablespoon honey or balsamic glaze
How to Make Cranberry Brie Bites Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a mini muffin tin.
- Step 2: Roll out the puff pastry and cut into 2-inch squares. Press each square into the muffin cups.
- Step 3: Place a cube of brie in each pastry cup.
- Step 4: Add 1 teaspoon of cranberry sauce over the brie.
- Step 5: Sprinkle chopped toasted pecans over each.
- Step 6: Bake for 13–15 minutes, or until pastry is golden and brie is melted.
- Step 7: Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
- Step 8: Garnish with a small sprig of rosemary.
- Step 9: Optionally drizzle with honey or balsamic glaze before serving.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Cranberry Brie Bites
Keep these in mind:
- These bites are great for holiday parties or casual gatherings.
- Can be made ahead and baked just before serving.
- For an even richer flavor, consider using a flavored cranberry sauce.
Best Ways to Serve Cranberry Brie Bites
These easy cranberry Brie hors d’oeuvres can be served in various ways. Consider pairing them with a selection of cheeses and crackers for a delightful cheese board. Alternatively, serve them alongside a festive salad for a well-rounded appetizer course. They also make a beautiful addition to any charcuterie board.
How to Store and Reheat Cranberry Brie Bites
To store, place any leftover bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through. These bites are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy them throughout the week.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cranberry Brie Bites
What’s the secret to perfect Cranberry Brie Bites?
The secret lies in using high-quality brie cheese and ensuring the puff pastry is cold when you start. This helps the pastry puff up nicely during baking and creates a flaky texture that everyone loves.
Can I make Cranberry Brie Bites ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the bites a day in advance. Assemble them and store them in the refrigerator. Bake them just before serving for the best results.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Cranberry Brie Bites?
To avoid common mistakes, ensure you don’t overfill the pastry cups with cranberry sauce, as this can make them soggy. Keep an eye on the baking time to achieve that golden-brown pastry.
Variations of Cranberry Brie Bites You Can Try
Experiment with different flavors by adding a layer of fig jam or swapping pecans for walnuts. For a spicy kick, consider adding a dash of red pepper flakes to the cranberry sauce. You can also make these as mini cranberry and Brie tarts using a tart shell instead of puff pastry for a different presentation.
For more festive recipes, check out Cranberry Orange Pancakes or Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls. If you’re looking for a delicious dessert, try Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies for a sweet treat.
Print
Delicious Cranberry Brie Bites for Festive Gatherings
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 bites 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cranberry Brie Bites are the perfect blend of flaky puff pastry, melty brie cheese, tangy cranberry sauce, and crunchy pecans.
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed and cold
- 6 ounces brie cheese, cut into small cubes
- 1 cup whole berry cranberry sauce
- 1/4 cup chopped toasted pecans
- Fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish
- Optional: 1 tablespoon honey or balsamic glaze
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a mini muffin tin.
- Roll out the puff pastry and cut into 2-inch squares. Press each square into the muffin cups.
- Place a cube of brie in each pastry cup.
- Add 1 teaspoon of cranberry sauce over the brie.
- Sprinkle chopped toasted pecans over each.
- Bake for 13–15 minutes, or until pastry is golden and brie is melted.
- Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
- Garnish with a small sprig of rosemary.
- Optionally drizzle with honey or balsamic glaze before serving.
Notes
- These bites are great for holiday parties or casual gatherings.
- Can be made ahead and baked just before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bite
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: Cranberry Brie Bites, holiday appetizer, puff pastry, brie cheese
