Cranberry Brie Bites are a tasty little treat! They combine creamy brie cheese and sweet cranberry sauce, all wrapped in flaky pastry. Perfect for parties or cozy nights in.
These bites are super easy to make, and honestly, who can resist gooey cheese? I love serving them warm—they disappear faster than you can say “yum!” 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Puff Pastry: This gives the bites their flaky texture. You can use store-bought frozen puff pastry for convenience. If you’re out, phyllo dough works too, although it’s thinner and crispier.
Brie Cheese: Brie is creamy and melts beautifully. If you can’t find brie, Camembert is a great substitute. You can also use any soft cheese like goat cheese or cream cheese, but the flavor will change.
Cranberry Sauce: Whole berry cranberry sauce adds a nice bite and sweetness. If you prefer, you can use homemade cranberry sauce or even a different fruit like raspberry or cherry sauce for a twist.
Walnuts or Pecans: These add crunch! If you’re nut-free, try crushed crackers or seeds like pumpkin seeds. You can also skip the nuts altogether if you want a simple version.
How Do I Make Sure My Puff Pastry Is Perfectly Flaky?
Getting that nice flaky texture in your pastry is key! Here’s how to do it right:
- Make sure your puff pastry is cold before using. If it warms up too much, it won’t puff as well.
- Roll the pastry out carefully without pressing too hard. You want to maintain the layers.
- Don’t overcrowd the cups! Fill each pastry cup just about 2/3 full to allow space for the cheese to melt and expand.
- Watch the baking time. Depending on your oven, the pastries might need a couple of extra minutes. They should be golden brown.
How to Make Cranberry Brie Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 8 oz brie cheese, rind removed and cut into small pieces
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (preferably whole berry)
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- Fresh rosemary for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prep and around 15-18 minutes to bake. Overall, you should set aside about 30 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick appetizer or snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is essential to ensure your bites bake evenly and come out perfectly golden. While the oven heats up, lightly grease a mini muffin tin to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Puff Pastry:
On a lightly floured surface, roll out your thawed puff pastry sheet. You want it smooth without creases. Using a round cookie cutter or a glass (around 2 to 2.5 inches in diameter), cut out circles of pastry. You should have enough circles to fill all the muffin tin cups.
3. Form the Cups:
Take each pastry circle and gently press it into the greased mini muffin tin cups. Make sure to press down firmly so the pastry forms little cups that will hold all the delicious filling.
4. Add the Brie:
Now it’s time to fill those pastry cups! Place a small piece of brie cheese into each cup—about 2/3 full works best. Don’t worry, the cheese will melt beautifully!
5. Top with Cranberry Sauce:
Spoon about 1 teaspoon of cranberry sauce on top of the brie in each cup. This adds a lovely sweet and tart flavor to balance the creamy cheese.
6. Sprinkle with Nuts:
Next, sprinkle the chopped walnuts or pecans over the cranberry sauce in each cup. This adds a nice crunch that contrasts the gooey cheese and sweet sauce.
7. Bake the Bites:
Pop the muffin tin into your preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes. Keep an eye on them—the pastry should be puffed and golden, and the cheese should be melted.
8. Cool and Serve:
Once they’re done baking, remove the muffin tin from the oven and let the bites cool for a few minutes. Carefully take them out of the tin and place them on a serving platter.
9. Add Garnish:
If you’d like, garnish each bite with a small sprig of fresh rosemary for a burst of color and aroma.
10. Enjoy!
Serve the Cranberry Brie Bites warm and watch everyone enjoy this delightful treat!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While brie is traditional, you can substitute with Camembert for a similar flavor. Soft cheeses like goat cheese or cream cheese also work well, but be aware that the taste will change a bit.
What Can I Use Instead of Puff Pastry?
If you don’t have puff pastry, you can use phyllo dough, though it will yield a different texture—crispier and thinner. Store-bought pie crusts are also an option, but they’re denser compared to puff pastry.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover Cranberry Brie Bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to regain their crispy texture.
Can I Prepare These in Advance?
Definitely! You can assemble the bites ahead of time and refrigerate them (without baking) for up to a day. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking them straight from the fridge.