Description
Cranberry Brie Bites are a delightful appetizer featuring creamy brie cheese and tangy cranberry sauce baked inside flaky puff pastry cups, garnished with crunchy pecans and fresh herbs. Perfect for holiday gatherings or elegant parties.
Ingredients
Scale
Puff Pastry Cups
- 2 puff pastry sheets, defrosted if frozen
- 1 large egg, whisked
Filling
- 8 ounces brie, wheel or triangle
- ¼ cup whole cranberry sauce
Toppings
- ¼ cup pecans, chopped, 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 if not using immediately, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate.
- Preheat the Oven: Set the oven rack to the middle position and preheat the oven to 400ºF (190ºC).
- Prepare the Pastry: Roll each puff pastry sheet into a 12-inch by 9-inch rectangle. Cut into 3-inch squares to yield 12 pieces per sheet. Press each square into a mini muffin tin cup to form a bowl shape. Repeat with the second sheet to make 24 cups total.
- Prepare the Cheese: Trim the rind off the sides of the brie cheese and cut it into 24 even-sized pieces, about 1 inch long and ½ inch wide.
- Assemble: Place a piece of brie into the center of each puff pastry cup, then add 1 teaspoon of whole cranberry sauce on top of the cheese.
- Add Egg Wash: Brush the edges of each puff pastry cup with the whisked egg to promote browning and sealing during baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12 minutes or until the pastry edges are puffed and golden brown. If the cheese overflows onto the tin, gently spoon it back into the pastry cups. After baking, let cool in the tin for 5 minutes.
- To Serve: Remove the bites from the tin and garnish each bite with chopped pecans and chopped rosemary or thyme if desired. Serve warm for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Store leftover bites in an airtight container for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
- You can freeze the assembled bites in a resealable plastic bag or airtight container for up to 1 month before baking.
- To reheat, bake in a preheated oven at 350ºF (177ºC) until the pastry is warmed through and crisp, about 5 to 8 minutes.
- For a quicker variation, use an 8-ounce tube of refrigerated crescent dough sheet rolled into a rectangle and cut into 24 squares. Bake at 375ºF (190ºC) for 10 to 12 minutes until golden brown.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bite
- Calories: 110 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
