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Cranberry Brie Bites

Cranberry Brie Bites
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Cranberry Brie Bites are a festive holiday appetizer featuring creamy, melty brie cheese paired with tangy cranberry sauce, all wrapped in flaky puff pastry. These bite-sized treats are quick to prepare, portable, and offer a delightful blend of rich, sweet, and tart flavors, perfect for parties, family gatherings, or cozy winter evenings.

Ingredients

Base Ingredients

  • Puff pastry sheets (thawed as per package instructions)
  • Brie cheese (cut into small chunks)
  • Cranberry sauce (about 1 teaspoon per bite)
  • Fresh rosemary or thyme (optional, for garnish)
  • Egg wash (1 egg beaten with a little water or milk)

Optional Variations

  • Chopped pecans or walnuts (for nutty crunch)
  • Honey and cayenne pepper (to add sweet and spicy flavor to cranberry sauce)
  • Gluten-free puff pastry (for gluten-free version)
  • Sage or thyme (alternative herbs)
  • Fig jam or apricot preserves (alternative to cranberry sauce)
  • Plant-based cream cheese or vegan brie (dairy-free alternative)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Puff Pastry: Thaw puff pastry sheets according to package instructions until pliable but still cold to maintain flakiness and allow for clean cutting.
  2. Cut and Place the Pastry: Cut the puff pastry into approximately 2-inch squares or circles using a knife or cookie cutter. Gently press each piece into the cups of a mini muffin tin forming small pastry shells.
  3. Add the Brie Cheese: Place a chunk of brie cheese inside each pastry shell, ensuring enough cheese to melt and create a creamy center.
  4. Spoon on Cranberry Sauce: Add about one teaspoon of cranberry sauce on top of the brie in each cup, spreading slightly but keeping within pastry edges to prevent spilling.
  5. Add Fresh Herbs and Egg Wash: If using, place a small rosemary or thyme leaf on each bite. Brush the edges of the pastry with egg wash to achieve a golden-brown finish after baking.
  6. Bake to Perfection: Bake the assembled bites in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden and the brie is melted.

Notes

  • Keep puff pastry cold while working to ensure a flaky texture.
  • Do not overspread cranberry sauce to avoid soggy pastry.
  • Use a sharp knife or cookie cutter for clean pastry cuts.
  • For a vegan option, skip egg wash and brush pastry with plant-based milk.
  • Serve the bites warm for the best gooey texture.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently to maintain texture.
  • Unbaked bites can be frozen for up to one month; bake directly from frozen, adding a few minutes to baking time.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cranberry Brie Bites, holiday appetizer, puff pastry bites, festive snacks, easy appetizers, brie cheese recipe, cranberry sauce appetizers

Find it online: https://linacorner.com/cranberry-brie-bites/