Baked Cranberry Brie Bites are a tasty snack that combines creamy brie cheese and sweet cranberry sauce, all wrapped up in flaky pastry. They’re perfect for sharing at parties!
You can’t go wrong with warm cheese and fruit—it’s like a cozy hug for your taste buds! I love serving these with a smile and watching everyone enjoy them. So easy and fun!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Puff Pastry: This is the star of the show! If you’re short on time, you can use phyllo dough instead, but it won’t be as buttery. You can also look for pre-made pastry dough in the freezer section.
Brie Cheese: Brie has a creamy texture that’s hard to beat. If you’re not a fan of brie, you can swap it for camembert or even goat cheese for a different flavor profile.
Cranberry Sauce: Homemade is great, but store-bought works just fine! If you’re looking for a twist, try using apple butter or even a fruit chutney instead.
Walnuts or Pecans: I prefer pecans for their sweetness, but feel free to use almonds or skip the nuts altogether if you prefer a nut-free version.
Fresh Rosemary: This adds a lovely aroma. Thyme or parsley can be great alternatives, or you can skip it for a simpler bite!
How Do I Ensure My Puff Pastry Stays Flaky?
Keeping that puff pastry flaky is all about handling it gently and not overworking it. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Ensure the pastry is chilled before you start; this helps it stay flaky when baked.
- When rolling it out, use just enough flour to prevent sticking.
- Pierce the pastry lightly with a fork before adding the filling. This prevents it from puffing up too much.
- Don’t skip the egg wash! It creates a beautiful golden color and adds a nice sheen.
Following these tips will help you achieve that perfect, flaky texture everyone loves!
Baked Cranberry Brie Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed if frozen)
- 8 oz brie cheese, rind removed and cut into small cubes
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce or cranberry jam
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (plus some whole halves for garnish)
- Fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish (optional)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe will take about 20 minutes to prepare and about 15-18 minutes to bake. Overall, you’re looking at around 40 minutes from start to finish. These tasty bites come together quickly, making them a great choice for parties or snacks!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Muffin Tin:
First, you want to get your oven nice and hot. Preheat it to 375°F (190°C). While that’s warming up, take a mini muffin tin and lightly grease it with cooking spray or a little butter to prevent sticking.
2. Preparing the Puff Pastry:
Next, roll out your thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. This helps to smooth it out. Use a knife or pizza cutter to cut the pastry into 12 squares, about 2 to 3 inches in size. Don’t worry about making them perfect; a little wonkiness adds character!
3. Shaping the Pastry Cups:
Now, gently press each square of pastry into the muffin tin cups. You’re making little cups that will hold all those delicious fillings! Just make sure the cups are formed well so they don’t spill over when baking.
4. Adding the Brie Cheese:
In each pastry cup, place a small piece of brie cheese. This is where the creamy goodness begins!
5. Adding Cranberry Sauce:
Now dollop about a teaspoon of cranberry sauce on top of the brie in each cup. This gives that sweet-tart flavor that pairs so delightfully with the cheese.
6. Topping with Nuts:
Next, sprinkle a few chopped walnuts or pecans over the cranberry sauce. This adds a lovely crunch to every bite. If you’d like, you can set aside some whole nut halves for garnish later.
7. Brushing with Egg Wash:
Beat your egg and brush it along the edges of the pastry cups. This will help them turn a beautiful golden brown when they bake!
8. Baking the Bites:
Pop the muffin tin into the preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes. Keep an eye on them—they should be golden brown and the cheese all melted and bubbly. Yum!
9. Cooling and Garnishing:
Once they’re ready, take them out of the oven and let them cool for a few minutes—it’ll be hard to wait, I know! Then, if you’d like, garnish each bite with a whole walnut half and a sprig of fresh rosemary for an added pop of flavor and presentation.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Now it’s time to serve these warm, delicious bites at your next gathering. Watch them disappear in seconds; they’re just that good!
These Baked Cranberry Brie Bites combine flaky, buttery pastry with creamy brie and sweet-tart cranberry sauce, topped with crunchy nuts and aromatic rosemary—everyone will be coming back for more!
Can I Use Other Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While brie is a classic choice, you can substitute it with camembert or even goat cheese for a different flavor. Just make sure the cheese you choose melts well.
Can I Prepare These Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the pastry cups and fill them with cheese and cranberry sauce a few hours in advance. Cover them and keep them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they’re cold from the fridge.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to warm them up and regain that crunchy texture.
Can I Make These Vegan?
Yes! To make a vegan version, you can use plant-based puff pastry, such as a vegan equivalent found in most grocery stores. For the cheese, try using a vegan cheese that melts well, or use a nut-based cheese blend instead. Use maple syrup or agave in place of cranberry sauce for a hint of sweetness!
