Introduction

Cranberry Brie Bites are a delightful combination of creamy brie and tangy cranberry sauce wrapped in flaky puff pastry. These easy and elegant appetizers are perfect for holiday gatherings or any special occasion.

Cranberry Brie Bites: Easy and Elegant Holiday Appetizers Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

1 package puff pastry (thawed)
8 ounces brie cheese (cut into wedges)
1 cup cranberry sauce
1 egg (for egg wash)
Fresh rosemary or thyme (optional)
Chopped nuts (optional)
Honey or maple syrup (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 2: Roll out the puff pastry on a floured surface and cut it into 3-inch squares.
Step 3: Place each square on a parchment-lined baking sheet, add a wedge of brie in the center, and top with a spoonful of cranberry sauce.
Step 4: Fold the corners of each pastry square over the filling and pinch the edges to seal.
Step 5: Brush the tops with beaten egg to create a golden finish when baked.
Step 6: Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed.
Step 7: Garnish with fresh rosemary or thyme, chopped nuts, or a drizzle of honey or maple syrup if desired, and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, sprinkle chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts on top before baking.
Use a store-bought cranberry sauce or homemade for a personal touch.
Try different fresh herbs such as sage or basil to vary the taste.
Serve with a small drizzle of honey or maple syrup to enhance the sweetness.

Storage

Store leftover cranberry brie bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes to maintain their crispiness. Avoid microwaving to keep the pastry flaky.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare these bites ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the bites and refrigerate them covered for up to 24 hours before baking. Just brush with egg wash right before baking for the best golden finish.

Can I use other types of cheese instead of brie?

Brie works best for its creamy texture, but you can experiment with other soft cheeses like camembert or cream cheese if you prefer a different flavor profile.

Cranberry Brie Bites: Easy and Elegant Holiday Appetizers Recipe

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Cranberry Brie Bites are simple yet elegant holiday appetizers featuring flaky puff pastry filled with creamy brie cheese and tangy cranberry sauce. These bite-sized treats are baked to golden perfection and optionally garnished with fresh herbs, nuts, and a drizzle of honey or maple syrup, making them perfect for festive gatherings.

Author: Tara
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
Total Time: 30-35 minutes
Yield: 12–16 bites 1x
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Puff Pastry

1 package puff pastry (thawed)

Filling

8 ounces brie cheese (cut into wedges)
1 cup cranberry sauce

Egg Wash

1 egg (for egg wash)

Optional Garnishes

Fresh rosemary or thyme
Chopped nuts
Honey or maple syrup

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the cranberry brie bites to a golden brown.
Prepare Puff Pastry: Roll out the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface until smooth, then cut it into 3-inch squares for individual bites.
Assemble Bites: Place each puff pastry square on a parchment-lined baking sheet, top with a wedge of brie cheese and a spoonful of cranberry sauce for a burst of flavor.
Seal Pastry: Fold the corners of each pastry square over the filling, gently pinching the edges to seal and prevent leakage during baking.
Apply Egg Wash: Brush the tops of the sealed pastry bites with beaten egg to achieve a shiny and golden finish as they bake.
Bake: Bake the assembled bites in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until the puff pastry is puffed and golden brown.
Garnish and Serve: Once baked, optionally garnish with fresh rosemary or thyme, chopped nuts, and drizzle with honey or maple syrup if desired. Serve warm for best taste.

Notes

Make sure the brie is cut into small wedges to fit neatly inside the puff pastry squares.
Using parchment paper on the baking sheet prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
Allow the bites to cool slightly before serving to avoid burns from hot melted cheese.
For a vegan alternative, substitute brie with a plant-based cheese and use a plant-based egg wash or omit it.
These bites can be made ahead and baked just before serving for convenience.
Adding chopped nuts inside or on top adds a pleasant crunch and texture contrast.

Keywords: cranberry brie bites, holiday appetizers, puff pastry appetizers, easy party snacks, brie cheese recipes