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