Easy Cranberry Brie Bites with Puff Pastry

Cranberry Brie Bites: An Elegant Appetizer

Looking for an appetizer that’s both elegant and incredibly easy to make? Meet your new favorite recipe: Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Bites. These delightful little parcels are perfect for holiday gatherings, dinner parties, or any occasion that calls for a touch of sophistication without the stress. They combine the creamy, mild flavor of brie with the tart sweetness of cranberry sauce, all wrapped in a light, flaky puff pastry.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to create these impressive bites. We’ll cover the simple ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and even offer some creative variations. Get ready to wow your guests with an appetizer that looks and tastes like it came straight from a gourmet kitchen, but takes just minutes to prepare.

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Why These Bites Are a Must-Try

The magic of these cranberry brie bites lies in their perfect combination of textures and flavors. Each bite delivers a symphony of sensations:

• Creamy Brie: The brie cheese melts into a luscious, gooey center that is rich and satisfying. Its mild, buttery flavor provides the perfect base for the other ingredients.
• Tart Cranberry: The cranberry sauce cuts through the richness of the cheese with its bright, sweet-tart flavor, adding a festive and fruity note.
• Flaky Puff Pastry: The puff pastry bakes up golden and crisp, providing a delicate, buttery crunch that encases the warm, melted filling.

Beyond their delicious taste, these bites are one of the simplest and quickest holiday appetizers you can make. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a beautiful platter ready for your guests, giving you more time to enjoy the party.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To get started, you’ll need a few key ingredients. We’ve also included some recommendations for high-quality products you can find on Amazon to make your shopping even easier.

• Puff Pastry: One sheet of all-butter puff pastry, thawed. A quality pastry will give you the best flaky layers.
  • Our Pick: Dufour Classic Puff Pastry is a fantastic choice known for its rich, buttery flavor.
• Brie Cheese: An 8-ounce wheel of brie, rind on, chilled and cut into small cubes (about ½ inch). Chilling the brie makes it easier to cut.
  • Our Pick: Ile de France Mini Brie is a great option that ships well and has a wonderfully creamy texture.
• Cranberry Sauce: About ½ cup of whole berry cranberry sauce. You can use homemade or store-bought.
  • Our Pick: Stonewall Kitchen New England Cranberry Relish offers a gourmet flavor that perfectly complements the brie.
• Egg: One large egg, beaten with a tablespoon of water to create an egg wash. This gives the pastry its beautiful golden sheen.
• Optional Toppings:
  • Chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for a crunchy texture.
  • Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for an aromatic finish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Creating these bites is a breeze. Follow these simple steps for perfect results every time.

1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. We recommend a sturdy baking sheet like the Nordic Ware Natural Aluminum Commercial Baker’s Half Sheet .
2. Cut the Pastry: Lightly flour your work surface and unfold the thawed puff pastry sheet. Gently roll it out to smooth any creases. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the pastry into 24 equal squares (about 2×2 inches).
3. Assemble the Bites: Place the pastry squares into the cups of a mini muffin tin. This helps them hold their shape. Place a small cube of brie into the center of each pastry square.
4. Add Cranberry Sauce: Top each piece of brie with a small spoonful of cranberry sauce (about ½ teaspoon).
5. Fold and Brush: If you like, you can fold the corners of the pastry up over the filling. Brush the exposed edges of the pastry with the egg wash using a pastry brush, such as the OXO Good Grips Silicone Basting & Pastry Brush. The egg wash will help them brown beautifully.
6. Add Toppings (Optional): If you’re using them, sprinkle chopped nuts or a tiny sprig of fresh rosemary on top of each bite.
7. Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Cool and Serve: Let the bites cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This will help them firm up slightly. Serve warm.

Read More: Copycat Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars Recipe

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Presentation can elevate these simple bites into a show-stopping appetizer. Arrange them on a platter and garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for a final touch of elegance.

For drink pairings, the creamy richness of the brie and the tartness of the cranberry go well with a variety of beverages:

• Wine: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light-bodied Pinot Noir complements the flavors without overpowering them.
• Sparkling Drinks: For a festive, non-alcoholic option, try a sparkling apple or cranberry cider. The bubbles provide a refreshing contrast to the rich pastry.

Delicious Variations to Try

While the classic cranberry and brie combination is timeless, feel free to get creative with different fillings. Here are a few ideas to inspire you:

• Different Cheeses: Swap the brie for Camembert, goat cheese, or even a sharp white cheddar for a different flavor profile.
• Savory Options: Instead of cranberry sauce, try fig jam, apricot preserves, or a savory onion jam.
• Add Some Spice: A small slice of jalapeño can add a surprising and delicious kick.
• Nutty Additions: Top with toasted almonds or pistachios before baking for extra crunch and flavor.

Your Go-To Holiday Appetizer

These Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Bites are proof that you don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen to create something truly special. They are the perfect blend of simple, elegant, and delicious, making them an ideal choice for any gathering.

We encourage you to give this recipe a try for your next event. Don’t be surprised when they disappear from the platter in minutes! Share your creations with us on social media—we’d love to see how your bites turn out.