Brie Bites with Cranberry Recipe

Cozy Brie Bites with Cranberry Recipe: A Sweet-Savory Delight

These golden, crispy brie bites with cranberry sauce burst with festive flavor that dance across your taste buds.

Melted cheese and tangy cranberry create a perfect holiday appetizer every time.

The delicate combination of creamy brie and tart cranberry transforms simple ingredients into an elegant starter.

Guests will love how these bite-sized treats come together quickly and look impressive on any gathering table.

Each small morsel delivers a delightful balance of rich cheese and bright fruit notes.

Perfectly paired with a glass of white wine, these brie bites promise to be the star of your next celebration.

Prepare to wow your friends with this simple yet sophisticated recipe.

Brie Bites with Cranberry Indulgence Factors

  • Create impressive bite-sized treats that look professionally made with minimal culinary skills required, perfect for entertaining guests or holiday gatherings.
  • Mix and match toppings like different nuts, jams, or herbs to personalize these delightful bites and suit various taste preferences or dietary needs.
  • Prepare these golden, flaky pastry bites in under an hour, delivering a gourmet experience that will wow friends and family without spending hours in the kitchen.
  • Enjoy these brie bites hot from the oven or at room temperature, making them incredibly convenient for buffets, potlucks, or spontaneous snacking moments.

Brie Bites with Cranberry Ingredient Rundown

Main Ingredients:
  • Brie Cheese: A soft and creamy French cheese that melts beautifully and provides a rich, buttery flavor to the bites.
  • Puff Pastry Sheets: Delicate, flaky pastry that creates a crispy, golden exterior for the brie bites.
  • Cranberry Sauce: A sweet and tangy sauce that adds a festive touch and balances the richness of the brie.
Nuts and Seasonings:
  • Pecans, Salt: Pecans add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor, while salt enhances the overall taste of the bites.
Garnish and Preparation:
  • Rosemary: A fragrant herb that provides a fresh, aromatic finish to the appetizer.
  • Nonstick Spray: Helps prevent the pastry from sticking to the mini muffin pan and ensures easy removal.

Tools to Create Brie Bites with Cranberry

  • Baking Sheet: Helps transfer pastry and provides stable surface for cooking.
  • Mini Muffin Pan: Essential for creating perfectly shaped brie bites.
  • Sharp Knife: Crucial for cutting pastry sheets into precise squares.
  • Rolling Pin: Helps roll pastry sheets to correct dimensions.
  • Measuring Cups: Ensures accurate ingredient portions.
  • Spatula: Useful for transferring and serving bites.
  • Cutting Board: Provides clean surface for pastry preparation.

Brie Bites with Cranberry How-To Steps

Step 1: Chill and Prepare Oven

Grab your brie and pop it in the freezer for a quick 15-minute chill.

Meanwhile, warm up the oven to a toasty 375°F.

Coat your mini muffin pan with a light spray of nonstick cooking spray to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Roll and Shape Pastry

Gently roll out your pastry sheets until they reach a generous 10×14 inch canvas.

Slice each sheet into 24 perfect little squares.

Carefully press these delicate squares into the muffin tin cups, giving each a gentle poke with a fork to prevent unwanted puffing.

Step 3: Load with Delicious Toppings

Nestle a small chunk of chilled brie into each pastry cup.

Then create a flavor explosion by adding:
  • Cranberry sauce
  • A pinch of salt
  • Chopped pecans

Repeat the process for your second batch of delightful bites.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the muffin tin into the preheated oven.

Bake for 18-20 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through to ensure even browning.

You’re looking for a puffed and golden appearance that screams deliciousness.

Once done, let them rest in the pan for 3 minutes.

Step 5: Plate and Serve

Carefully transfer these little flavor bombs to a serving plate.

Sprinkle some fresh rosemary pieces on top for an elegant touch.

These brie bites are amazing whether served piping hot or at room temperature – perfect for any gathering or snack time.

Tips for the Best Brie Bites with Cranberry

  • Freeze brie for 15 minutes before cutting to ensure clean, precise slices without sticking or crumbling.
  • Roll out pastry sheets gently to avoid tearing, ensuring uniform thickness for consistent baking and beautiful presentation.
  • Prick pastry bases before filling to allow steam to escape, creating crispy, flaky texture in every bite.
  • Swap cranberry sauce with other preserves like fig, apricot, or pepper jelly to create unique taste variations that match different meal styles.
  • Allow bites to cool slightly before serving to prevent burning and help pastry set, maintaining structural integrity and maximizing delicious melted cheese experience.

Variations for Brie Bites with Cranberry

  • Goat Cheese Variation: Swap brie with creamy goat cheese for a tangy flavor profile. Top with fig jam instead of cranberry sauce for a Mediterranean-inspired appetizer.
  • Vegan Friendly Option: Use dairy-free cheese alternative and vegan puff pastry. Replace pecans with chopped walnuts and add a drizzle of maple syrup for sweetness.
  • Gluten-Free Alternative: Utilize gluten-free puff pastry sheets. Substitute wheat-based pastry with almond flour-based pastry for celiac-friendly bites.
  • Spicy Herb Remix: Add red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños for heat. Incorporate fresh thyme or sage instead of rosemary to enhance the savory notes.

Presenting Brie Bites with Cranberry for Guests

  • Holiday Party Platter: Arrange brie bites on a festive wooden board with scattered fresh rosemary sprigs and whole pecans for a stunning presentation.
  • Appetizer Pairing: Serve alongside chilled white wine or sparkling prosecco to complement the rich, creamy brie and tart cranberry flavors.
  • Dipping Delight: Prepare a small side of extra cranberry sauce or honey mustard for guests who enjoy additional dipping options with these bite-sized treats.
  • Temperature Tip: These bites shine when served warm, so consider using a heated serving tray or reheating briefly before guests arrive to maintain their crispy, golden texture.

Storage Notes for Brie Bites with Cranberry

  • Store leftover brie bites in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Layer between parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain their delicate texture.
  • Carefully wrap individual or grouped bites in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe container. They'll keep perfectly frozen for 2 months. Freeze before adding fresh rosemary garnish.
  • Warm at 325F for 8-10 minutes. Spread bites on baking sheet, cover loosely with foil to prevent burning. Crisp pastry returns to near-original flakiness.
  • Quick 15-20 second bursts prevent soggy pastry. Check temperature between intervals. Best used when you need a super fast warm-up option.

FAQs

  • What ingredients do I need for Brie Bites with Cranberry?

You’ll need puff pastry sheets, brie cheese, cranberry sauce, pecans, rosemary, salt, and nonstick cooking spray.

  • Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the bites and keep them unbaked in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes them perfect for party prep.

  • How do I prevent the pastry from sticking?

Spray the mini muffin pan thoroughly with nonstick cooking spray before pressing the pastry squares into each cup. This ensures easy removal after baking.

  • Are these suitable for vegetarian guests?

These Brie Bites are vegetarian-friendly. They’re a great appetizer option for guests who don’t eat meat and want something delicious and elegant.

Print
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Brie Bites with Cranberry Recipe

Brie Bites with Cranberry Recipe


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4.6 from 21 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Festive Brie Bites with cranberry sauce offer elegant holiday appetizers perfect for seasonal gatherings. Crisp puff pastry and creamy cheese combine with tangy cranberry for sophisticated party bites that guests will adore.


Ingredients

Scale

Brie Bites with Cranberry

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 sheets frozen puff pastry
  • 8 ounces (226 grams) brie cheese
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) cranberry sauce or jam

Nuts and Herbs:

  • 1/2 cup (60 grams) pecans, finely chopped
  • 4 sprigs fresh rosemary, cut into pieces

Seasoning:

  • 1 teaspoon flaky sea salt

Instructions

  1. Chill brie in freezer for 15 minutes to facilitate easier cutting. Preheat oven to 375°F and prepare mini muffin tins with nonstick spray.
  2. Gently roll pastry sheets to 10×14 inches, ensuring even thickness. Slice each sheet into 24 precise squares using a sharp knife.
  3. Carefully press pastry squares into muffin cavities, delicately pricking bottom of each to prevent air bubbles during baking.
  4. Position a small piece of chilled brie in each pastry cup. Spoon cranberry sauce over cheese, then sprinkle with salt and scatter chopped pecans on top.
  5. Transfer filled muffin tins to preheated oven. Bake for 18-20 minutes, rotating pans midway to ensure uniform golden coloration.
  6. Remove from oven and allow bites to rest in pan for 3 minutes, helping them set and cool slightly.
  7. Delicately transfer bites to serving platter. Garnish with fresh rosemary snippets for aromatic visual appeal. Serve warm or at room temperature for optimal flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Chill the brie before cutting to ensure clean, precise cubes that hold their shape during baking.
  • Use cold pastry sheets straight from the refrigerator to achieve the most flaky, crisp texture in your bites.
  • Experiment with different fruit preserves like fig, apricot, or orange marmalade for unique flavor variations.
  • Swap pecans with toasted almonds or walnuts if you prefer a different nutty crunch or have nut allergies.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: French

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 180
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 200 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 16 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 20 mg
Clara Thompson

Clara Thompson

Recipe Developer & Food Educator

Expertise

Plant-based and vegetarian recipe development, Nutritional analysis and meal planning, Culinary education and workshop facilitation, Content writing with a focus on healthy living​

Education

Diploma in Culinary Arts, Mt. San Jacinto College, CA
Focus: Comprehensive culinary training with an emphasis on sustainable cooking practices.

Certificate in Nutrition and Healthy Living, Cornell University (Online Program)
Focus: Understanding the principles of nutrition to create balanced and health-conscious recipes.


Clara lives where fresh ideas and fresh ingredients meet. She pairs her culinary know-how with her passion for healthy, planet-friendly cooking.
For Clara, good food should taste great, nourish your body, and feel easy to make. Her recipes highlight whole foods, colorful produce, and a deep respect for seasonal eating.

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