Cranberry Brie Bites with Puff Pastry Recipe
These Cranberry Brie Bites with Puff Pastry are a delightful appetizer perfect for parties and gatherings. Featuring creamy Brie cheese, tangy cranberry sauce, and crunchy pecans wrapped in flaky puff pastry, these bite-sized treats are easy to assemble and bake to golden perfection. Garnished with rosemary and a sprinkle of sea salt, they offer a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and nutty flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Cheese
- 1 8 ounce round Brie cheese
Pastry
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry (thawed in the refrigerator)
- Flour (for dusting work surface)
Toppings
- 3/4 cup cranberry sauce
- 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans
- Sprigs of rosemary for garnish
- Sea salt to taste
Instructions
- Freeze Brie Cheese: Cut off and discard the rind from the Brie cheese. Place the cheese on a parchment-lined plate and freeze for 20 minutes. This step firms up the cheese, making it easier to cut into neat pieces.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Generously grease a 24-cup mini muffin pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking and set it aside.
- Cut Puff Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll the thawed puff pastry sheet into a 10×14-inch rectangle. Cut the sheet lengthwise into 4 even strips, then crosswise into 6 even squares, yielding 24 squares. Gently press each square into a muffin cup and prick the bottom of each pastry with a fork to prevent bubbling.
- Cut Brie: Remove the chilled Brie from the freezer and cut into 24 pieces, approximately 3/4-inch in size, to fit each pastry cup.
- Assemble Bites: Spoon 1 teaspoon of cranberry sauce into each pastry-lined muffin cup. Press a piece of Brie cheese on top of the sauce, then sprinkle each with 1 teaspoon of finely chopped pecans. Add a light sprinkle of sea salt if desired for extra flavor.
- Bake: Place the muffin pan in the preheated oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes until the puff pastry is golden brown and puffed. After baking, allow the bites to cool slightly so they can firm up a bit.
- Serve: Carefully remove the cranberry Brie bites from the muffin pan and garnish with small sprigs of rosemary. Serve warm or at room temperature for best taste.
Notes
- Freezing the Brie cheese briefly makes it easier to cut without squishing.
- Use fresh, thawed puff pastry and keep it cold to ensure the pastries rise nicely in the oven.
- Adding sea salt enhances the flavors but is optional to suit your taste preferences.
- These bites can be made a few hours ahead and warmed before serving.
- Substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds if desired.
- For a sweeter touch, drizzle a light honey glaze just before serving.
