Description
Cranberry brie bites offer a perfect blend of creamy cheese and tangy fruit nestled in flaky pastry. Guests will savor these elegant appetizers that combine rich flavors and festive charm for memorable holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 8 ounces (226 grams) brie cheese, cut into small cubes
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) cranberry sauce, homemade or store-bought
Optional Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup (30 grams) chopped pecans
- 12 teaspoons (3 tablespoons) fresh rosemary, finely chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and coat a mini muffin tin with a light layer of cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- Unfold the thawed puff pastry sheet on a lightly dusted surface, ensuring it’s smooth and relaxed at room temperature.
- Use a sharp knife or pastry cutter to slice the pastry into precise 24 small, uniform squares, maintaining equal sizes for consistent baking.
- Gently press each pastry square into the muffin tin wells, allowing the edges to slightly overhang and create delicate ruffled borders.
- Nestle a small, creamy cube of Brie cheese into the center of each pastry-lined cup, allowing it to melt beautifully during baking.
- Dollop a small spoonful of vibrant cranberry sauce atop the Brie, creating a sweet and tangy flavor profile.
- Sprinkle a handful of finely chopped pecans over each bite for a delightful crunch and nutty undertone.
- Transfer the muffin tin to the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, watching for golden, puffy pastry and bubbling cheese.
- Once baked, remove from the oven and let the bites rest for a few minutes to set and cool slightly.
- Optional: Garnish with delicate fresh rosemary sprigs for an aromatic herbal touch before serving warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Swap puff pastry for gluten-free alternatives like almond flour pastry for those with gluten sensitivities.
- Experiment with different cheese variations like goat cheese or camembert for unique flavor profiles.
- Add a drizzle of honey or balsamic glaze just before serving to enhance the sweet-savory balance.
- Prepare bites ahead of time and refrigerate unbaked, then bake directly before guests arrive for maximum freshness and convenience.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
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: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg