Description
Cranberry Brie Bites are delightful mini appetizers featuring flaky puff pastry filled with creamy brie cheese and tangy cranberry sauce, topped with crunchy pecans and fresh thyme. Perfect for holiday gatherings and parties, these bite-sized treats are easy to make and impressive to serve.
Ingredients
Scale
Pastry Base
- 1 package (17.3 oz) frozen puff pastry, thawed
Filling
- 8 oz wheel of brie cheese
- 1 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Garnish and Finish
- 2–3 sprigs fresh thyme for garnish
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a mini muffin tin to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Puff Pastry: Roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface and cut it into 24 equal squares, ensuring each piece fits into the muffin cups.
- Form Pastry Cups: Press each square gently into a muffin cup to form a small pastry cup that will hold the filling.
- Cut Brie: Slice the brie cheese into 24 small cubes, roughly 1/2-inch in size for perfect bite-sized portions.
- Assemble Bites: Place one brie cube in each pastry cup, followed by a spoonful of cranberry sauce on top.
- Add Toppings: If desired, sprinkle chopped pecans over the cranberry sauce to add a crunchy texture.
- Optional Egg Wash: Brush the edges of the pastry with beaten egg to enhance browning and give a glossy finish.
- Bake: Bake the assembled bites in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the pastries turn golden brown and the brie melts slightly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs before serving warm.
Notes
- For best results, fully thaw the puff pastry before rolling and cutting.
- Pecan topping is optional but adds delightful crunch and flavor contrast.
- Use homemade cranberry sauce for a fresher taste or store-bought for convenience.
- Egg wash is optional but helps achieve a golden, glossy finish on the pastry.
- Serve warm to enjoy the melted brie and crispy pastry texture.
- Perfect for holiday parties, brunches, or as an elegant appetizer.
- Prep Time: 12 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
