Description
These Cranberry Brie Bites are a delightful and elegant appetizer perfect for holiday parties or special occasions. Featuring flaky puff pastry filled with creamy Brie cheese, topped with tangy whole berry cranberry sauce, crunchy pecans, and a touch of fresh rosemary, they offer a delicious combination of flavors and textures. Easy to assemble and bake, these bite-sized treats are sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients
Scale
Puff Pastry
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
Cheese
- 1 wheel Brie cheese (about 8 ounces), rind removed and cut into small cubes
Toppings
- 1/2 cup whole berry cranberry sauce
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped (optional)
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
For Egg Wash
- 1 egg, beaten
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a mini muffin tin to prevent sticking.
- Cut Puff Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet and cut it into 24 equal squares, ensuring they are large enough to fit into the mini muffin tin wells.
- Line Muffin Tin: Press each puff pastry square gently into the wells of the mini muffin tin, forming small cups.
- Add Brie Cheese: Place one cube of Brie cheese into each pastry cup, distributing evenly.
- Top with Cranberry Sauce and Pecans: Spoon about 1 teaspoon of whole berry cranberry sauce on top of each Brie cube. If using, sprinkle chopped pecans and a small pinch of finely chopped fresh rosemary over each bite.
- Apply Egg Wash: Lightly brush the exposed edges of the puff pastry with the beaten egg to achieve a golden, glossy finish when baked.
- Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, until the puff pastry is golden brown and puffed.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the baked bites from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before carefully removing. Drizzle lightly with honey if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
- These bites can be assembled a few hours ahead and refrigerated until ready to bake.
- For a festive twist, add a tiny piece of orange zest on top of each bite before baking.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator and reheat briefly in the oven to crisp up the pastry again.
