Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe

Irresistible Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe: Festive Party Magic

Crispy golden pastry hugging creamy brie and tart cranberry creates an irresistible appetizer that sparkles with festive charm.

Small bites pack big flavor and unexpected texture combinations.

Delicate puff pastry wraps around soft cheese, promising a melt-in-your-mouth experience.

Seasonal ingredients dance together in perfect harmony, creating something magical for holiday gatherings.

Simple preparation means you can whip up these elegant morsels in minutes.

Perfect for cocktail parties or casual get-togethers, these little treasures will have everyone asking for the recipe.

Serve them warm and watch guests swoon with delight.

What Makes Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe Irresistible

  • Crush Party Appetizers: Transform ordinary gatherings into extraordinary celebrations with these bite-sized delights that spark conversations and delight taste buds.
  • Quick Kitchen Magic: Minimal ingredients and simple steps make this recipe perfect for home cooks of all skill levels, allowing anyone to create restaurant-worthy bites in minutes.
  • Festive Flavor Burst: Combines sweet cranberry sauce and creamy Brie cheese for a sophisticated taste profile that elevates any seasonal or casual event, from holiday parties to casual game nights.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Versatility: These pastry bites work wonderfully as appetizers, snacks, or unexpected additions to potlucks, impressing guests with minimal cooking expertise required.

What You’ll Need For Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe

Main Pastry Base:
  • Puff Pastry: A delicate, buttery pastry that creates a light and flaky base for the bites.
Cheese Component:
  • Brie Cheese: A soft and creamy French cheese that melts beautifully and provides a rich, smooth texture.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Cranberry Sauce: A sweet and tart sauce that adds vibrant flavor and festive color to the bites.
  • Egg: A binding agent that helps create a golden brown finish on the pastry edges.
Optional Garnish:
  • Pistachios: A crunchy nut that adds a delightful texture and nutty flavor to the top of the bites.
Preparation Helpers:
  • Flour: Used to prevent sticking when rolling out the pastry.
Cooking Essentials:
  • Cooking Spray or Butter: Helps prevent the pastry from sticking to the muffin tin.

Simple Instructions For Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Get your oven toasty and ready by setting it to 375°F. This temperature will create perfectly crispy and golden pastry bites.

Step 2: Prepare the Pastry Canvas

Dust your countertop with a light sprinkle of flour. Gently unfold the thawed puff pastry sheet and smooth it out with a rolling pin. Slice the pastry into neat 2-inch squares using a sharp knife.

Step 3: Create Pastry Cups

Grab your mini muffin tin and give it a quick spray of cooking oil. Carefully press each pastry square into the muffin wells, forming delicate little cups that will cradle your delicious filling.

Step 4: Nestle the Cheese

Place a small, creamy chunk of Brie cheese right in the center of each pastry cup. The cheese will melt into a luxurious, gooey surprise during baking.

Step 5: Splash of Cranberry Goodness

Spoon a dollop of cranberry sauce over the Brie in each cup. The sweet-tart sauce will complement the rich cheese perfectly.

Step 6: Golden Glaze Technique

Whisk an egg in a small bowl until well combined. Using a pastry brush, lovingly paint the exposed edges of the pastry with the egg wash. This will create a beautiful golden-brown finish.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the muffin tin into the preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes, watching for the pastry to transform into a crispy, golden masterpiece.

Step 8: Cool and Embellish

Remove the bites from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. For an extra crunch, sprinkle some roughly chopped pistachios on top.

Step 9: Serve with Celebration

Plate these gorgeous bites while they’re still warm. Watch as your guests dive into these irresistible little flavor bombs that combine creamy, sweet, and crunchy elements.

Tips That Help With Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe

  • Choose Fresh Ingredients: Select high-quality Brie and ripe cranberry sauce for the most vibrant flavor profile.
  • Prevent Pastry Sticking: Lightly grease the muffin tin or use parchment paper liners to ensure easy removal of delicate bites.
  • Master Pastry Technique: Roll puff pastry gently and evenly to create uniform, crispy cups that bake consistently.
  • Control Cheese Melting: Cut Brie into small, uniform pieces to guarantee smooth melting without overwhelming the pastry.
  • Garnish Creatively: Experiment with additional toppings like fresh thyme, honey drizzle, or toasted nuts to elevate the bite's complexity.

Twists To Try On Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe

  • Goat Cheese Cranberry Bites: Swap Brie with creamy goat cheese for a tangy alternative that pairs wonderfully with cranberry sauce.
  • Vegan Pastry Pockets: Use dairy-free cheese and vegan puff pastry to create a plant-based version that's equally delicious and crowd-pleasing.
  • Savory Herb Cranberry Bites: Add fresh thyme or rosemary to the filling for an earthy, aromatic flavor profile that elevates the classic recipe.
  • Gluten-Free Berry Bites: Replace puff pastry with gluten-free pastry sheets or almond flour-based dough to accommodate gluten-sensitive guests.

Tasty Companions For Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe

  • Perfectly Paired Wine Selection: Choose a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio that complements the creamy Brie and tangy cranberry sauce, balancing the rich flavors without overpowering the delicate pastry.
  • Herb-Infused Cocktail Companion: Mix a refreshing rosemary gin spritzer with light botanical notes that enhance the appetizer's subtle sweetness and provide a clean, bright contrast to the rich cheese and buttery pastry.
  • Sparkling Cider Delight: Serve a chilled sparkling apple or pear cider that offers a gentle effervescence and fruity undertone, matching the cranberry's tartness while cutting through the creamy Brie's richness.

Storing Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe Made Simple

  • Store leftover bites in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Layer with parchment paper between rows to prevent sticking.
  • Wrap individual bites tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 1 month for quick future appetizers.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Arrange bites on a baking sheet and warm for 5-7 minutes until cheese melts and pastry crisps. Avoid microwave to maintain pastry's crunch.
  • Place bites on a small tray and reheat at 325°F for 3-4 minutes. Check frequently to prevent burning and ensure even warming.

Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe Questions You May Have

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

You’ll need puff pastry, Brie cheese, cranberry sauce, an egg for egg wash, flour for dusting, and optional pistachios for garnish.

  • Can I make these bites ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the bites beforehand and refrigerate them uncooked. Just add the egg wash right before baking to keep the pastry crisp.

  • Do I need any special equipment to make these?

A mini muffin tin is essential. A pastry brush helps for the egg wash, but you can use your finger if needed. Otherwise, basic kitchen tools will work fine.

  • How do I prevent the pastry from sticking?

Lightly grease the mini muffin tin with butter or cooking spray. This ensures the bites will come out easily after baking.

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Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe

Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe


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4.7 from 34 reviews

  • Total Time: 35-40 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Festive holiday appetizers meet creamy luxury in these delightful Cranberry Brie Bites. Crisp pastry shells cradle melted brie and tangy cranberry sauce, offering guests a perfect one-bite celebration of seasonal flavors you’ll savor at every gathering.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 sheet puff pastry
  • 8 ounces (226 grams) brie cheese
  • 1 cup cranberry sauce

Garnish and Binding:

  • 1/4 cup chopped pistachios
  • 1 egg

Preparation Aid:

  • Flour (for dusting)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven by heating it to 375°F (190°C), ensuring a perfect baking environment for the delectable bites.
  2. Dust a clean work surface with flour and gently roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet to create a smooth, even surface.
  3. Slice the pastry into precise 2-inch squares, creating the foundation for your appetizer.
  4. Lightly grease a mini muffin tin to prevent sticking, then carefully nestle each pastry square into the individual sections.
  5. Delicately position a small piece of Brie cheese at the center of each pastry cup, anticipating its luxurious melting potential.
  6. Generously spoon cranberry sauce over the Brie, creating a vibrant layer of sweet-tart flavor.
  7. Whisk an egg and carefully brush the pastry edges, guaranteeing a stunning golden-brown finish during baking.
  8. Transfer the muffin tin to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, watching for a perfectly crisp and flaky pastry.
  9. Remove from the oven and allow a brief cooling period to set the delicate structure.
  10. Optional: Sprinkle chopped pistachios atop the bites for an added textural dimension.
  11. Serve these irresistible cranberry Brie bites warm, inviting guests to savor the harmonious blend of creamy cheese and tangy cranberry.

Notes

  • Cheese Temperature Matters: Let Brie sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before using to ensure smooth melting and even distribution in pastry cups.
  • Pastry Precision: Roll puff pastry gently to maintain its delicate layers, preventing tough or dense bites that might compromise the texture.
  • Cranberry Sauce Variation: Experiment with homemade or store-bought cranberry sauce, adjusting sweetness levels to complement the creamy Brie.
  • Dietary Adaptations: Swap regular puff pastry for gluten-free alternatives and use dairy-free Brie for vegan guests, ensuring everyone can enjoy these delectable bites.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 200 mg
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 14 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 20 mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

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