If you’re looking for a festive and irresistibly tasty appetizer, the Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe is your new best friend. These little gems combine golden, flaky puff pastry with creamy Brie and a burst of tangy-sweet cranberry sauce, creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures that will have everyone reaching for seconds. Quick to prepare and stunning to serve, this recipe transforms simple pantry staples into an elegant bite-sized treat that’s ideal for holiday parties, family gatherings, or any occasion where a crowd-pleaser is needed.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients for this Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe is a breeze, and each one plays a crucial role in creating these mouthwatering bites. From the rich, velvety Brie to the flaky, buttery puff pastry, these simple components come together beautifully to deliver sensational taste and texture.
- 1 egg + 1 tablespoon water: This egg wash is the secret to that golden, glossy finish on the puff pastry.
- 1 sheet puff pastry dough (thawed): Puff pastry brings the perfect buttery crunch that contrasts with the creamy Brie.
- 1 cup cranberry sauce: The cranberry sauce adds a vibrant pop of tangy sweetness, balancing the richness of the cheese.
- 4 ounces Brie cheese (sliced): Brie offers a smooth, creamy texture and mild flavor that pairs wonderfully with both pastry and cranberry.
How to Make Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe
Step 1: Prepare your oven and baking sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Take a sheet pan and line it with parchment paper; this will help prevent sticking and make cleanup easier once your bites are baked to perfection.
Step 2: Whisk your egg wash
Crack one egg into a small bowl, add a tablespoon of water, and whisk them together vigorously. This simple mix will give your puff pastry that irresistible golden sheen, so don’t skip this step!
Step 3: Cut the puff pastry
Roll out the thawed puff pastry slightly into a 16 by 10-inch rectangle. Then, cut the dough into 48 squares, each about 1.5 inches. This size is perfect for bite-sized treats that guests can easily pop into their mouths.
Step 4: Assemble and bake the puff pastry squares
Place 24 squares neatly on your lined baking sheet. Layer the remaining 24 squares onto these and gently brush the tops with your egg wash. This helps them puff up evenly and achieve that beautiful golden color. Bake them for 15 minutes or until they turn golden brown. Once baked, allow them to cool slightly before moving on to the next step.
Step 5: Add Brie and cranberry sauce
Once the puff pastry bites are cool enough to handle, place a slice of Brie on top of each one, followed by a teaspoon of cranberry sauce. The creamy Brie melting slightly on the warm pastry coupled with the tart cranberries creates a flavor combination that truly sings.
How to Serve Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing your Cranberry Brie Bites can elevate their presentation and add extra flavor layers. Think fresh thyme leaves or a tiny sprig of rosemary for an herbaceous lift. A light drizzle of honey can also add a subtle sweetness for those who crave a little extra flair.
Side Dishes
These bites shine on their own as appetizers, but to build out a full spread, consider pairing them with a fresh green salad or crunchy vegetable crudités. They also complement charcuterie boards beautifully, adding a fruity and cheesy component to your meat and nut offerings.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive occasion, arrange your Cranberry Brie Bites on a rustic wooden board or a mirrored platter to catch the light. Adding small edible flowers or scattering chopped nuts around the platter can make them even more inviting and Instagram-worthy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 days, though honestly, these rarely last that long once guests start tasting them!
Freezing
You can freeze the baked puff pastry squares before topping them with Brie and cranberry sauce. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze initially, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to enjoy, thaw and add the toppings fresh.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the bites in a preheated 350°F oven for 5 to 7 minutes until warmed through and slightly crisp again. Avoid microwaving to keep the puff pastry from getting soggy, preserving that wonderful crunch and texture.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of cranberry sauce?
Fresh cranberries are quite tart and firm, so for this recipe, cranberry sauce is preferred as it provides the perfect sweet-tart spreadable consistency. However, you can make a homemade cranberry sauce easily if you want a fresher option.
Is there a substitute for Brie in this recipe?
Yes! Camembert or even a mild cream cheese can work well if Brie is not available. Both will offer that creamy texture needed to balance the puff pastry and cranberry sauce.
Can I make these vegetarian-friendly?
This recipe is already vegetarian as it uses no meat products. Just double-check the puff pastry ingredients since some brands might use animal-based fats.
How far in advance can I prep Cranberry Brie Bites?
You can assemble and bake the puff pastry squares up to a day ahead and keep them refrigerated, then add the Brie and cranberry just before serving for the freshest taste.
What’s the best way to serve these at a party?
Serve them at room temperature on a pretty platter with toothpicks or small forks so guests can easily enjoy these delicious bites without fuss.
Final Thoughts
Give the Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe a try and watch it become a fast favorite at your gatherings. The combination of flaky pastry, luscious cheese, and bright cranberry sauce delivers a party appetizer that’s both elegant and easy. It’s one of those recipes you’ll want to keep in your back pocket for every special occasion!
Print
Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings (48 bite-sized pieces)
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Cranberry Brie Bites are delicious, flaky puff pastry squares filled with creamy Brie cheese and topped with sweet-tart cranberry sauce. Perfect as an elegant appetizer or festive party snack, they combine buttery pastry with rich cheese and a burst of cranberry flavor, finished with a touch of thyme for freshness.
Ingredients
Egg Wash
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon water
Main Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry dough, thawed
- 1 cup cranberry sauce
- 4 ounces Brie cheese, sliced
- Fresh thyme for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a sheet pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and set it aside.
- Make the Egg Wash: Break one egg into a small bowl, add 1 tablespoon of water, and whisk thoroughly until well combined. This will help give the puff pastry a golden, glossy finish when baked.
- Prepare Puff Pastry: Lightly roll out the thawed puff pastry dough into a 16 by 10-inch rectangle on a clean surface. Cut the dough into 48 small squares, each about 1.5 inches in size.
- Assemble Puff Pastry Squares: Arrange 24 of the puff pastry squares spaced evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Layer the remaining 24 squares on top of the first layer. Using a pastry brush, lightly brush the tops with the prepared egg wash to help them brown nicely.
- Bake Puff Pastry: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for about 15 minutes or until the puff pastry squares are puffed up and golden brown. Once done, remove from the oven and allow them to cool completely on the pan.
- Add Brie and Cranberry Sauce: Once cooled, place a slice of Brie cheese on each puff pastry square. Then, top each with 1 teaspoon of cranberry sauce for a sweet and tart contrast.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish each bite with a small sprig of fresh thyme for added aroma and flavor. Serve these cranberry Brie bites at room temperature as a delightful appetizer or party treat.
Notes
- Ensure the puff pastry is fully thawed for easier rolling and cutting.
- Brie slices should be thin enough to melt slightly when the pastry is warm but not too thick to overpower the bite.
- Feel free to substitute cranberry sauce with other fruit preserves like fig or apricot for variation.
- Egg wash can be omitted for a less glossy finish but will affect color and texture slightly.
- These bites are best served the same day but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 1 day.
