Cranberry Brie Bites

$- 1 sheet of thawed puff pastry - 8 ounces of Brie cheese, cut into cubes - 1 cup of cranberry sauce - 1/4 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts - 1 tablespoon of finely chopped fresh rosemary - 1 egg for egg wash - Salt and black pepper to taste - Additional herbs for garnish - Spices for added flavor Gathering these ingredients is the first step to making cranberry Brie bites. The puff pastry is the base, bringing a flaky texture. The Brie cheese melts beautifully, creating a creamy layer. You can use homemade or store-bought cranberry sauce for sweetness and tartness. Chopped nuts add crunch and depth. Fresh rosemary gives a lovely aroma and flavor. An egg wash helps achieve that golden finish. Finally, salt and pepper enhance all the flavors. If you want to get creative, consider using additional herbs for garnish. Fresh thyme or parsley can add a nice touch. You might also sprinkle in some spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for extra warmth. These options let you customize the bites to your taste! {{ingredient_image_2}} First, I preheat my oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures it's hot enough to bake the bites perfectly. Next, I take my thawed puff pastry. I place it on a lightly floured surface. I gently roll it out until it is about 1/8 inch thick. Then, I cut the pastry into 2-inch squares. I aim for 12 to 16 squares in total. I arrange the squares on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This helps prevent sticking while baking. Now comes the fun part! I place a small cube of Brie cheese in the center of each pastry square. This cheese will melt beautifully as it bakes. On top of the Brie, I add a teaspoon of cranberry sauce. The sweet-tart flavor of the sauce pairs perfectly with the creamy cheese. Next, I sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the sauce. This adds a nice crunch and depth of flavor. To finish, I season each bite with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper. I also add finely chopped rosemary for an aromatic touch. If I want, I can fold the corners of the pastry squares over the filling. This creates cute little bundles. If not, I leave them open for a rustic look. Before baking, I brush the tops with beaten egg. This gives the bites a lovely golden color. I make sure to cover them evenly. I then place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. I bake the bites for 15 to 20 minutes. I watch closely until the pastry puffs up and turns golden brown. After baking, I take the bites out of the oven. I let them cool for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld beautifully. To handle puff pastry well, keep it cool. If it gets warm, it becomes hard to work with. Lightly flour your surface before rolling it out. This helps prevent sticking. Aim for a thickness of about 1/8 inch. Cut the pastry into 2-inch squares. This size is perfect for filling. For a golden crust, brush the pastry with a beaten egg. This gives it a nice shine as it bakes. Bake at 375°F for 15-20 minutes. Watch closely until it turns golden brown. This shows the pastry is ready and has puffed up nicely. Pair savory flavors with the sweet cranberry. Fresh herbs like rosemary add a great taste. They bring an earthy note that balances the dish. Consider adding a pinch of cinnamon for warmth or nutmeg for depth. For nuts, pecans and walnuts offer crunch. They also add richness that complements Brie. You can also try almonds or hazelnuts for a new twist. Don't forget to season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. This enhances all the flavors in each bite. For a stunning display, serve the bites on a rustic wooden board. This adds charm to your table. Arrange them close together for a cozy look. You can also use a festive platter for special occasions. Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs. They add color and a lovely scent. You might also sprinkle a few nuts around for extra flair. This makes the dish visually exciting and inviting. Pro Tips Chill the Puff Pastry: Before rolling out, keep the puff pastry chilled. This helps maintain its flakiness while baking. Experiment with Cheese: While Brie is classic, try substituting with Camembert or a flavored cheese for a unique twist. Make Ahead: Prepare the bites in advance and refrigerate them. Bake just before serving for a fresh, warm treat. Garnish Creatively: Add a drizzle of balsamic reduction or honey over the baked bites for an extra touch of flavor and elegance. {{image_4}} You can switch up the nuts in your cranberry Brie bites. Pecans add a sweet crunch, while walnuts offer a richer flavor. Almonds can bring a light, buttery taste. If you want something zesty, try pistachios. Each nut gives a new twist to the bites. Experiment to find your favorite mix! Brie is classic, but many cheeses work well here. Goat cheese adds tang and creaminess. Cheddar brings a sharp flavor that pairs nicely with cranberry. For a fun twist, use blue cheese for boldness. You can also swap cranberry sauce for fig jam. Each change gives a new taste to enjoy. You can play with the recipe for any season or holiday. For Thanksgiving, add nutmeg and cinnamon to the cranberry sauce. During Christmas, use cranberry-orange sauce for a festive touch. In spring, mix in fresh herbs like basil or mint. Each season brings fresh flavors to your bites. To keep your cranberry Brie bites fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps maintain their flavor and texture. If you have leftovers, place them in the fridge. They will stay good for up to three days. For longer storage, you can freeze them. Wrap each bite in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. This helps prevent freezer burn. When you're ready to enjoy your leftovers, use the oven for the best results. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the bites on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 10-15 minutes. This will warm them up and keep the pastry crisp. Avoid using the microwave, as it may make the pastry soggy. In the fridge, cranberry Brie bites last for about three days. If you freeze them, they can last for up to two months. Just remember to label your freezer bags with the date. This way, you will know when to use them. Enjoy your bites fresh for the best taste! Yes, you can use phyllo dough. Phyllo gives a crisp texture. It may not puff like the pastry. You need to layer it with butter. This adds richness and helps it crisp. Keep in mind, phyllo is thinner. It also cooks faster. Watch it closely to avoid burning. Puff pastry is thicker and flakier. It holds the filling well. Choose based on your taste. Yes, you can prep these bites ahead. Make the bites and chill them. Cover them with plastic wrap. This keeps them fresh. Bake them just before serving. If you bake them in advance, they lose crispness. You can also make the filling early. Store it in the fridge. Assemble the bites when you are ready to bake. You can substitute several spreads for cranberry sauce. Try fig jam for a sweet twist. Apple butter gives a smooth flavor. You can also use a savory option. Try onion jam for a unique profile. If you want a spicy kick, use jalapeño jelly. These options add different tastes to your bites. Experiment with what you like best! This recipe for Brie and cranberry bites combines easy steps and tasty ingredients. We covered the essential ingredients, preparation, and tips for perfecting the pastry. Make sure to experiment with different nuts and cheeses for fun twists. Storing and reheating leftovers is simple and keeps bites delicious. These treats are perfect for any occasion and sure to impress guests. Enjoy crafting your own variations, and let your creativity shine in the kitchen!$

Delicious bites of puff pastry filled with Brie cheese, cranberry sauce, and nuts, perfect for any gathering.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 20

Total Time 35

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American

Servings 12

Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients

1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
8 ounces Brie cheese, cut into small cubes
1 cup cranberry sauce
1 4 cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
1 egg beaten (for egg wash)
to taste salt and freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the bites.
On a lightly floured surface, gently roll out the puff pastry sheet until it is about 1/8 inch thick. Cut the pastry into 2-inch squares, aiming for about 12-16 squares total.
Arrange the squares on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
In the middle of each pastry square, place a small cube of Brie cheese, allowing it to melt nicely while baking.
Top each piece of Brie with a teaspoon of cranberry sauce, followed by a sprinkle of the chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch and flavor.
Season each bite with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper and add the finely chopped rosemary for a burst of herbal aroma.
If desired, gently fold the corners of the pastry squares over the filling to create charming bundles; alternatively, leave them open for a rustic presentation.
To achieve a beautiful golden color, brush the tops of each pastry bite with the beaten egg, ensuring even coverage.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed up and exhibits a lovely golden-brown hue.
Once baked, remove the bites from the oven and allow them to cool for 5 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.

Notes

Serve on a rustic wooden board or festive platter, garnished with fresh rosemary sprigs.

Keyword appetizer, Brie, cranberry, puff pastry