Description
Mini Cranberry Brie Bites are delicate, flaky puff pastry appetizers filled with creamy Brie cheese and tangy cranberry sauce. Perfect for holiday gatherings or parties, these bite-sized treats combine sweet, savory, and fresh flavors in an elegant yet easy-to-make finger food.
Ingredients
Scale
Pastry
- 1 package of puff pastry (2 sheets, thawed)
Filling
- 1 cup Brie cheese, cut into small cubes
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh thyme leaves (optional, for garnish)
For Egg Wash
- 1 egg, beaten
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it is hot and ready once your bites are assembled.
- Roll Out Puff Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the thawed puff pastry sheets to about 1/8 inch thickness for the perfect flaky texture.
- Cut Pastry Pieces: Use a knife or a round cookie cutter to cut the pastry into 3-inch wide squares or circles for uniform, bite-sized portions.
- Arrange Pastry on Baking Sheet: Place the cut pastry pieces onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them slightly apart.
- Add Brie Cheese: Put a small cube of Brie cheese in the center of each pastry piece to provide a rich, creamy filling.
- Top with Cranberry Sauce: Spoon approximately one teaspoon of cranberry sauce over the Brie cheese in each pastry to add a sweet and tangy contrast.
- Season and Garnish: Lightly season with salt and pepper, and if desired, sprinkle a few fresh thyme leaves on top to enhance flavor profiles.
- Fold or Leave Open: Opt to fold the corners of the pastry over the filling creating a neat package or leave them open for a rustic appearance.
- Brush with Egg Wash: Brush the tops of the pastries with beaten egg to develop a golden, glossy finish after baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes or until the pastries are puffed, flaky, and golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and allow to cool for a few minutes before serving to ensure the filling sets slightly and is safe to eat.
Notes
- You can use store-bought cranberry sauce to save time or make your own for a fresher taste.
- For a vegetarian option, ensure the puff pastry dough does not contain animal fats.
- These bites can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated; bake just before serving for best freshness.
- Fresh thyme is optional but adds a lovely aromatic note that complements the flavors.
- The toothpick can be used to secure folded corners if needed during baking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Mini Cranberry Brie Bites, puff pastry appetizers, holiday snacks, Brie cheese appetizer, cranberry sauce bites
