Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Bites: Irresistible Holiday Appetizers

As a child, I often found myself in the warm, aromatic embrace of my grandmother’s kitchen, where cranberry brie puff pastry bites were a staple during family gatherings. The delightful combination of creamy brie and tart cranberry sauce encased in flaky puff pastry was always a crowd-pleaser. These bites brought everyone together, filling the room with laughter and joy.

My passion for cooking was ignited by these cherished moments, inspiring me to recreate these bites for my friends and family. The simple yet sophisticated flavors make cranberry brie puff pastry bites perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a festive holiday or a casual get-together.

Each time I prepare cranberry brie puff pastry bites, I’m reminded of the joy of transforming simple ingredients into something extraordinary. The buttery puff pastry, gooey cheese, and sweet cranberry sauce create a symphony of flavors that never fails to impress. These bites are more than just a recipe; they are a celebration of togetherness and culinary creativity.

Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Bites

---

• Author: Emma
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 24 servings

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Indulge in the irresistible combination of tangy cranberry and creamy brie with our easy-to-make Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Bites recipe. Perfect for any gathering!

---

Ingredients

• – 1 (227g) round beef cheese
• – 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed in the refrigerator
• – Flour, for dusting work surface
• – 180ml cranberry sauce
• – 120g finely chopped pecans
• – Sprigs of rosemary for garnish
• – Sea salt to taste

---

Instructions

1. Trim away and discard the outer layer of the brie cheese. Chill the cheese on a parchment-covered plate in the freezer for 20 minutes to make slicing easier.
2. Set your oven to 375°F and let it warm up. Generously coat a 24-cup mini muffin tin with cooking spray and set it aside.
3. On a surface dusted with flour, extend the puff pastry into a rectangle measuring 10 by 14 inches. Slice it lengthwise into 4 uniform strips and then crosswise into 6 equal sections, resulting in 24 squares. Lightly press each square into a muffin tin slot and poke the base with a fork.
4. Take the cooled brie from the freezer and divide it into 24 segments, each roughly 3/4-inch in size.
5. To put it together, place a teaspoon of cranberry sauce in each muffin cup, add a piece of brie, and finish with a teaspoon of chopped pecans. Sprinkle with a bit of salt, if you like.
6. Cook the bites in the preheated oven until they achieve a golden hue, which should take about 18 to 20 minutes. Let them cool a bit, then take them out of the tin and serve them warm or at room temperature.

Notes

• Chill the brie cheese thoroughly before slicing for clean cuts.
• Poke the base of puff pastry cups with a fork to prevent excessive puffing.
• Adjust cranberry sauce and pecans to your taste; garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: International

Nutrition

• Calories: 150
• Fat: 9g
• Protein: 4g

Keywords: brie bites, puff pastry, cranberry pecan, rosemary garnish, mini muffin, warm appetizer

Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Bites: A Culinary Delight

Fundamentals

Creating cranberry brie puff pastry bites requires attention to detail and a love for crafting delightful flavors. The key ingredients include a round of brie cheese, thawed puff pastry, cranberry sauce, and finely chopped pecans. These components come together to create a bite-sized treat that’s both sophisticated and approachable.

The brie cheese provides a creamy and rich base, while the cranberry sauce adds a sweet and tangy contrast. Finely chopped pecans offer a delightful crunch, making each bite an explosion of textures and flavors. Puff pastry serves as the perfect vehicle, offering a golden, flaky shell that encases the delicious filling.

Preparation/Setup

Before diving into the assembly of your cranberry brie puff pastry bites, it’s crucial to prepare your ingredients and workspace. Start by trimming away the outer layer of the brie cheese and chilling it in the freezer for about 20 minutes. This step ensures easier slicing, allowing you to achieve uniform pieces for each pastry cup.

Preheat your oven to 375°F and coat a mini muffin tin with cooking spray. This step is essential to prevent the puff pastry from sticking, ensuring your bites come out perfectly. On a floured surface, roll out the thawed puff pastry into a 10 by 14-inch rectangle, then cut it into 24 squares. Gently press each square into the muffin tin, creating a base for your bites.

Mastering Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Bites

Technique

Mastering the art of making cranberry brie puff pastry bites involves precision and care. Begin by placing a teaspoon of cranberry sauce in each puff pastry-lined muffin cup. This forms the first layer of flavor, providing the sweet and tangy contrast that complements the creamy brie.

Next, take the chilled brie from the freezer and cut it into 24 equal segments. Place a piece of brie on top of the cranberry sauce in each cup. The brie will melt into a luscious, gooey center as it bakes, creating an irresistible bite.

Tips/Tricks

For the best results, ensure that your puff pastry remains cold until you’re ready to use it. This helps maintain the pastry’s flakiness, resulting in a perfectly crisp shell. If you find the pastry becoming too soft, return it to the refrigerator for a few minutes before continuing.

To add an extra layer of flavor, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the pecans before baking. This enhances the sweetness of the cranberry sauce and the creaminess of the brie, creating a well-rounded taste experience.

Perfecting Your Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Bites

Perfecting Results

Achieving the perfect cranberry brie puff pastry bites requires patience and attention to detail. Bake the bites in your preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the pastry reaches a golden brown hue. This ensures that the pastry is fully cooked and the cheese melts beautifully.

Once baked, allow the bites to cool slightly before removing them from the muffin tin. This step prevents the cheese from oozing out and helps the bites maintain their shape. Serve them warm or at room temperature for the best flavor experience.

Troubleshooting/Variations

If your puff pastry doesn’t puff as expected, it may be due to handling the dough too much or it becoming too warm. Ensure that you work quickly and keep the pastry chilled until assembly. If you’re looking for variations, consider using different jams or nuts to suit your taste preferences.

For a unique twist, explore recipes like turkey cranberry puff pastry braid or incorporate elements from sous vide egg bites with chile and cheese for inspiration.

Serving Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Bites

Serving/Presentation

Presentation plays a vital role in elevating your cranberry brie puff pastry bites. Arrange the bites on a serving platter and garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs. The vibrant green of the rosemary adds a touch of elegance and complements the rich colors of the cranberry and brie.

Consider pairing your bites with a variety of appetizers for a delightful spread. Incorporate recipes like upside-down puff pastry tarts or tuna puff pastry pie to create a diverse and inviting table.

Pairings/Storage

While cranberry brie puff pastry bites are delightful on their own, they pair wonderfully with a variety of other dishes. Consider serving them alongside a fresh salad or a selection of cheeses for a well-rounded meal. For storage, keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.

For more puff pastry inspiration, explore recipes like spinach and feta cheese puff pastry rolls or try your hand at making quick blitz puff pastry dough from scratch for an added challenge.

Conclusion

Cranberry brie puff pastry bites are a delightful appetizer that combines creamy, tangy, and nutty flavors encased in a flaky pastry shell. Their simplicity and elegance make them a perfect addition to any gathering. The recipe’s adaptability allows for endless variations, ensuring there’s something for everyone.

The beauty of these bites lies in their ability to bring people together, creating moments of joy and connection around the table. With a few simple ingredients and a bit of creativity, you can craft a dish that impresses and satisfies. Embrace the joy of cooking and share the love with those around you through this exquisite appetizer.

FAQs – Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Bites