These Cranberry Brie Bites are tasty little delights! With a creamy brie cheese and sweet cranberry sauce baked inside flaky pastry, they’re perfect for snacking.
Whenever I make these, they vanish fast! They’re easy to pop in your mouth—perfect for parties or just for when you need a quick treat. You’ll love them!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Puff Pastry: This is the star of your bites, giving them that light, flaky texture. You can use store-bought for convenience. If you’re out of puff pastry, crescent roll dough works as a good substitute, though it’ll be a bit different in texture.
Brie Cheese: The creamy and rich flavor of Brie is what makes these bites so special. If you can’t find Brie, Camembert is a great substitute. For a lower-fat option, consider using a soft cheese like goat cheese, which will also add a different tangy taste.
Cranberry Sauce: I love using homemade cranberry sauce for freshness, but store-bought works just fine too! If cranberry isn’t available, feel free to replace it with another fruit preserve like raspberry or apricot for a twist.
Brown Sugar: Sprinkling brown sugar on top can add a nice caramelization, but it’s totally optional. For a healthier option, try a sprinkle of cinnamon instead, which will give a warm flavor.
How Do I Perfectly Cut and Bake Puff Pastry?
Cutting and baking puff pastry is simple but requires a little care. Here’s how to do it right:
- First, make sure your puff pastry is completely thawed. This makes it easier to roll out and cut.
- When cutting, use a sharp cookie cutter or knife to avoid flattening the layers. For best results, lightly flour your work surface to prevent sticking.
- Brush the edges with beaten egg before baking; this gives a nice golden finish.
- For even puffing, don’t overcrowd the baking sheet. Leave some space between each pastry.
- Keep an eye on them while baking; they can go from golden to overdone quickly. Aim for that perfect puffed, golden brown look!
Cranberry Brie Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 6 oz Brie cheese, rind removed and cut into small cubes
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (whole berry or jellied)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (optional, for sprinkling)
- Fresh rosemary sprigs, for garnish (optional)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 20-25 minutes of prep time and baking, so you can have these delicious bites ready in no time! Perfect for last-minute parties or a cozy gathering at home.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Once it’s ready, line a baking sheet with parchment paper so your bites don’t stick.
2. Prepare the Puff Pastry:
Take your thawed puff pastry and roll it out on a lightly floured surface. Using a small round or square cookie cutter (about 1.5 to 2 inches), cut out shapes and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
3. Brush with Egg Wash:
Lightly brush the edges of each pastry cutout with the beaten egg. This will give them a beautiful golden color when baked!
4. Start Baking:
Pop the puff pastry into the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes or until they’re puffed and golden brown. Once baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.
5. Add the Brie:
Place a small cube of Brie cheese on each pastry. Return them to the oven for another 3-5 minutes, just until the cheese softens but doesn’t fully melt—delicious!
6. Top with Cranberry Sauce:
Take them out of the oven again and add a spoonful of cranberry sauce on top of the Brie.
7. Optional Sweet Crunch:
If you like a sweet crunch, sprinkle a little brown sugar over the cranberry sauce.
8. Garnish for Flair:
Add a fresh rosemary sprig on top of each bite for a lovely aroma and pretty presentation.
9. Serve and Enjoy!
These Cranberry Brie Bites can be served warm or at room temperature. Enjoy these tasty little treats at your next gathering or any special occasion!
They are sure to impress with their combination of flaky pastry, creamy Brie, and sweet-tart cranberry sauce—perfect for the holiday season or any time you want a delightful snack!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While Brie is the traditional choice for these bites, you can substitute it with other soft cheeses like Camembert, goat cheese, or even cream cheese for a different flavor profile.
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the puff pastry and fill them with Brie and cranberry sauce ahead of time. Just refrigerate them and bake shortly before serving for best results!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover Cranberry Brie Bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through.
Can I Use Homemade Cranberry Sauce?
Absolutely! Homemade cranberry sauce adds a fresher taste and can be customized to your liking. Just make sure it’s thick enough to hold together when spooned onto the Brie.
