Cranberry Brie Bites: The Perfect Festive Appetizer

These Cranberry Brie Bites are the perfect holiday appetizer! This easy recipe combines creamy Brie cheese, tangy cranberry sauce, and crunchy walnuts, all baked to golden perfection in a buttery puff pastry shell. Each bite is an explosion of flavor and texture that will have your guests coming back for more.

Imagine the aroma of warm Brie and sweet cranberry filling your kitchen as these little bites bake in the oven. The golden brown puff pastry gives way to a gooey cheese center, balanced by the tart cranberry and crunchy walnuts. Whether you’re hosting a Christmas party, a Thanksgiving feast, or just a cozy night in, these Cranberry Brie Bites are sure to impress.

Ingredients

Prepping the Puff Pastry Shells

The foundation of our Cranberry Brie Bites is a flaky, buttery puff pastry. While you can certainly make your own, using store-bought frozen puff pastry makes this recipe incredibly easy and convenient.

Here’s how to prepare the puff pastry:

1. Thaw: First, make sure your puff pastry is fully thawed. This usually takes a few hours at room temperature.
2. Roll: Lightly flour your work surface and roll the puff pastry sheet into a rectangle. Aim for a thickness of about ⅛ inch.
3. Cut: Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to cut the puff pastry into 24 equal squares.
4. Prepare the pan: Lightly grease a 24-cup mini muffin pan with cooking spray. This will prevent the pastry from sticking and ensure easy removal.
5. Fill the cups: Gently press each puff pastry square into a muffin cup, making sure it reaches the bottom and sides.

Tip: For an extra festive touch, you can use cookie cutters to create different shapes, like stars or Christmas trees!

The Star of the Show: Brie

Brie cheese is known for its creamy texture and mild, buttery flavor. It’s the perfect complement to the tart cranberry sauce in this recipe.

Here’s how to prepare the Brie:

1. Freeze: To make it easier to cut, freeze the Brie for about 20 minutes. This will prevent it from becoming too soft and messy.
2. Remove the rind: While the rind is edible, it can be a bit tough. Use a sharp knife to carefully remove the rind from the Brie.
3. Cut: Once the Brie is slightly firm, cut it into 24 equal pieces.

Tip: If you’re short on time, you can skip freezing the Brie. Just be careful when cutting it, as it might be a bit soft.

Cranberry Sauce: A Festive Favorite

Cranberry sauce adds a burst of tartness that balances the richness of the Brie and puff pastry. You can use store-bought cranberry sauce, but homemade cranberry sauce often has a brighter flavor and fresher texture. If you have leftover cranberry sauce from Thanksgiving, this is a great way to use it up!

Tip: If you’re using store-bought cranberry sauce, try adding a bit of orange zest or a pinch of cinnamon for an extra layer of flavor. You can also check out our recipe for a delicious homemade Thanksgiving Punch that perfectly complements these Cranberry Brie Bites

The Finishing Touches: Walnuts and Sea Salt

Walnuts add a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor to these Cranberry Brie Bites. Toasting the walnuts beforehand will enhance their flavor even further.

1. Chop: Finely chop the walnuts.
2. Toast (optional): If desired, toast the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until fragrant.

Tip: For a different flavor profile, you can substitute pecans or almonds for the walnuts.

Finally, a sprinkle of sea salt enhances all the flavors and adds a touch of sophistication.

Assembling the Cranberry Brie Bites

Now that you have all your components ready, it’s time to assemble these delectable bites!

1. Layer: Add about 1 teaspoon of cranberry sauce to each pastry-lined muffin cup.
2. Top with Brie: Place a piece of Brie on top of the cranberry sauce in each cup.
3. Add walnuts: Sprinkle the chopped walnuts evenly over the Brie.
4. Season: Season each bite with a pinch of sea salt.

Tip: For a make-ahead option, you can assemble the bites up to this point and refrigerate them for up to 3 days. Just be sure to bring them to room temperature before baking.

Baking and Serving

1. Chill: Chill the assembled Cranberry Brie Bites in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This will help the pastry hold its shape and prevent the Brie from melting too quickly.
2. Preheat: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
3. Bake: Bake the Cranberry Brie Bites for 18-20 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Tip: Keep an eye on the bites while they bake, as oven temperatures can vary. If they start to brown too quickly, you can loosely tent the muffin pan with foil.

Once baked, let the Cranberry Brie Bites cool slightly in the pan before transferring them to a serving platter.

The Best Time to Savor Your Cranberry Brie Bites

These Cranberry Brie Bites are best served warm, when the Brie is gooey and the puff pastry is still slightly crisp. The combination of flavors and textures is simply irresistible!

These appetizers are perfect for holiday parties, potlucks, or any occasion where you want to impress your guests. They also make a delicious snack or light lunch.

Pairing Suggestions:

• Beverages: Pair these Cranberry Brie Bites with a crisp white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. A sparkling wine or champagne would also be a festive choice. For non-alcoholic options, try sparkling cider or cranberry juice.
• Other Dishes: These bites are delicious on their own, but you can also serve them with other appetizers, such as crudités, crackers, or a cheese board.

Create a Festive Spread: For a complete holiday menu, consider pairing these Cranberry Brie Bites with our Mashed Potato Magic

FAQs About Cranberry Brie Bites

What can I substitute for puff pastry?

If you don’t have puff pastry on hand, you can use crescent roll dough as a substitute. Simply unroll the dough, cut it into squares, and press them into the muffin cups. The result will be slightly different, but still delicious!

Can I make Cranberry Brie Bites ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the Cranberry Brie Bites ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to bake them, simply preheat your oven and bake as directed.

How do I keep the Brie from melting out of the pastry?

Chilling the assembled bites for at least 30 minutes before baking helps to prevent the Brie from melting too quickly. You can also freeze the Brie for a short time before assembling the bites to make it easier to handle.

Are Cranberry Brie Bites served hot or cold?

Cranberry Brie Bites are best served warm from the oven, when the Brie is gooey and the puff pastry is flaky. However, they can also be enjoyed at room temperature.

Enjoy Your Festive Bites!

We hope you enjoy these Cranberry Brie Bites as much as we do! They’re a simple yet elegant appetizer that is sure to be a hit at your next gathering.

Share your creations: Don’t forget to share your Cranberry Brie Bites with us on social media using the hashtag #CranberryBrieBites. We’d love to see your culinary masterpieces!

Looking for more delicious holiday recipes? Check out our Pumpkin Cheesecake recipe, perfect for fall gatherings

Happy cooking!