Description
Cranberry Brie Bites are an elegant and easy appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings or special occasions. These bite-sized pastries combine flaky puff pastry with creamy brie cheese, tangy cranberry sauce, and a hint of fresh rosemary, finished with a sweet drizzle of honey. Deliciously warm and gooey, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Scale
Pastry
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
Filling
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 4 oz brie cheese, cut into small cubes
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Topping
- 1 tbsp honey (optional)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking the puff pastry bites evenly.
- Prepare Puff Pastry: Roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Cut the sheet into 12 equal squares, sized to fit a standard mini muffin tin or mini baking cups.
- Fill the Pastry Cups: Line a mini muffin tin with the puff pastry squares, pressing gently to fit each into the cup. Place a small cube of brie cheese into each pastry cup, followed by a teaspoon of cranberry sauce on top. Sprinkle with finely chopped fresh rosemary if using. Season lightly with salt and pepper to enhance the flavors.
- Apply Egg Wash: Brush the exposed edges of the puff pastry with the beaten egg wash to promote a golden brown finish during baking.
- Bake the Bites: Place the filled muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes or until the puff pastry is puffed and golden brown and the cheese is melted inside.
- Drizzle Honey and Serve: Remove the bites from the oven and allow them to cool slightly for 2-3 minutes. Drizzle each bite with a little honey for added sweetness before serving warm.
Notes
- For a dairy-free alternative, substitute brie with a vegan cheese that melts well.
- Homemade cranberry sauce can be made by simmering fresh cranberries with sugar and orange juice until thickened.
- The fresh rosemary is optional but adds a lovely aromatic flavor that complements the cranberry and brie perfectly.
- If you don’t have a mini muffin tin, you can bake the bites on a parchment-lined baking sheet, but they won’t hold a cup shape as well.
- Make sure the puff pastry is thoroughly thawed but kept cold to help it puff nicely during baking.
