Description
These Cranberry Brie Bites are a delightful appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings or any special occasion. Flaky puff pastry pockets filled with creamy brie cheese and tangy cranberry sauce, enhanced with aromatic rosemary and a drizzle of honey for sweetness. They come together quickly in just 25 minutes, yielding a savory-sweet bite-sized treat that’s both elegant and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Scale
Puff Pastry Base
- 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)
- 1 tbsp honey (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Assembly
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking the puff pastry bites.
- Prepare Puff Pastry: Roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface and cut it into 12 equal squares using a sharp knife or pizza cutter for uniform bite-sized pieces.
- Assemble Bites: Place a small cube of brie in the center of each puff pastry square. Spoon about one teaspoon of cranberry sauce over the brie. Sprinkle freshly chopped rosemary and season with a pinch of salt and pepper if using. Drizzle a little honey on top for added sweetness if desired.
- Fold and Seal: Bring the corners of each pastry square up towards the center gently pinching or folding to partially enclose the filling while leaving some of the cranberry and brie visible for a rustic look.
- Egg Wash: Brush the exposed edges of the puff pastry lightly with the beaten egg to give the bites a beautiful golden color when baked.
- Bake: Place the assembled bites on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving some space between each. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes or until the puff pastry is puffed up and golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the cranberry brie bites cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps the cheese set slightly and makes them easier to handle.
Notes
- You can substitute fresh rosemary with thyme for a different herbal aroma.
- Use a non-dairy cheese and adjust according to dietary needs to make this vegan-friendly.
- These bites are best served warm but can be reheated gently in the oven.
- For an extra crunchy texture, sprinkle crushed pecans on top before baking.
- Homemade cranberry sauce can be made by simmering fresh cranberries with sugar and orange zest until thickened.
