Description
Festive Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Bites offer a simple, elegant appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings. These easy bites feature creamy brie and tart cranberry sauce baked inside flaky puff pastry, topped with nuts. This recipe is quick to assemble and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any host.
Ingredients
- 2 sheets puff pastry, thawed but cold
- 8 oz brie, chilled and cut into 24 small cubes
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or canned)
- 1/3 cup chopped pecans or pistachios
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash, optional)
- Fresh thyme or rosemary, finely chopped, for garnish
- Honey, for drizzling (optional)
- Nonstick spray
Instructions
- Heat oven to 375–400°F (190–200°C). Generously spray a 24-cup mini muffin tin. Keep pastry cold and briefly freeze brie 15–20 minutes for clean cuts.
- Roll each pastry sheet to about 10×14–15 inches. Cut into 24 squares total and press into mini muffin wells; prick bottoms 2–3 times with a fork to limit puffing. Brush edges lightly with egg wash if using.
- Add a cube of brie to each cup and top with about 1 teaspoon cranberry sauce. Sprinkle nuts over the top. Chill the filled pan 15–20 minutes to help the pastry keep its shape.
- Bake 15–22 minutes until pastry is puffed and golden and the cheese is bubbly. Rotate pans halfway if using two trays. Cool 3–5 minutes in pan, then transfer to a platter.
- Garnish with a few thyme or rosemary leaves and, if desired, a light honey drizzle; serve warm or at room room temperature.
Notes
- Assemble and refrigerate unbaked bites up to 1 day; bake from cold, adding 1–2 minutes as needed.
- Bake ahead and rewarm on a sheet at 325°F/165°C for 6–8 minutes before serving.
- Use candied pecans for a sweet crunch or chopped pistachios for color.
- Swap cranberry sauce for a spoon of fig jam or cherry preserves for variation.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American