Description
Delightful Cranberry Brie Bites featuring flaky puff pastry filled with creamy brie cheese, sweet-tart cranberry sauce, and a hint of orange and cinnamon. These easy-to-make holiday appetizers combine buttery and festive flavors perfect for parties or gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Fruit Filling
- 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup fresh orange juice
- 1 tsp orange zest
- ⅓ cup water
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ⅛ tsp salt
Pastry and Cheese
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed)
- 1 small wheel brie cheese (about 8 oz), cut into small cubes
Assembly and Garnish
- 1 cup homemade cranberry sauce
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)
- 4 tablespoons chopped walnuts
- Fresh rosemary sprigs (to garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the cranberry filling: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine cranberries, sugar, orange juice, orange zest, water, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt. Cook until cranberries burst and sauce thickens, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Preheat oven: Set the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius) to prepare for baking the bites.
- Prepare puff pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet slightly to smooth creases. Cut the pastry into 24 small squares, large enough to fit into mini muffin tins.
- Assemble bites: Lightly grease a mini muffin tin. Place each puff pastry square inside the muffin cups, pressing gently to form a cup shape. Place a cube of brie cheese into each pastry cup, then add a spoonful of the homemade cranberry sauce on top.
- Apply egg wash: In a small bowl, beat the egg with 1 tablespoon of water. Brush the edges of each puff pastry cup with the egg wash to ensure a golden finish.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes or until puff pastry is golden brown and cheese is melted.
- Add toppings and garnish: Remove bites from oven and sprinkle each with chopped walnuts. Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs for a festive touch.
- Serve warm: Allow the cranberry brie bites to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy these savory-sweet appetizers warm for optimal flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use frozen cranberries if fresh are unavailable; no need to thaw before cooking.
- For a nut-free version, omit walnuts or substitute with toasted pumpkin seeds.
- Brush puff pastry edges carefully with egg wash to achieve a shiny, golden crust.
- These bites can be prepared ahead and baked just before serving to save time at your gathering.
- Substitute brie with camembert for a similar creamy texture and flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bite
- Calories: 141 kcal
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 100 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0.001 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 16 mg
