PERFECT CRANBERRY BRIE BITES

I’ll never forget the year my sister, bless her heart, decided to “elevate” our usual holiday appetizer spread, and the star of her ambitious attempt was a batch of slightly burnt, but utterly addictive, Cranberry Brie Bites. Now, I’ve perfected my own version, and I’m sharing it with you so you can wow your guests without any charred surprises – get ready for a burst of flavor that’s both sophisticated and incredibly easy to make!

The Ultimate Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe: Your New Holiday Staple

Okay, friend, let’s talk about these Cranberry Brie Bites. They’re the kind of appetizer that disappears in minutes, leaving everyone begging for more. Seriously, you’ll want to make a double batch. This recipe is designed for ease and maximum flavor, so even if you’re not a seasoned chef, you can absolutely nail this. We’re going to walk through every step, from ingredient selection to baking tips, so you can create the perfect bite-sized indulgence.

Why You’ll Love These Brie Bites

• Easy to Make: Seriously, minimal effort for maximum impact.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone loves the sweet and savory combination.
• Versatile: Perfect for holiday parties, potlucks, or even a cozy night in.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the components in advance and assemble just before baking.
• Absolutely Delicious: Need I say more? The creamy brie, tart cranberries, and flaky crust are a match made in heaven.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our ingredients. Quality is key here, so choose the best you can find. Don’t worry, you don’t need anything too fancy!

• 1 sheet (14.1 oz) Puff Pastry: Thawed, but still cold. This is crucial!
• 8 oz Brie Cheese: Rind removed, cut into small cubes.
• 1/2 cup Cranberry Sauce: Homemade or store-bought, but a good quality one! For an extra special touch, consider using my Cranberry Saucee recipe!
• 1/4 cup Chopped Pecans or Walnuts (optional): For added crunch and nutty flavor.
• 1 Egg: Beaten, for egg wash.
• 1 tablespoon Milk or Water: To mix with the egg.
• Honey or Maple Syrup (optional): For drizzling after baking.
• Fresh Rosemary Sprigs (optional): For garnish.

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

Here are a few notes on the ingredients and some possible substitutions:

• Puff Pastry: If you’re feeling ambitious, you can make your own puff pastry, but honestly, store-bought is perfectly fine and saves a ton of time. Just make sure it’s all-butter puff pastry for the best flavor and texture.
• Brie Cheese: Look for a good quality brie with a creamy texture. You can substitute Camembert if you prefer, but brie is the classic choice. Make sure to remove the rind! Nobody wants a chewy bite.
• Cranberry Sauce: Homemade is always best, but a good quality store-bought cranberry sauce will work just fine. Look for one that’s not too sweet and has a good balance of tartness. If you’re using homemade, make sure it’s not too runny. You want it to hold its shape in the brie bites.
• Nuts: Pecans and walnuts are classic choices, but you can also use almonds, pistachios, or even hazelnuts. If you’re allergic to nuts, you can omit them altogether or substitute with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds.
• Honey or Maple Syrup: This is optional, but a drizzle of honey or maple syrup after baking adds a touch of sweetness and complements the flavors beautifully.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Let’s Get Baking!

Alright, let’s get to the fun part! Follow these steps carefully, and you’ll have perfect Cranberry Brie Bites in no time.

Step 1: Prepare the Puff Pastry

Gently unfold the thawed puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. If it’s sticking, add a little more flour. Using a rolling pin, lightly roll out the puff pastry to even it out and make it slightly thinner. This will help it bake evenly and become extra flaky.

Step 2: Cut the Pastry

Using a pizza cutter or a sharp knife, cut the puff pastry into squares. The size of the squares will depend on your preference, but I usually aim for about 2-inch squares. You should get around 24-36 squares from one sheet of puff pastry.

Step 3: Assemble the Brie Bites

Place the puff pastry squares onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This will prevent them from sticking. Top each square with a small cube of brie cheese, followed by a spoonful of cranberry sauce. If you’re using nuts, sprinkle them on top of the cranberry sauce.

Step 4: Egg Wash

In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and milk (or water) to create an egg wash. Brush the edges of each puff pastry square with the egg wash. This will help them turn golden brown and crispy in the oven.

Step 5: Bake!

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the Cranberry Brie Bites for 12-15 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and the brie is melted and bubbly. Keep a close eye on them, as they can burn quickly.

Step 6: Cool and Garnish

Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the brie bites cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring them to a serving platter. Drizzle with honey or maple syrup, if desired, and garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs for a festive touch.

Tips for Perfect Cranberry Brie Bites

Here are a few extra tips to ensure your Cranberry Brie Bites are a smashing success:

• Keep the Puff Pastry Cold: This is the most important tip! Cold puff pastry will rise better and create a flakier crust. If the pastry becomes too warm while you’re working with it, pop it back in the fridge for a few minutes.
• Don’t Overfill: Resist the urge to pile on the brie and cranberry sauce. Too much filling will cause the puff pastry to become soggy and the bites may not bake properly.
• Use Parchment Paper: This will prevent the brie bites from sticking to the baking sheet and make cleanup a breeze.
• Watch the Baking Time: Ovens vary, so keep a close eye on the brie bites while they’re baking. They should be golden brown and the brie should be melted and bubbly.
• Serve Warm: Cranberry Brie Bites are best served warm, so the brie is nice and gooey.

Make-Ahead Instructions

Want to get ahead of the game? You can prepare the Cranberry Brie Bites in advance and bake them just before serving. Here’s how:

1. Assemble the brie bites as directed, but don’t brush them with egg wash.
2. Place the assembled brie bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. Cover the baking sheet tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
4. When you’re ready to bake, preheat the oven as directed.
5. Brush the brie bites with egg wash and bake until golden brown and the brie is melted and bubbly. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Serving Suggestions

Cranberry Brie Bites are perfect on their own, but here are a few serving suggestions to take them to the next level:

• Serve them as part of a holiday appetizer spread, alongside other favorites like cheese and crackers, charcuterie, and dips. Consider offering some Pretzel Delights for a sweet and salty contrast!
• Pair them with a glass of white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.
• Offer them as a starter before a holiday meal.
• Bring them to a potluck or party. They’re always a hit!

Variations and Adaptations

Want to put your own spin on this recipe? Here are a few variations and adaptations to try:

• Add Herbs: Sprinkle a pinch of fresh thyme or rosemary on top of the brie bites before baking for added flavor.
• Use Different Fruit: Substitute the cranberry sauce with fig jam, apricot jam, or cherry preserves.
• Caramelized Onions: Add a touch of caramelized onions for a sweet and savory twist.
• Different Cheese: Instead of brie, try goat cheese or a creamy blue cheese.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cranberry sauce for a little heat.
• Apple Cranberry Brie Bites: Add small diced apples to the cranberry sauce mixture. These would pair perfectly with Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars for dessert!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some common questions about making Cranberry Brie Bites:

Can I use frozen puff pastry?

Yes, you can use frozen puff pastry. Just make sure to thaw it completely before using it. Follow the package instructions for thawing.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the brie bites and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. See the “Make-Ahead Instructions” section for details.

How do I prevent the puff pastry from getting soggy?

Make sure to keep the puff pastry cold and don’t overfill the brie bites. Using parchment paper on the baking sheet will also help prevent them from getting soggy.

Can I freeze Cranberry Brie Bites?

While you can freeze them, the texture of the puff pastry might change slightly. If freezing, bake them first, let them cool completely, then freeze in an airtight container. Reheat in the oven until warmed through.

What if I don’t have cranberry sauce?

You can use other fruit preserves or jams, like fig jam or apricot jam. You could even use a homemade Caramel Apple Cheesecake Dip for a really unique flavor combination!

More Delicious Holiday Recipes

Looking for more festive recipes to complete your holiday spread? Here are a few of my favorites:

• Christmas Margarita: The perfect festive cocktail to sip on while you’re baking.
• Gooey Caramel Apple Cookies: A delightful sweet treat that everyone will love.

Recipe Card

Here’s a printable recipe card for easy reference:

Enjoy Your Cranberry Brie Bites!

There you have it! Everything you need to create the most delicious Cranberry Brie Bites. I hope this recipe becomes a staple in your holiday gatherings. Don’t be afraid to experiment with variations and make it your own. Happy baking!

Lady Maria

Perfect Cranberry Brie Bites

These Cranberry Brie Bites are the perfect appetizer for holiday parties or any gathering. They combine creamy brie, tart cranberry sauce, and flaky puff pastry for a sweet and savory bite that’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 24

Course: Appetizer, Snack

Cuisine: American, French

Calories: 150

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 8 oz Brie Cheese, rind removed and cubed
• 1/2 cup Cranberry Sauce, homemade or store-bought
• 1/4 cup Chopped Pecans or Walnuts, optional
• 1 Eg g
• 1 tablespoon Milk or Water
• Honey or Maple Syrup, optional for drizzling
• Fresh Rosemary Sprigs, optional for garnish
• All-purpose flour, for dusting

Equipment

• baking sheet
• parchment paper
• small bowl
• whisk
• Pizza cutter or sharp knife
• Rolling Pin
• measuring cups and spoons
• Serving platter

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Gently unfold the thawed puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface and lightly roll out to even it out and make it slightly thinner.
3. Using a pizza cutter or a sharp knife, cut the puff pastry into 2-inch squares.
4. Place the puff pastry squares onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Top each square with a small cube of brie cheese, followed by a spoonful of cranberry sauce. Sprinkle with chopped pecans or walnuts, if using.
6. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and milk (or water) to create an egg wash.
7. Brush the edges of each puff pastry square with the egg wash.
8. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and the brie is melted and bubbly.
9. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the brie bites cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring them to a serving platter.
10. Drizzle with honey or maple syrup, if desired, and garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs for a festive touch.
11. Serve warm.

Notes

Keep puff pastry cold for best results. Don’t overfill the bites to prevent sogginess. These can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking. Bake until golden and bubbly. You can substitute cranberry sauce with fig jam, apricot jam, or cherry preserves.