Name: Baked Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-490150H3M48S
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed; 4 oz brie cheese, cut into 12 cubes; ½ cup cranberry sauce (store-bought or homemade); 2 tbsp candied pecans, chopped; Fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish

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Introduction

Baked Cranberry Brie Bites are a delightful appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings or any special occasion. Combining creamy brie, tangy cranberry sauce, and flaky puff pastry, these bite-sized treats offer a delicious balance of flavors in just 30 minutes.

A close-up image shows six round puff pastry appetizers arranged on a wooden plate held by a woman's hand. Each pastry has three visible layers of golden, flaky crust. On top, a creamy white layer is spread, followed by a dollop of deep red jam. The red jam is topped with whole glazed pecans and small green rosemary sprigs, adding texture and color contrast. The background surface is white with a marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
4 oz brie cheese, cut into 12 cubes
½ cup cranberry sauce (store-bought or homemade)
2 tbsp candied pecans, chopped (optional crunch)
Fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish (optional flair)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a mini muffin tin to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Roll out the thawed puff pastry and cut it into 12 equal squares. Press each square gently into the muffin cups, forming little pastry shells.
Step 3: Place one cube of brie into each pastry cup. Spoon a small amount of cranberry sauce over the brie, and sprinkle with chopped candied pecans if you like a bit of crunch.
Step 4: Bake the bites for 15 to 18 minutes until the pastry is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted.
Step 5: Allow the bites to cool for about 5 minutes before removing them from the tin. Garnish each with a tiny rosemary sprig for a festive touch, then serve warm.

Tips & Variations

For a nut-free version, simply omit the candied pecans and add a pinch of chopped fresh thyme instead for herbal brightness.
Use flavored cranberry sauce such as orange or ginger-infused for an extra layer of complexity.
If you want a simpler option, mini phyllo cups can substitute for puff pastry and save some prep time.

Storage

Store leftover bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5 to 7 minutes to restore crispness. These bites are best served warm but can be enjoyed at room temperature as well.

How to Serve

A wooden round plate holds seven small puff pastry tarts arranged close together, each tart having three layers: the bottom flaky golden-brown pastry, a middle creamy white layer, and a top layer of dark red jam with a few glossy whole pecans placed on it. Small green rosemary sprigs are scattered around the tarts for decoration. A woman's hand is gently holding the edge of the plate. The background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?

You can assemble the bites and keep them refrigerated for a few hours before baking. Just add an extra minute or two to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.

What can I use if I don’t have puff pastry?

Phyllo dough or premade mini tart shells work well as alternatives, although puff pastry provides the best flaky texture.