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- 1 package (1 lb) puff pastry, thawed - 8 oz Brie cheese, cut into small pieces - 1 cup cranberry sauce (store-bought or homemade) - ¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional) - 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash) - Fresh rosemary or thyme, for garnish - Salt and pepper to taste Gathering the right ingredients is key to making these bites amazing. You need puff pastry to create the flaky base. It should be thawed and ready to roll out. Brie cheese adds a creamy texture, and its mild flavor pairs well with the sweet and tart cranberry sauce. You can use store-bought sauce or make your own if you prefer. Chopped walnuts or pecans add a nice crunch. They are optional, but I recommend them for added flavor. You’ll also need an egg for the egg wash. This gives the pastry a lovely golden color as it bakes. Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme make the dish more inviting. Finally, salt and pepper enhance all the flavors. With these ingredients, you set the stage for a delightful treat. They come together to create a beautiful blend of flavors that will impress anyone who tries them. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps the bites bake evenly. 2. Roll out the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Make sure it is smooth and flat, with no creases. This step ensures the pastry puffs nicely. 3. Cut the pastry into squares. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter. Aim for squares about 3x3 inches each. You should get around 12-16 squares. The number depends on how thin you roll the pastry. 1. Add about a tablespoon of cranberry sauce to the center of each puff pastry square. This gives a burst of flavor. 2. Place a small piece of Brie on top of the cranberry sauce. If you like, sprinkle some chopped walnuts or pecans over the cheese. This adds a nice crunch and flavor. 3. Fold the corners of each pastry square toward the center. Pinch the edges to seal them tightly. This creates a little pouch that holds all the deliciousness inside. 1. Brush the tops of the pastry bites with the beaten egg. This gives them a nice golden color while baking. 2. Place the pastries on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart. This helps them puff up without sticking together. 3. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes. Watch for them to turn golden brown and puffed up. This is the perfect sign they are done. 4. Once out of the oven, let them cool slightly. Garnish with fresh rosemary or thyme. Season with salt and pepper if you want a little extra flavor. To get the best puff pastry, you must thaw it right. Leave it in the fridge overnight. If you're short on time, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. This keeps it from getting too sticky. When rolling it out, use a lightly floured surface. This helps to create a smooth, even layer. Avoid overbaking your bites. Check them around the 15-minute mark. They should be golden brown and puffed. If they look dark, take them out. Overbaked pastry can taste dry and hard. Adding spices or herbs can make your bites pop. Try a pinch of black pepper or a hint of garlic powder. Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme can also boost flavor. Just sprinkle a little on top before baking. Choosing the right cranberry sauce is key. If you want a stronger taste, use homemade sauce. Store-bought sauce works too, but check for quality. A sauce with whole berries adds nice texture. Pair these bites with a light drink. A crisp white wine or sparkling water works well. If you want to add dips, try a sweet mustard or a honey drizzle. For presentation, arrange the bites on a nice platter. Adding fresh herbs around them makes it look fancy. You can even place some whole cranberries for color. Pro Tips Keep It Cold: Ensure your puff pastry remains cold before baking. This helps achieve that perfect flaky texture when cooked. Customize Fillings: Feel free to experiment with different fillings such as apple butter, fig jam, or even savory options like spinach and feta. Don't Overfill: Be cautious not to overfill the pastry, as this can cause them to burst open during baking. Egg Wash for Shine: For an extra golden and glossy finish, apply the egg wash evenly without leaving any gaps. {{image_2}} You can get creative with your cheese choices. Instead of Brie, try using cheddar or goat cheese. Each cheese brings a different flavor. This change can make your bites unique. You can also switch up the fruit. Fig or apple can add a sweet twist. They pair well with cheese and pastry. If you need gluten-free options, look for gluten-free puff pastry. Many brands offer this choice now. You can still enjoy the same delicious bites. For those on a vegan diet, use vegan cheese. You can also skip the egg wash. Instead, brush with a plant-based milk for a nice color. Make your bites festive for the holidays. Add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth. Incorporating seasonal fruits like pears or cranberries can elevate the taste. Serve them at parties to impress your guests. These twists will help you enjoy this appetizer year-round. To keep your Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Bites fresh, place them in an airtight container. Store them in the fridge. They taste best within three days. If you leave them out, they can lose their crispiness and flavor quickly. When reheating, the oven works best. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the bites on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10-15 minutes. This method helps keep them crispy. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the pastry soggy. You can freeze these bites before or after baking. If freezing before baking, prepare them up to the egg wash step. Then, freeze them on a tray. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. If you freeze after baking, let them cool first. To reheat from frozen, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes. To make homemade cranberry sauce, you need just three ingredients: fresh cranberries, sugar, and water. Start by rinsing one bag of cranberries to remove any dirt. In a pot, combine the cranberries with one cup of sugar and one cup of water. Bring this mixture to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. You will hear the cranberries pop as they cook. Stir occasionally, and when the sauce thickens, remove it from heat. Let it cool before using it in your bites. Yes, you can use different types of pastry! While puff pastry is light and flaky, you can also try phyllo dough or even biscuit dough. Each type of pastry brings its own texture and flavor. If you use phyllo, remember to layer it for better structure. If you choose biscuit dough, just roll it out before cutting. Each option will create a unique twist on this appetizer. Cranberry Brie puff pastry bites last about 2 to 3 days in the fridge. Store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. If you notice them becoming soggy, try to reheat them in the oven for a few minutes. This will help regain their crispiness. Yes, you can prepare these bites ahead of time! Make the bites and place them on a baking sheet. Cover them and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. When you're ready to serve, just brush with the egg wash and bake as directed. This will save you time when hosting guests. If you want to make these bites nut-free, you can simply skip the nuts altogether. They will still taste great without them. You could also add seeds, like sunflower or pumpkin seeds, for a bit of crunch. This blog post covered how to make tasty Brie and cranberry bites. We looked at each step, from ingredients to baking. You can switch ingredients for different flavors or diets. Remember to store leftovers well for later enjoyment. These bites are easy to make and fun to share. With some creativity, you can impress friends and family. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and serving suggestions!

Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Bites

Delicious bite-sized pastries filled with creamy Brie cheese and tart cranberry sauce, perfect for appetizers.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 12

Ingredients
  

  • 1 package (1 lb) puff pastry, thawed
  • 8 oz Brie cheese, cut into small pieces
  • 1 cup cranberry sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
  • 1 egg beaten (for egg wash)
  • to taste Fresh rosemary or thyme, for garnish
  • to taste Salt and pepper

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Roll out the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to smooth out any creases.
  • Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the puff pastry into squares, approximately 3x3 inches each. You should have about 12-16 squares, depending on how thick you roll the pastry.
  • Place about a tablespoon of cranberry sauce in the center of each puff pastry square.
  • Add a small piece of Brie cheese on top of the cranberry sauce. If using, sprinkle a few chopped walnuts or pecans over the cheese.
  • Fold the corners of each pastry square towards the center, pinching to seal them together, creating a little pouch.
  • Brush the tops of the pastry bites with the beaten egg to achieve a golden color as they bake.
  • Place the pastries on the prepared baking sheet, evenly spaced apart.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and puffed up.
  • Once out of the oven, let them cool slightly before garnishing with fresh rosemary or thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste, if desired.

Notes

Feel free to use homemade cranberry sauce for a personal touch.
Keyword appetizer, brie, cranberry, holiday, puff pastry