Baked Cranberry Brie Bites are small, tasty treats that are easy to make and perfect for any occasion. The recipe combines rich brie cheese, sweet cranberry sauce, and flaky puff pastry to create a delicious appetizer. These bites are great for parties, holidays, or just a cozy night in. They are simple to prepare and will impress family and friends alike.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
This recipe is loved for many reasons. First, it is easy to make. You don’t need to be a master chef to create these tasty bites. The ingredients are simple, and the steps are clear. Secondly, Baked Cranberry Brie Bites are delicious. The mix of creamy cheese and sweet cranberry sauce is a perfect match. The puff pastry adds a nice crunch to each bite.
Another reason to love this recipe is its versatility. You can serve these bites as an appetizer, a snack, or even a dessert. They are perfect for any gathering, from casual dinners to fancy parties. Plus, they can be made in advance, making your life easier when guests arrive.
Overall, Baked Cranberry Brie Bites are a delightful addition to any table. They are simple yet elegant, and you will enjoy making them as much as you will enjoy eating them!
HOW TO MAKE BAKED CRANBERRY BRIE BITES
Ingredients
To make Baked Cranberry Brie Bites, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 sheet puff pastry, defrosted
- 4 oz. brie cheese (I use a small cheese wheel)
- ½ cup cranberry sauce (store bought or homemade)
- Candied pecans (optional)
- Fresh rosemary sprigs (optional)
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
- Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. This heat will help the pastry become golden and flaky.
- Spray a mini muffin tin with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- If you want to make cutting the brie easier, you can place your wheel of brie in the freezer for 10-15 minutes. This makes it firm and easier to slice.
- Prepare the Puff Pastry
- Unroll one sheet of thawed puff pastry on a clean surface.
- Cut the sheet into 16 equal squares. You can make 4 rows and 4 columns.
- Gently press each square into your prepared muffin tin. Make sure to push it down so it forms a little cup.
- Add the Brie
- Take the brie out of the freezer and slice it into small cubes.
- Place one cube of brie in the center of each puff pastry square in the muffin tin.
- Top with Cranberry Sauce
- Spoon a small amount of cranberry sauce over each cube of brie. It is best to add just a little as the bites will puff up and overflow if too much sauce is added.
- Bake the Bites
- Place your muffin tin in the preheated oven.
- Bake for about 15-18 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and flaky.
- Cool and Serve
- Once baked, carefully take the muffin tin out of the oven. Let the bites cool for a few minutes.
- Run a sharp knife around the edge of each cup to help release the bites.
- Gently pop the bites out of the tin and place them on a serving platter.
- Garnish (Optional)
- You can garnish your Baked Cranberry Brie Bites with chopped candied pecans and fresh rosemary sprigs for added flavor and decoration.
- Serve immediately while warm and enjoy!
HOW TO SERVE BAKED CRANBERRY BRIE BITES
Baked Cranberry Brie Bites are best served warm fresh out of the oven. They can be presented on a large platter or a beautiful serving tray. It’s nice to have napkins available since they can be a bit messy with all the gooey cheese and cranberry sauce.
You can serve them with drinks or as part of a cheese board. They pair well with both red and white wines. For a festive touch, you might serve them during holiday gatherings or special celebrations.
These bites can also be served alongside other appetizers, such as vegetable platters, meat, or other cheese options. Their small size makes them perfect for mingling at parties.
STORAGE & FREEZING BAKED CRANBERRY BRIE BITES
If you have leftovers, you can store Baked Cranberry Brie Bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will last for 2-3 days. When you reheat them, put them in the oven at a low temperature until heated through to maintain the flaky texture.
You can also freeze them before baking. Prepare everything and place the filled muffin tin in the freezer for about 1-2 hours. Once frozen, you can transfer the bites to a freezer-safe container or bag. They will keep in the freezer for up to one month.
When you’re ready to bake them, just pop them straight from the freezer into the oven. You may need to add an extra couple of minutes to the baking time.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
Here are some ideas on how to serve these delightful bites:
- Pair with a selection of cheeses like cheddar or gouda for a cheese platter.
- Serve with a variety of crackers or toasted bread.
- Offer fresh fruit, such as slices of apple or pear, for a sweet and crunchy addition.
- Create a dipping station with balsamic glaze or a sweet chili sauce.
- Complement with sliced meats, like prosciutto or salami, for a meat platter.
These serving suggestions can enhance your gathering and make your Baked Cranberry Brie Bites a hit!
VARIATIONS
There are many ways to put your spin on Baked Cranberry Brie Bites. Here are some fun variations:
- Different Cheeses: Try using different types of soft cheese like goat cheese or cream cheese for a new flavor.
- Seasonal Flavors: In the fall, you could add some pumpkin spice to the cranberry sauce for a seasonal twist.
- Nuts & Seeds: Instead of candied pecans, you can use walnuts, almonds, or even pumpkin seeds on top.
- Spices: Add a hint of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cranberry sauce for a warm spice flavor.
- Herbs: Instead of rosemary, try thyme or sage for a different herbaceous touch.
Feel free to get creative and mix flavors that you enjoy!
FAQs
Q1: Can I use store-bought puff pastry?
Yes, store-bought puff pastry works great for this recipe. It is easy to use and saves time.
Q2: How can I make homemade cranberry sauce?
To make homemade cranberry sauce, cook fresh cranberries with sugar and water on the stove until they burst and thicken.
Q3: Can I make these bites ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare Baked Cranberry Brie Bites ahead of time and freeze them before baking.
Q4: Can I use different types of sauces?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different fruit sauces like raspberry or strawberry for a different taste.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR BAKED CRANBERRY BRIE BITES
To make things easier, you can prepare everything ahead of time. Here are some tips:
- Assemble: You can cut the puff pastry and place it in the muffin tin. Add the brie cubes and cranberry sauce. Cover it with plastic wrap and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
- Freezing: If you want to make them even earlier, assemble the bites and freeze them. Once frozen, store them in a plastic bag. When ready, bake directly from the freezer.
- Reheating: If you have leftovers, reheat them in the oven to keep them crispy. A few minutes at 350°F should do the trick.
With these make-ahead tips, you can enjoy your Baked Cranberry Brie Bites with less stress on the day of your gathering!
Baked Cranberry Brie Bites
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray a mini muffin tin with cooking spray.
- If you want to make cutting the brie easier, place the wheel of brie in the freezer for 10-15 minutes.
- Unroll the thawed puff pastry on a clean surface and cut it into 16 equal squares.
- Gently press each square into the prepared muffin tin to form cups.
- Slice the chilled brie into small cubes and place one cube in the center of each puff pastry square.
- Spoon a small amount of cranberry sauce over each cube of brie.
- Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for about 15-18 minutes until golden brown and flaky.
- Let the bites cool for a few minutes before popping them out of the tin.
- Garnish with chopped candied pecans and fresh rosemary sprigs before serving.