Description
Cranberry Brie Bites are delightful, bite-sized appetizers featuring buttery puff pastry filled with creamy Brie cheese and tangy cranberry sauce. Perfect for holiday gatherings or any festive occasion, these easy-to-make treats combine sweet and savory flavors wrapped in a golden, flaky crust, garnished with fresh rosemary for an elegant touch.
Ingredients
Scale
Puff Pastry
- 1 package of puff pastry (2 sheets, thawed)
- Flour (for dusting)
Filling
- 8 ounces Brie cheese, cut into 24 small pieces
- 1 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
Finishing
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Fresh rosemary leaves (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside for easy cleanup.
- Prepare Dough: Lightly dust your workspace with flour. Roll out the thawed puff pastry sheets to smooth out any creases, maintaining about 1/8 inch thickness to ensure even baking and flakiness.
- Cut Squares: Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut each puff pastry sheet into 4×4 inch squares. You should get about 12 squares from each sheet, totaling 24 squares.
- Arrange Pastry: Place the pastry squares onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them to allow room for puffing up during baking.
- Add Filling: Place one piece of Brie cheese in the center of each pastry square. Top each with approximately 1 teaspoon of cranberry sauce to balance the creamy cheese with tartness.
- Fold and Seal: Carefully fold the corners of each pastry square up toward the center over the Brie and cranberry filling. Pinch the corners together to secure the filling during baking.
- Apply Egg Wash: Brush the tops of each pastry bite with the beaten egg to promote a beautiful golden-brown finish as they bake.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the puff pastry is puffed up and has turned a deep golden brown.
- Cool Slightly: Remove from oven and allow the bites to cool for a few minutes; this helps the filling set slightly for easier serving.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish each bite with fresh rosemary leaves if desired for an aromatic and festive touch. Serve warm to enjoy gooey Brie and the burst of cranberry flavor.
Notes
- Ensure puff pastry is properly thawed and cold before rolling to achieve optimal flakiness.
- Brie can be replaced with Camembert or another soft mild cheese if preferred.
- Use fresh or canned cranberry sauce depending on availability and personal taste.
- For a vegan version, substitute puff pastry and cheese with plant-based alternatives.
- Serve immediately for best texture, as puff pastry may become less crisp upon standing.
