Description
Delight your guests with these Mini Cranberry Brie Bites, a perfect appetizer combining flaky puff pastry, creamy Brie cheese, and tangy cranberry sauce. Easy to prepare and bake, these bite-sized treats are ideal for holiday parties and gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Pastry
- 1 package of puff pastry (about 1 pound), thawed
- Flour, for dusting
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Filling
- 1 wheel of Brie cheese (about 8 ounces)
- 1 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- Fresh thyme leaves, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Roll Puff Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the thawed puff pastry until it is about 1/8 inch thick to ensure even baking and a flaky texture.
- Cut Pastry Squares: Cut the puff pastry into approximately 3-inch by 3-inch squares. You should yield about 12 squares from one sheet of puff pastry.
- Arrange Pastry on Sheet: Place each puff pastry square onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between them to allow for puffing.
- Prepare Brie Cheese: Cut the Brie cheese into 1-inch cubes to fit neatly on each pastry square and provide a balanced cheese flavor.
- Add Cranberry Sauce: Top each cube of Brie with about 1 teaspoon of cranberry sauce for a sweet and tart contrast.
- Fold Pastry Corners: Bring up the corners of each pastry square toward the center, creating a mini pouch, and pinch the edges to seal the filling inside.
- Apply Egg Wash: Brush the tops of the pastry bites with the beaten egg. This will give them a glossy, golden finish once baked.
- Bake: Bake the bites in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed.
- Cool and Garnish: Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly. Optionally, garnish each bite with fresh thyme leaves for added aroma and visual appeal.
- Serve: Serve warm to enjoy the creamy Brie and tangy cranberry wrapped in flaky pastry.
Notes
- Make sure the puff pastry is fully thawed before rolling for best results.
- The Brie rind is edible but can be removed if preferred for a milder taste.
- Substitute cranberry sauce with other jams like fig or apricot for variation.
- These bites can be made ahead and baked just before serving.
- For a crispier texture, bake on a preheated baking sheet or pizza stone.
