Description
As the festive season rolls around, kitchens come alive with the aroma of sweet and savory treats. One dish that never fails to wow at gatherings is Cranberry Brie Bites. These bite-sized appetizers are a perfect combination of buttery puff pastry, creamy brie, and tangy cranberry sauce, all topped with a hint of crunch from walnuts and a sprig of rosemary for a festive flair. They look as elegant as they taste, making them a go-to for holiday parties, casual get-togethers, or even a cozy night in with your family.
Ingredients
- 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed
- 8 ounces of brie cheese, cut into small cubes
- ½ cup of whole-berry cranberry sauce
- ¼ cup of walnuts, finely chopped
- Fresh rosemary sprigs, for garnish
- All-purpose flour, for dusting your work surface
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Muffin Tin
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a mini muffin tin or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking. This will also make cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Roll Out the Puff Pastry
On a lightly floured surface, unfold your puff pastry. Use a rolling pin to smooth out any creases and expand it slightly, aiming for a 10×14-inch rectangle. This ensures even-sized squares for your bites.
Step 3: Cut the Pastry
Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, divide the puff pastry into 24 equal squares. To do this, cut the pastry lengthwise into 4 strips and crosswise into 6 strips. Each square will become the base for one bite.
Step 4: Assemble the Pastry Cups
Carefully press each pastry square into the cups of your prepared mini muffin tin. Press gently to form a cup shape, ensuring the pastry lines the bottom and sides of each mold.
Step 5: Add the Brie
Place a cube of brie cheese into the center of each pastry cup. The brie will melt during baking, creating a creamy base that complements the tart cranberry sauce.
Step 6: Add Cranberry Sauce
Spoon about ½ teaspoon of cranberry sauce on top of each piece of brie. The bright red color of the sauce adds a festive touch to each bite.
Step 7: Sprinkle with Walnuts
For an extra layer of flavor and texture, sprinkle finely chopped walnuts over the cranberry sauce. This step is optional but highly recommended.
Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection
Place the muffin tin in your preheated oven and bake for 15–17 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and puffed up around the filling.
Step 9: Garnish and Serve
Remove the bites from the oven and let them cool for 5 minutes before garnishing with small sprigs of fresh rosemary. Serve them warm and watch them disappear as your guests marvel at your culinary skills!
Notes
- Plan Ahead: Assemble these bites up to a day in advance and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake. This makes them a stress-free addition to your holiday menu.
- Creative Variations: Swap the cranberry sauce for fig jam, apricot preserves, or a savory onion marmalade for a different flavor profile.
- Add a Spicy Twist: Sprinkle a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes over the cranberry sauce for a subtle kick of heat.
- Presentation Matters: Serve the bites on a festive platter lined with fresh rosemary or cranberries for an extra seasonal touch.
- Keep Them Warm: If you’re serving these at a party, place them on a warming tray or bake them in small batches to keep them fresh and warm for guests.