Description:
These Simple and Delicious Cranberry Brie Appetizers are the perfect bite-sized treat for any gathering. Creamy brie, tangy cranberry sauce, and a hint of sweetness all come together in a buttery pastry for a warm, gooey, and irresistible appetizer.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
When it comes to appetizers, it doesn’t get much better than these Cranberry Brie Bites. The combination of rich, melty brie cheese with the tart sweetness of cranberry sauce is a match made in heaven. Wrapped in buttery puff pastry, these little bites are as easy to make as they are delicious. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, having a casual get-together, or just craving something tasty, these appetizers are sure to impress your guests and keep them coming back for more. Best of all, they take only a few minutes to prep, so you’ll have time to enjoy the party, too!
Ingredients
You’ll find the full list of ingredients below, but here are the basics:
- Puff pastry sheets
- Brie cheese (cut into small cubes)
- Cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- Fresh rosemary (optional, for garnish)
- Egg wash (1 egg mixed with a tablespoon of water)
Directions
1. Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to avoid any sticking. Unroll your puff pastry sheets and cut them into small squares, about 2 inches by 2 inches—just big enough to hold a cube of brie and a little spoonful of cranberry sauce.
2. Assemble the Appetizers
Place a small cube of brie in the center of each puff pastry square. Spoon a small dollop of cranberry sauce on top of the brie. You don’t need a lot—just enough to add a sweet, tangy kick to each bite. If you’d like, add a tiny sprig of fresh rosemary on top for an extra burst of flavor and a beautiful presentation.
3. Fold and Seal
Gently fold each pastry square into a little bundle, enclosing the brie and cranberry sauce inside. You can simply fold the edges up and pinch them together to create a cute little pouch. Brush the tops with the egg wash (just an egg beaten with a tablespoon of water) to give them a golden, flaky finish once baked.
4. Bake to Perfection
Place the pastries on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and crisp. The brie will be melted and gooey inside, and the cranberry sauce will be warm and slightly caramelized. Remove from the oven and let them cool for a minute before serving.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Make them ahead of time: If you’re prepping for a party, you can assemble the cranberry brie bites a day ahead and keep them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake them. Just brush with egg wash right before baking.
- Use frozen puff pastry: If you don’t have fresh puff pastry on hand, frozen works just as well—just make sure to thaw it before using.
- Add a twist: If you want to mix things up, try adding a handful of chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts) inside the pastries for a little crunch.
- Cheese substitutions: While brie is traditional, you can use camembert or goat cheese if you prefer something a little different.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Fig and Brie: If you’re not a fan of cranberries, try using fig jam or fresh figs for a sweeter flavor profile.
- Add Prosciutto: For an extra savory kick, wrap a slice of prosciutto around the brie before adding the cranberry sauce.
- Vegan version: Swap the brie for a plant-based cheese option, and use a vegan puff pastry to make this appetizer dairy-free and vegan-friendly.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
- Serve these cranberry brie bites on a platter alongside some fresh fruit, like apple slices or grapes, for a well-rounded appetizer spread.
- Pair with a light, refreshing white wine or a sparkling drink. A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a dry Prosecco would complement the richness of the brie and sweetness of the cranberry sauce.
- These appetizers are also great alongside a simple green salad or on a charcuterie board with other cheeses, crackers, and cured meats.
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you have any leftovers, store the cranberry brie bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, pop them in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes to crisp up the pastry and melt the cheese again.
4 FAQs
- Can I use a different type of cheese for these appetizers?
Yes! While brie is traditional, you can easily swap it out for other creamy cheeses like camembert, goat cheese, or even a soft cheddar. - Can I make these appetizers without puff pastry?
You could use phyllo dough for a lighter version, or even shortcrust pastry, but puff pastry gives the best flaky, golden texture. - Can I freeze these appetizers?
Yes! You can freeze them before baking. Just assemble the cranberry brie bites, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze them until solid. Transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag and store for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time. - How do I make these without cranberry sauce?
You can use other fruit-based sauces like raspberry jam, fig preserves, or even a homemade berry compote. Just be sure to choose something with a balance of sweetness and tartness.
Conclusion
These Simple and Delicious Cranberry Brie Appetizers are a perfect addition to any holiday gathering or party spread. The combination of creamy brie and sweet, tart cranberry sauce in a flaky puff pastry will have everyone reaching for more. They’re easy to make, look impressive, and taste absolutely divine. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer or as part of a larger spread, these little bites are sure to be a hit. So the next time you need a quick and delicious appetizer, grab some puff pastry and get ready to wow your guests with these irresistible cranberry brie bites!
Simple and Delicious Cranberry Brie Appetizers: A Crowd-Pleasing Holiday Snack
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
- Yield: 12-16 bites
- Category: Appetizer, Holiday, Party
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Holiday
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Simple and Delicious Cranberry Brie Appetizers are the perfect bite-sized treat for any gathering. Creamy brie, tangy cranberry sauce, and a hint of sweetness all come together in a buttery pastry for a warm, gooey, and irresistible appetizer.
Ingredients
- Puff pastry sheets: 1 sheet (typically one sheet of puff pastry comes in a package, and this will be enough for 12-16 bites)
- Brie cheese: 4 oz (cut into small cubes, around 1/2 inch in size)
- Cranberry sauce: 1/3 cup (you can use store-bought or homemade)
- Fresh rosemary: 1-2 sprigs (optional, for garnish)
- Egg wash: 1 large egg mixed with 1 tablespoon of water (for brushing on top of the pastries)
Instructions
-
Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Unroll puff pastry sheets and cut into 2-inch squares. -
Assemble the Appetizers
Place a cube of brie in the center of each puff pastry square. Spoon a small dollop of cranberry sauce on top of the brie. Optionally, add fresh rosemary on top. -
Fold and Seal
Fold each pastry square into a bundle and pinch the edges to seal. Brush the top with egg wash. -
Bake to Perfection
Place the pastries on the prepared sheet and bake for 15-18 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Let cool for a minute before serving.
Notes
- Make Ahead: Assemble and refrigerate the appetizers a day before baking.
- Frozen Puff Pastry: Thaw before use for best results.
- Cheese Substitution: Use camembert, goat cheese, or another soft cheese if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 bites
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 115mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg