Jolly Cranberry & Brie Bites: A Dreamy Appetizer Recipe

These delightful cranberry and brie bites appetizer recipe morsels bring an elegant touch to any gathering.

Warm, gooey cheese melts perfectly with tart cranberry sauce nestled in crisp puff pastry.

Each bite delivers a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate.

The combination of creamy brie and tangy cranberry creates an irresistible contrast that will have guests asking for the recipe.

Simple yet sophisticated, these appetizers come together in minutes with just a few ingredients.

Golden-brown edges and a glossy cranberry topping make them visually stunning.

Serve these delectable bites and watch them disappear before your eyes.

Cranberry & Brie Bites Appetizer – Ingredients You’ll Need

• Puff Pastry: Light and airy foundation that creates a crispy, golden vessel for delectable fillings, choose all-butter variety for richer flavor.
• Egg: Provides golden sheen and helps seal pastry layers, select fresh organic eggs for best results.

• Brie Cheese: Luxurious, creamy cheese that melts beautifully, pick a soft, ripe wheel with smooth white rind for maximum flavor.

• Cranberry Sauce: Tangy-sweet complement that adds vibrant color and festive touch, homemade or high-quality store-bought works perfectly.
• Fresh Thyme: Aromatic herb that introduces subtle earthy notes, select bright green sprigs with robust fragrance.

Cranberry & Brie Bites Appetizer – Equipment Required

• Baking Tray: Essential for holding and baking the pastry bites.
• Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mat: Prevents sticking and ensures easy cleanup.
• Sharp Knife: Perfect for cutting puff pastry into precise rectangles.
• Pastry Brush: Great for evenly spreading whisked egg over pastry.
• Small Cutting Board: Helpful for slicing Brie and preparing ingredients.
• Measuring Cups: Useful for accurate ingredient portioning.
• Baking Oven: Crucial for baking and melting the pastry and cheese.

How to Prepare Cranberry & Brie Bites Appetizer

Cozy Cheese and Berry Appetizer

• Baking Prep Warm your kitchen oven and create a smooth, non-stick surface with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
• Pastry Foundation Gently unfold delicate pastry sheets and brush with a silky egg wash to create a golden, glossy finish.
• Pastry Stacking Carefully slice pastry into delightful small rectangles, layering them to create elegant little pillows of deliciousness.
• Golden Transformation Slide the pastry into the hot oven, allowing them to puff and turn a beautiful golden brown with crispy edges.
• Creamy Cheese Moment Nestle soft, creamy cheese slices onto the warm pastry, letting them melt into a luxurious blanket of flavor.
• Final Flourish Crown each bite with a dollop of vibrant cranberry sauce and sprinkle of fragrant fresh thyme, creating a perfect balance of sweet and savory that will delight your guests.

Tips to Personalize Cranberry & Brie Bites Appetizer

• Swap cranberry sauce with homemade raspberry or fig jam for a unique twist on these elegant appetizers.
• Prepare pastry rectangles and Brie pieces up to 24 hours in advance, storing separately in the refrigerator to save time during party preparation.
• Experiment with different soft cheeses like camembert or goat cheese to create your personal gourmet bite-sized treat.
• Sprinkle toasted chopped pecans or sliced almonds on top for an extra layer of crispiness and nutty complexity.
• Drizzle a touch of honey or add a small pinch of red pepper flakes to elevate the flavor profile and bring unexpected warmth to these delightful appetizers.

Ways to Serve Cranberry & Brie Bites Appetizer

• Festive Party Platter: Arrange these golden brie bites on a wooden charcuterie board alongside cured meats, nuts, and fresh grapes for a stunning appetizer spread that will impress guests.
• Wine Pairing Magic: Complement these delicate pastry bites with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio to enhance the creamy brie and tangy cranberry flavors.
• Holiday Cocktail Companion: Serve these elegant nibbles during winter gatherings or Christmas parties as a perfect small bite that pairs wonderfully with sparkling champagne or festive cocktails.
• Brunch Showstopper: Incorporate these brie bites into a weekend brunch buffet, nestled between quiche and fresh fruit, offering guests a sophisticated and delectable mini-pastry option.

Storing Cranberry & Brie Bites Appetizer

• Smart Make-Ahead Strategy: Prepare these delightful bites 24 hours before your event by assembling and storing unbaked pastry rectangles in an airtight container between parchment paper layers in the refrigerator.
• Freezer-Friendly Technique: Wrap individual unbaked bites in plastic wrap, place in freezer bags, and store up to 3 weeks. Thaw in refrigerator overnight before final baking and adding cheese.
• Refrigeration Tips: Cooked cranberry and brie bites remain fresh for 3-4 days when stored in sealed containers. Gently reheat in oven at 160°C (325°F) for 5-7 minutes to restore crispy texture.
• Temperature Management: Allow warm bites to cool completely before refrigerating to prevent soggy pastry. Always place in shallow containers to maintain structural integrity and prevent moisture buildup.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 12 minutes

Total Time: 22 minutes

Calories: 130 kcal

Servings: 13

Crispy Cranberry & Brie Bites

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4.8 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 22 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Quick cranberry & brie bites deliver elegant party flavor with minimal prep. Crisp pastry shells cradle melted cheese and tangy fruit, promising delightful crowd-pleasing results you’ll adore.

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Ingredients

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• 400 g (14 oz) ready-rolled puff pastry
• 150 g (5.3 oz) brie cheese
• 6 tbsps cranberry sauce
• 1 egg (lightly whisked)
• Fresh thyme leaves

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Instructions

1. Preheat Setup: Position oven rack centrally and warm to 200°C (400°F), line baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone mat.
2. Pastry Preparation: Unfurl puff pastry sheet, brush with egg wash for golden finish, then slice into uniform small rectangles, stacking two pieces together to create sturdy bases.
3. Initial Baking: Transfer doubled pastry pieces onto prepared sheet, bake for 10 minutes until risen and golden brown.
4. Cheese Integration: Remove pastries from oven, top each with a slice of Brie cheese, then return to oven for 2-3 minutes to melt cheese thoroughly.
5. Final Garnish: Embellish each bite with a dollop of cranberry sauce and sprinkle fresh thyme leaves for aromatic complexity.
6. Serving Suggestion: Present immediately while warm, ensuring guests experience the harmonious blend of crispy pastry, molten cheese, and vibrant cranberry sauce.

Notes

• Pastry Precision: Roll puff pastry gently to maintain its delicate layers and prevent tearing for a flakier texture.
• Egg Wash Technique: Brush egg wash sparingly and evenly to achieve a consistent golden-brown color without making the pastry soggy.
• Cheese Melting Tip: Remove bites from oven just as Brie starts to soften to prevent overcooking and maintain its creamy consistency.
• Serving Strategy: Prepare bites just before serving to ensure maximum crispness and temperature contrast between pastry and warm cheese.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 130
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 220 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg