Baked Cranberry Brie Bites

$- 1 package of puff pastry (2 sheets), thawed - 8 oz Brie cheese, cut into small cubes - 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought) - 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional) - 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash) - Fresh thyme leaves for garnish - Salt and pepper to taste Puff pastry gives these bites a light and flaky feel. If you can't find puff pastry, you can use phyllo dough instead. This will change the texture slightly, but it still tastes great. For the cheese, Brie is rich and creamy. You can swap it for Camembert if you prefer. If you want a sweeter bite, use a fruit spread instead of cranberry sauce. You can also leave out the pecans if you're nut-free or prefer a smoother texture. Fresh thyme adds a nice touch, but dried thyme works too if that's what you have. You will need a few tools to make these bites. First, grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. This helps with easy cleanup. You will also need a rolling pin to roll out the puff pastry. A knife is key for cutting the pastry into squares and cutting the Brie. Lastly, a pastry brush helps apply the egg wash for a lovely golden finish. Having these tools ready will make your cooking experience smooth and fun! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures even cooking. Next, line your baking sheet with parchment paper. This makes for easy cleanup and prevents sticking. Take the thawed puff pastry and roll it out on a floured surface. Cut it into 3-inch squares. You should have about 12 squares. Place one square on the lined baking sheet. In the center of each square, add a cube of Brie cheese. Follow that with a spoonful of cranberry sauce. If you want some crunch, sprinkle chopped pecans on top. Now fold the corners of the pastry over the filling. Pinch them together to form a pouch. Make sure some filling stays visible on top for a nice look. Brush the tops of each pastry with the beaten egg. This gives them a beautiful golden color. Finally, sprinkle a little salt and pepper for added flavor. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake the bites for 15 to 18 minutes. They are done when they look puffed and golden brown. When they come out of the oven, let them cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves before serving. The best temperature for baking your bites is 400°F (200°C). This heat helps the pastry puff up nicely. Bake them for 15 to 18 minutes. Keep an eye on them. You want a golden color on top. If they brown too fast, lower the heat a bit. To avoid soggy pastry, do not use too much cranberry sauce. A spoonful is enough. Make sure to leave some filling visible on top. This helps the steam escape. Also, brush the bites with beaten egg. This will create a barrier and keep the pastry crisp. Lightly season your bites with salt and pepper. This brings out the flavor of the Brie. You can also add fresh thyme leaves. They add a nice herbal note. If you like nuts, sprinkle chopped pecans on top. They add crunch and a nutty flavor. Pro Tips Choose the Right Brie: Use a high-quality Brie cheese for a creamier texture and richer flavor, enhancing the overall taste of your bites. Customize the Filling: Feel free to experiment with other fillings like fig jam or apple butter for a unique twist on traditional flavors. Perfect Puff Pastry: Ensure your puff pastry is cold before baking to achieve maximum puffiness and flakiness during cooking. Garnish Wisely: Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary not only add flavor but also a beautiful presentation—don't skip this step! {{image_2}} You can swap brie for other cheeses. Goat cheese adds a tangy taste. Cream cheese gives a smooth texture. Cheddar brings sharpness and pairs well with cranberry. Experiment with your favorites. Each cheese offers a new flavor twist. Adding ingredients can change the flavor profile. Consider using caramelized onions for a savory punch. Apples or pears can bring sweetness. A drizzle of honey adds extra richness. For a spicy kick, try jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. Mix and match to find your favorite combo. You can make this recipe gluten-free easily. Use gluten-free puff pastry instead of regular. For a vegan option, choose a plant-based cheese. Use a mix of almond or coconut cream for a creamy texture. These swaps let everyone enjoy this tasty treat! To store your leftover baked cranberry brie bites, let them cool first. Place them in an airtight container. You can keep them in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking. To reheat the bites, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the bites on a baking sheet. Bake for about 10 minutes, or until they feel warm and crispy. This keeps the pastry nice and flaky. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the pastry soggy. You can freeze these bites before baking. Assemble them as per the recipe but do not bake. Place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag. They can stay in the freezer for up to a month. When you’re ready to enjoy, bake them straight from the freezer. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time. Yes, you can make these bites ahead of time. Assemble them and place them on a baking tray. Cover the tray with plastic wrap and store it in the fridge. You can bake them later when you need a quick snack. Just remember to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they are cold. You can use other soft cheeses if you don’t have brie. Cream cheese works well and gives a nice texture. Goat cheese is another tasty option and adds a tangy flavor. You can even try camembert for a similar taste. These bites will last for about 3 days in the fridge. Wrap them tightly to keep them fresh. If you want them to last longer, consider freezing them. Just remember to reheat them in the oven for the best taste. You now know how to make delicious baked cranberry brie bites. We covered ingredients, tools, and step-by-step instructions. You learned tips to avoid soggy pastry and how to enhance flavor. Variations let you explore different cheeses and add-ins. Plus, storing and reheating tips keep your bites fresh. Try making these bites for your next gathering. They’re simple and sure to impress. Enjoy your cooking adventure!$

Baked Cranberry Brie Bites

Delicious puff pastry bites filled with creamy Brie cheese and tart cranberry sauce, perfect for appetizers.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 20

Total Time 35

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American

Servings 12

Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients

1 package puff pastry (2 sheets), thawed
8 oz Brie cheese, cut into small cubes
1/2 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)
1 egg beaten (for egg wash)
to taste fresh thyme leaves for garnish
to taste salt and pepper

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Roll out the puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface and cut each sheet into 3-inch squares. You should have about 12 squares.
Place one square of puff pastry on the prepared baking sheet.
In the center of each square, place a cube of Brie cheese and a spoonful of cranberry sauce. If desired, sprinkle some chopped pecans on top for extra crunch and flavor.
Fold the corners of the puff pastry squares over the filling, pinching to secure and form a little pouch. Make sure to leave some of the filling visible on top.
Brush each pastry bite with the beaten egg to give them a golden color while baking.
Season lightly with salt and pepper.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes or until the pastries are puffed and golden brown.
Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves before serving.

Notes

Feel free to customize with different nuts or herbs.

Keyword appetizer, Brie, cranberry, holiday, puff pastry