Baked Cranberry Brie Bites

Y’all know how much I love a quick and easy appetizer, especially around the holidays. There’s just something so festive about cranberries, and the creamy, melty brie? Pure heaven! I’ve made these baked cranberry brie bites at least a dozen times in my kitchen, and they’re always a hit. The sweet-tart cranberry sauce paired with the rich brie and flaky pastry is a flavor explosion in every bite. Promise you, your family and friends will gobble these up faster than you can say “Merry Christmas!” This recipe is so simple, even the kids can help – a true win-win! You’ll get a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s ready in minutes, perfect for any gathering.

Why This Recipe Works

These little bites are a lifesaver, especially when you’re juggling a million things during the holiday season. Here’s why they’re my go-to appetizer:

• Quick & Easy: Seriously, these come together in under 30 minutes. Perfect for last-minute guests.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavors: The combination of sweet cranberry and creamy brie is a winner every time. Even picky eaters enjoy them!
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can assemble these ahead of time and bake them just before your guests arrive. Talk about stress-free entertaining!

Ingredients

• 1 sheet (14.1 oz) frozen puff pastry, thawed
• 4 oz brie cheese, rind removed, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
• 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• 1 tablespoon chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
• 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Ingredient Notes

The quality of your ingredients matters! Here’s a little more about each one:

• Puff Pastry: I prefer using an all-butter puff pastry for the best flavor and flakiness. However, any good quality puff pastry will do. Make sure to thaw it completely before using, or it will crack when you try to unfold it.
• Brie Cheese: Removing the rind helps the brie melt more evenly and prevents a slightly bitter taste. Look for a good quality brie that’s creamy and smooth.
• Cranberry Sauce: Homemade cranberry sauce is always delicious, but store-bought works just as well. If using store-bought, I recommend one that isn’t too chunky.
• Nuts (optional): Pecans or walnuts add a nice crunch and nutty flavor. You can also use other nuts like almonds or pistachios.
• Egg Wash: This gives the pastry a beautiful golden-brown color. If you don’t have an egg, you can use milk or cream instead.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get baking! Follow these simple steps for delicious cranberry brie bites.

1. Step 1: Preheat oven and prepare pastry. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Unfold the thawed puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Gently roll it out to a 12×12 inch square.
2. Step 2: Cut the pastry. Using a pizza cutter or sharp knife, cut the puff pastry into 2-inch squares. You should get about 36 squares.
3. Step 3: Assemble the bites. Place the puff pastry squares into mini muffin tins. Gently press them into the bottom of each cup. Add a cube of brie cheese and a spoonful of cranberry sauce to each pastry cup. Sprinkle with chopped nuts, if using.
4. Step 4: Brush with egg wash. In a small bowl, beat the egg with a tablespoon of water. Brush the edges of the pastry with the egg wash. This will give them a beautiful golden-brown color.
5. Step 5: Bake and cool. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and the brie is melted and bubbly. Let the bites cool in the muffin tins for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Storage & Meal Prep

These baked cranberry brie bites are best enjoyed fresh, but here’s how to store them if you have any leftovers.

• Storage: Store leftover bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but the pastry may not be as crispy.
• Make-Ahead: You can assemble the bites ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time. Don’t add the egg wash until right before baking to prevent the pastry from getting soggy.

Substitutions & Variations

Want to switch things up a bit? Here are some ideas!

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free puff pastry. I haven’t personally tested this, but there are some good brands available at most grocery stores.
• Dairy-Free: While the brie is the star, you could try a dairy-free cream cheese alternative for a similar creamy texture.
• Other Jams or Preserves: Instead of cranberry sauce, try using fig jam, apricot preserves, or even a spicy pepper jelly for a different flavor profile.
• Different Nuts: Use your favorite nuts, such as pistachios, almonds, or hazelnuts.
• Herbs: Sprinkle fresh thyme or rosemary on top before baking for a savory twist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of cheese?

While brie is the classic choice, you could try using Camembert or even a creamy goat cheese. Just be sure to remove the rind from any cheese you use.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the bites completely, but hold off on the egg wash until just before baking. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

How do I know when they are done?

The pastry should be golden brown and puffed up, and the brie should be melted and bubbly. If the pastry is browning too quickly, you can tent it with foil.

Can I freeze these?

I don’t recommend freezing the baked bites, as the pastry can become soggy when thawed. However, you can freeze the assembled bites before baking. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before baking.

Are these kid-friendly?

Yes, most kids love the sweet and savory combination. If your kids aren’t fans of nuts, you can easily leave them out.

Can I use crescent roll dough instead of puff pastry?

While you can, the texture will be different. Puff pastry provides a much flakier and lighter result. Crescent roll dough will be softer and denser.

What can I use instead of egg wash?

If you don’t have an egg, you can use milk or cream instead. Just brush the edges of the pastry with a thin layer before baking.

These baked cranberry brie bites are more than just an appetizer; they’re a little taste of holiday cheer perfect for busy families. The ease of preparation and the crowd-pleasing flavors make them a staple in my Texas kitchen. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and share your results with me! And don’t forget to browse FamiliesRecipes.com for more simple and delicious recipes that will bring your family together around the table. Happy baking, y’all!

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