These Easy Cranberry Brie Bites are the perfect little treats for any gathering! Soft brie cheese meets sweet and tangy cranberry sauce, all baked in flaky pastry. Yum!
Trust me, they’re so good that you’ll wish you made a double batch. I always end up sneaking a few before my guests arrive! What can I say? They’re just too tasty!
Making these is a breeze—just pop the ingredients into the pastry, bake, and enjoy warm. They’re always a hit at parties, and they look so fancy too!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Puff Pastry: This is the star of the show, providing the flaky texture. If you don’t have thawed puff pastry, you can use phyllo dough, though it will turn out a bit different. Just layer it for a flaky effect.
Brie Cheese: Brie is creamy and mild, perfect for these bites. If you’re looking for a different flavor, Camembert is a great substitute. For a vegan option, try a dairy-free cheese that melts well.
Cranberry Sauce: Store-bought is convenient, but homemade can be so much better. You can also swap it with other fruit preserves like raspberry or fig for a unique twist!
Chopped Pistachios: They add a nice crunch. If you’re not a fan, feel free to leave them out or replace them with walnuts, almonds, or even sunflower seeds for a different texture.
How Do I Roll Out Puff Pastry Without It Sticking?
Rolling out puff pastry can be tricky! Here’s how to do it smoothly:
- Start with a lightly floured surface to prevent sticking.
- Use a rolling pin and be gentle; stretch it out evenly to avoid tearing.
- If it gets too warm or sticky, pop it in the fridge for a few minutes to firm up before continuing.
Making sure your pastry is cold before baking also creates those lovely layers, so handle it gently.
How to Make Easy Cranberry Brie Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bites:
- 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed
- 8 ounces Brie cheese, cut into small pieces
- 1 cup cranberry sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/4 cup chopped pistachios (optional, for garnish)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Flour, for dusting
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty treat will take about 30 minutes to make. You’ll need around 10 minutes for prep work and then about 15-20 minutes for baking. It’s quick and delicious—perfect for appetizers or snack time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
First, you’ll want to get your oven ready. Preheat it to 375°F (190°C) so it’s nice and hot for your bites.
2. Prepare the Puff Pastry:
Next, find a clean countertop and dust it lightly with flour. Unwrap the thawed puff pastry sheet and roll it out gently to smooth it out. Then, cut the pastry into 2-inch squares.
3. Make the Pastry Cups:
Now, grab a mini muffin tin and grease it lightly to prevent sticking. Place each puff pastry square into a muffin tin section, pressing it down gently to create little cups for your filling.
4. Add the Cheese:
Time to fill those cups! Place a small piece of Brie cheese into the center of each pastry cup. It’s going to melt beautifully as it bakes!
5. Top with Cranberry Sauce:
Next, scoop about 1 tablespoon of cranberry sauce and spoon it over the Brie in each cup. This adds a lovely sweet and tart flavor!
6. Egg Wash for a Golden Finish:
In a small bowl, beat the egg. Use a brush or your finger to apply the egg wash to the edges of the puff pastry, which will help them turn golden brown in the oven.
7. Bake Your Bites:
Pop the muffin tin into your preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on them until the pastry is golden and flaky—yum!
8. Cool and Garnish:
Once they’re done baking, take the bites out and let them cool for a few minutes. If you’d like a little crunch, sprinkle some chopped pistachios on top before serving them.
9. Serve and Enjoy!
Your cranberry Brie bites are ready! Serve them warm and enjoy this delightful treat with family and friends. They’re sure to be a hit!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While Brie is traditional, you can swap it out for other soft cheeses like Camembert, goat cheese, or even cream cheese. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile will change slightly with each cheese choice!
What If I Don’t Have Puff Pastry?
No worries! You can use phyllo dough or crescent roll dough as an alternative. Just make sure to layer phyllo sheets and cut them into squares, or simply roll out the crescent dough and cut it into pieces that fit into your muffin tin.
Can I Make Cranberry Brie Bites Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the bites up to the baking step, assemble them in the muffin tin, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to a day. When you’re ready to bake, just remove them from the fridge and pop them straight into the oven. There’s no need to thaw!
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftover cranberry brie bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes, until warmed through and crispy again.
