Name: Baked Cranberry Brie Bites
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-492148H8M24S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 sheet puff pastry; 4 oz brie cheese; ½ cup cranberry sauce; 2 tbsp candied pecans (optional); Fresh rosemary sprigs (optional)

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Imagine the aroma of buttery pastry enveloping rich, creamy brie, mingling perfectly with the sweet-tart notes of cranberry sauce. These **Baked Cranberry Brie Bites** are a tantalizing treat that promise to elevate any gathering. Each golden, flaky pastry shell cradles a luscious cube of brie, topped with vibrant cranberry goodness, creating a delightful bite-sized explosion of flavor. Just picture your friends or family biting into these little parcels of joy, smiles spreading across their faces as they indulge in this irresistible combination.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Baked Cranberry Brie Bites
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Baked Cranberry Brie Bites

These bites take me back to cozy holiday gatherings, where laughter filled the air and delicious aromas danced in the kitchen. It’s those magical moments that inspire me to whip up something special, and there’s something undeniably festive about serving warm, cheesy bites fresh from the oven. Whether it’s a crisp autumn evening or a cheerful winter celebration, these **Baked Cranberry Brie Bites** will warm your heart and home. So, let’s get baking and make some heartwarming memories!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Ready in just 18 minutes, perfect for last-minute gatherings.
Irresistible Flavor: The creamy brie pairs beautifully with tangy cranberry, creating an unforgettable taste.
Eye-Catching Appeal: These bites look stunning on any platter, sure to impress guests.
Flexible Serving: Enjoy as a snack, appetizer, or even during brunch!
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable; swap out the cheese for vegan alternatives for a dairy-free treat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 sheet puff pastry: This flaky pastry forms the perfect outer layer. Thaw it before use and keep it cold for the best results.
4 oz brie cheese: Choose a creamy variety that melts beautifully. You can substitute with camembert for a similar taste.
½ cup cranberry sauce: Opt for store-bought for convenience or make your own with fresh cranberries for a homemade touch.
2 tbsp candied pecans (optional): These add a delightful crunch and sweetness, but feel free to skip them if you prefer a simpler taste.
Fresh rosemary sprigs (optional): Not only do they add a pop of color, but the aroma enhances the overall experience.

How to Make Baked Cranberry Brie Bites

Preheat and Prepare: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. While the oven warms, lightly grease a mini muffin tin to prevent sticking. This ensures your bites pop out easily, keeping their lovely shape intact.

Roll and Cut: Unroll the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Cut it into 12 equal squares, about 3 inches each. This will give you the perfect shells for your delicious filling. Don’t stress if they aren’t perfect; a little rustic charm is always welcome!

Form the Pastry Cups: Press each square gently into the muffin cups to create little cups that will hold all that cheesy goodness. Make sure to press down the corners so they hold their shape while baking.

Fill with Brie: Drop one cube of brie into each pastry cup. The cheese will melt beautifully and turn creamy, creating a delicious center for your bites. Try using a milder brie if you want a subtler flavor experience.

Add Cranberry Sauce: Spoon a generous amount of cranberry sauce over the cheese in each cup, letting it seep into the crevices. The sweet-tart flavor of the sauce pairs with the richness of the brie, ensuring every bite is a delightful surprise.

Top with Pecans: If you’re using candied pecans, sprinkle a few pieces atop each filled cup. They bring a wonderful crunch and sweetness that complements the other flavors beautifully. However, leaving them out is just fine too!

Bake Until Golden: Place the filled muffin tin into the preheated oven. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, until the pastry is golden and the cheese is bubbly. Keep an eye on them—your kitchen will soon be filled with mouthwatering aromas!

Cool and Garnish: Once golden, remove the bites from the oven and let them cool for about 5 minutes. This small cooling period helps them set a bit. Garnish each bite with a tiny sprig of rosemary for that extra touch of elegance and flavor.

Storing & Reheating

To store your Baked Cranberry Brie Bites, keep them at room temperature for up to 2 hours after baking. If you have leftovers (which may be unlikely!), pop them in the fridge in an airtight container and enjoy within 3 days. You can also freeze them tightly wrapped for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to indulge again, reheat them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes until warmed through. Note that the texture might change slightly, but they’ll still taste delightful!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overfilling the pastry cups to prevent overflow during baking. A spoonful of sauce is often just right!
Make sure the brie cubes are cold for easier handling.
If making ahead, assemble the bites and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake, but add a few minutes to the cooking time.
Consider adding a drizzle of honey on top right before serving for an extra sweet touch!
Feel free to experiment with different toppings like chopped nuts, herbs, or other fruit preserves.

Enjoy the cozy goodness that these Baked Cranberry Brie Bites bring to your table. Ready to serve at parties or as a comforting snack, they’re perfect for a variety of occasions. Play around with flavors and toppings, and you may create your new favorite indulgence. Happy baking!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! While brie is wonderfully creamy, you can substitute with camembert or even goat cheese for a different flavor experience. Just ensure the cheese you choose melts well for that gooey texture everyone loves.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can! Assemble the bites and store them covered in the fridge for up to a day. When you’re ready to bake, just pop them in the oven as usual. They might need an extra minute or two if they’re chilled.

What if I don’t have a mini muffin tin?

If you lack a mini muffin tin, simply cut the pastry into larger squares and use a regular muffin tin. You may need to increase the baking time slightly, but they will still turn out delicious!

Can I freeze leftover bites?

Definitely! Freeze the baked bites in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat them straight from frozen in the oven to regain their flaky texture—ideal for spontaneous cravings!

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Baked Cranberry Brie Bites

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Author: Jennifer
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
Total Time: 0 hours
Yield: 12 bites 1x
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

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Description

Baked Cranberry Brie Bites combine creamy brie and sweet-tart cranberry sauce inside flaky pastry. Perfect for parties, they offer rich flavors and are easy to make!

Ingredients

Scale

1 sheet puff pastry
4 oz brie cheese
½ cup cranberry sauce
2 tbsp candied pecans (optional)
Fresh rosemary sprigs (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F and grease a mini muffin tin.
Roll out puff pastry and cut into 12 squares.
Press each square into muffin cups to form shells.
Place a cube of brie in each pastry cup.
Top with cranberry sauce, filling the cups well.
Sprinkle candied pecans on top, if using.
Bake for 15 to 18 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Let cool for 5 minutes and garnish with rosemary.

Notes

Maintain cold brie cubes for easier handling.
Avoid overfilling the pastry cups to prevent overflow.
For make-ahead, assemble and refrigerate before baking.