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Easy Cranberry Brie Bites | Best Puff Pastry Appetizer

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These cranberry brie bites are the kind of appetizer that makes you look like a hero without actually doing much work. Flaky, buttery puff pastry gives way to warm, melted brie and sweet-tart cranberries, finished with a pinch of flaky salt.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
  • 4 oz brie cheese, rind removed and cut into small cubes (about ½-inch pieces)
  • ⅓ cup whole berry cranberry sauce
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary or thyme, finely chopped (optional)
  • Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling
  • ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional, for garnish)
  • Honey or balsamic glaze, for drizzling (optional)
  • Fresh rosemary sprigs, for presentation (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Position the rack in the center of the oven. Lightly grease your mini muffin tin with non-stick spray or butter.
  2. On a lightly floured surface, unfold the thawed puff pastry sheet. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to cut it into 24 equal squares (about 2 inches each). If the pastry feels too warm, pop it in the fridge for 5 minutes.
  3. Gently press each square into a cup of the mini muffin tin, making sure the corners stick up slightly. Don’t stretch the dough—just let it settle naturally.
  4. In a small bowl, beat the egg with a teaspoon of water. Using your pastry brush, lightly coat the edges of each pastry square.
  5. Spoon about ½ teaspoon of cranberry sauce into the center of each pastry cup. Don’t overfill.
  6. Place one or two small cubes of brie on top of the cranberry sauce.
  7. If using, sprinkle a tiny pinch of chopped rosemary or thyme over each bite. Then add a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt.
  8. Bake for 12-15 minutes until the pastry is puffed and golden brown, and the brie is melted and bubbly.
  9. Let the bites cool in the pan for 2-3 minutes. Then use a small spoon or offset spatula to gently lift them out. Serve warm.

Notes

Keep the pastry cold for best flakiness. Don’t overfill the cups. Let them cool in the pan for 2-3 minutes before removing. For make-ahead, assemble without egg wash up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate. To reheat, use a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: cranberry brie bites, puff pastry appetizer, easy appetizer, holiday appetizer, cranberry brie, party food

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