The harmonious union of creamy brie cheese and sweet cranberry sauce is the star attraction in these delectable brie cranberry bites encased in flaky puff pastry. With each bite boasting a delightful balance of flavors, these treats are sure to please any palate. If you’re a fan of the rich creaminess of brie paired with the tangy sweetness of cranberry sauce, then these scrumptious bites are a must-try.
The combination of fruity cranberry sauce and orange marmalade complements the earthy flavor of brie cheese, while crescent roll dough and crunchy chopped pecans add satisfying texture to each bite. Whether you’re seeking a sweet or savory treat, these cranberry brie bites are sure to satisfy.
For more inspiration featuring cranberries, try our cranberry jello salad, white chocolate cranberry cupcakes, or this rustic cranberry galette.
Why You’ll Love It
Using crescent dough makes these cranberry brie bites incredibly easy to prepare. Simply divide the cheese and other ingredients among the little dough shapes, pop them in the oven, and voila! The result is a delightful combination of creamy brie, sweet cranberries, and crunchy pecans that will surely impress your guests. With its melty texture and subtle tanginess, brie is an excellent choice for baked recipes. In this case, it pairs beautifully with the tartness of the cranberry sauce and marmalade, creating a delightful flavor profile that’s sure to please even the most discerning palates.
How to Make Puff Pastry Cranberry Brie Bites
To create these indulgent brie bites, first combine the cranberry sauce and orange marmalade in a bowl to form the sweet and tangy filling. Next, cut the brie cheese into small cubes. Then, roll out the puff pastry dough and divide it into 24 equal squares, which will be pressed into greased mini muffin tins. Once the pastry is in place, add the brie mixture, carefully dividing it among the cups. Finally, bake until golden brown and serve warm, garnished with a sprig of fresh rosemary for added elegance.
Substitutions and Variations
For a customizable and delicious holiday season appetizer, consider making your own puff pastry shells from scratch or using store-bought dough as a convenient alternative. Feel free to get creative with the filling by substituting the orange marmalade for other sweet and savory options like fig jam, apricot preserves, or pepper jelly. You can also swap out the pecans for chopped pistachios, hazelnuts, or walnuts to add texture and flavor variety. To enhance the overall taste experience, a small pinch of sea salt can be added to the cranberry brie bites in the muffin pan if desired. If you’re not a fan of brie, soft goat cheese, cheddar, or your preferred cheese alternative can be used instead, allowing for a personalized take on this festive treat.
How to Store Cranberry Brie Bites
When it comes to storing and reheating cranberry brie bites, you’re in luck! These bite-sized treats can be safely stored in a sealed container in the fridge for up to three days. If you need to reheat them, simply place the mini muffin tin slots with foil loosely covering them and bake at 350 degrees F until warm. Alternatively, you can arrange them on a baking sheet for reheating as well. For those who prefer microwave reheating, it’s also an option to quickly warm up your cranberry brie bites. When it comes to freezing, make sure they’re completely cooled before arranging them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid. Then, transfer them into a freezer-safe container for up to two months. To thaw and reheat from frozen, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and let the cranberry brie bites cook for approximately 12 minutes.
Cranberry Brie Appetizer FAQs
While it’s perfectly fine to prepare this holiday appetizer ahead of time, you can actually start preparing the recipe a few hours in advance and then simply pop them in the oven when you’re ready to cook. Just make sure to keep them refrigerated until cooking time. If you’re not keen on using pastry dough for these cranberry brie bites, there’s an alternative. You could opt for using mushroom caps instead of the traditional crescent rolls. This approach does require a bit more care, as it’s essential not to overfill them, lest the cheese oozes out and creates a mess. By using mushroom caps, however, these bite-sized treats are no longer finger foods, so consider serving them on small plates with a fork.
Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe
Brie Cranberry Bites Appetizer
The delightful combination of creamy brie cheese and sweet cranberry sauce takes center stage in these delectable brie cranberry bites wrapped in flaky puff pastry. With a preparation time of just 15 minutes, followed by a brief cooking period of 10 minutes, this indulgent treat can be ready to devour in as little as 25 minutes. Perfect for sharing with friends and family, or savoring all to yourself, these bite-sized morsels offer 8 servings of pure culinary bliss.
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and prepare for a delightful baking experience. To begin, spray a mini muffin pan with cooking spray to ensure easy removal later. Next, combine the whole cranberry sauce and orange marmalade in a bowl until they’re well mixed. Set this sweet and tangy mixture aside for now. Cutting into the brie cheese, slice it into small, 1-inch squares using a sharp knife. Don’t worry about removing the rind; it’s perfectly fine to leave it on. Once you’ve got your brie cubes ready, roll out the crescent roll dough onto a floured surface and use your fingers to press the perforated lines together, forming one large rectangle. Next, cut the dough into 24 equal squares using a sharp knife. Gently press each square into the mini muffin pan molds to create a snug fit. Now it’s time to assemble these bites: place 1 cube of brie cheese, 1 tablespoon of cranberry-orange mixture, and a pinch of chopped pecans in each mini muffin. Finally, bake the bites for 10 to 12 minutes or until the dough is golden brown. Allow them to cool for about 10 minutes before removing from the pan. To finish, garnish each bite with a small sprig of rosemary and enjoy your delicious creations.