Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe

Introduction

Cranberry Brie Bites are a delightful blend of tart cranberries, creamy brie, and flaky puff pastry, perfect for holiday appetizers or any festive gathering. These bite-sized treats combine warm spices and a touch of honey for a sweet and savory flavor experience.

A white plate holds twelve small square puff pastry tarts with golden, flaky edges curled up around a deep red cranberry topping that looks thick and chunky. Each tart is sprinkled with bits of chopped nuts and green herb leaves, and there are light drizzles of honey or syrup on the plate, adding a glossy shine. To the top right, there is a white bowl filled with shiny, whole red cranberries, sitting on a soft peach-colored cloth. Everything rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 3/4 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
  • 2 cups Fresh Cranberries
  • 1/2 teaspoon Ground Ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract
  • 1/4 cup Honey, plus more for drizzling
  • 1 sheet Puff Pastry
  • 6 ounces Brie Cheese
  • 1/4 cup Pecans, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon Fresh Thyme

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 24-count mini muffin tin to prevent sticking.
  2. Step 2: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the fresh cranberries, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground nutmeg, vanilla extract, and 1/4 cup honey. Stir frequently and bring to a simmer until the cranberries begin to pop.
  3. Step 3: Reduce the heat to low and cook the mixture until it thickens to a jam-like consistency, about 15 minutes. Remove from heat and allow it to cool slightly.
  4. Step 4: While the cranberry mixture cooks, cut the puff pastry sheet into 24 small squares or rectangles. Place each piece into the muffin tin cups, gently pressing them down.
  5. Step 5: Place a small square of brie cheese in the center of each puff pastry cup. Spoon about 2 teaspoons of the cranberry compote over the brie, then sprinkle with chopped pecans.
  6. Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and puffed.
  7. Step 7: Remove from the oven and allow the bites to cool slightly before carefully removing them from the muffin tin. Garnish each with fresh thyme leaves and a drizzle of honey, if desired.

Tips & Variations

  • For a nuttier flavor, try substituting pecans with walnuts or pistachios.
  • Use frozen cranberries if fresh are unavailable; just thaw before cooking.
  • To make prep easier, prepare the cranberry compote a day ahead and refrigerate it.
  • If you prefer a less sweet bite, reduce the honey in the cranberry mixture slightly.

Storage

Store any leftover bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them gently in an oven at 325°F (160°C) for about 5 minutes until crispy and heated through. These bites are best enjoyed fresh but can be served at room temperature if needed.

How to Serve

The image shows a white oval plate filled with small puff pastry bites, each having one layer of golden, flaky pastry formed into a cup shape. Inside each pastry cup is a thick, glossy layer of deep red cranberry sauce topped with small chopped nuts, giving a crunchy texture. The cranberry sauce is scattered with tiny green herb leaves, adding a touch of fresh color. Around the plate, there are droplets of light honey creating a shiny effect. To the right, there is a white scalloped bowl filled with fresh bright red cranberries sitting on a light pink cloth, all placed on a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the cranberry compote ahead of time?

Yes, the cranberry compote can be made a day or two in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Bring it to room temperature or warm slightly before assembling the bites.

Can I use a different type of cheese instead of brie?

Brie works best for its creamy texture, but you can substitute with camembert or mild cream cheese for a similar effect.

Print
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Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe


  • Author: Jack
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 24 bites 1x

Description

Cranberry Brie Bites are a delightful appetizer combining flaky puff pastry, creamy brie cheese, and a flavorful cranberry compote spiced with cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. Perfect for holiday gatherings or parties, these bite-sized treats balance sweet, savory, and nutty flavors beautifully with a hint of fresh thyme and honey drizzle.


Ingredients

Scale

Cranberry Compote

  • 2 cups Fresh Cranberries
  • 3/4 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon Ground Ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract
  • 1/4 cup Honey

Pastry & Toppings

  • 1 sheet Puff Pastry
  • 6 ounces Brie Cheese
  • 1/4 cup Pecans, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon Fresh Thyme leaves
  • Honey, for drizzling (to taste)

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Muffin Tin: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 24-count mini muffin tin with butter or non-stick spray to ensure the pastry does not stick during baking.
  2. Make Cranberry Compote: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine fresh cranberries, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground nutmeg, pure vanilla extract, and 1/4 cup honey. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently until the cranberries begin to pop. Reduce heat to low and let it cook down until thickened, about 15 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
  3. Prepare Puff Pastry: While the compote is cooking, cut the puff pastry sheet into 24 small squares or rectangles roughly the size to fit into the muffin tin cups. Place each piece into the muffin tin cups, pressing gently to form a cup shape.
  4. Assemble the Bites: Place a small square of brie cheese in the center of each pastry cup. Spoon about 2 teaspoons of the cooled cranberry compote on top of the brie. Sprinkle each bite with chopped pecans for added texture and flavor.
  5. Bake: Bake the assembled cranberry brie bites in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes or until the puff pastry is puffed and golden brown.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Remove the bites from the oven and allow to cool slightly before carefully removing them from the muffin tin. Garnish each with fresh thyme leaves and drizzle with honey to taste for extra sweetness and an aromatic touch. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

  • Use chilled puff pastry for easier handling and better puffing during baking.
  • Brie rind is edible; if preferred, cut it off before assembling.
  • For a nut-free version, omit pecans and garnish with extra thyme or chopped dried cranberries.
  • These bites can be prepared ahead by making the cranberry compote and assembling without baking. Refrigerate and bake fresh before serving.
  • To save time, use pre-made cranberry sauce, but fresh compote gives a richer flavor.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: cranberry brie bites, cranberry appetizers, puff pastry appetizers, holiday appetizers, brie cheese bites, cranberry compote, easy party snacks

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