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

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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