These cranberry brie appetizers are a perfect blend of creamy, sweet, and flaky goodness. They come together effortlessly and are sure to impress your guests at any gathering.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- Quick and easy to prepare with minimal ingredients
- Perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors
- A great way to use up leftover cranberry sauce
- Beautiful presentation with minimal effort
Ingredients
Here are some key ingredients you’ll need:
- sheet of puff pastry, thawed
- Brie cheese
- cranberry sauce
- chopped pecans or walnuts
- Fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish
You’ll find the full list of ingredients below!
Preparing the Puff Pastry
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Roll out the puff pastry and cut it into small squares, fitting them into a greased mini muffin tin.
Assembling the Appetizers
Place a piece of brie into each pastry cup, followed by a spoonful of cranberry sauce and a sprinkle of chopped nuts.
Baking Until Golden
Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown and puffy. Let them cool slightly before garnishing with fresh rosemary.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Use store-bought puff pastry for convenience
- Freeze the brie slightly for easier slicing
- Try orange zest for an extra pop of flavor
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Swap pecans for almonds or leave out nuts for a nut-free version
- Use fig jam instead of cranberry sauce for a different flavor
- Add a drizzle of honey for extra sweetness
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
These appetizers pair well with a glass of white wine, a charcuterie board, or a festive holiday spread. Serve them warm for the best texture and flavor.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for a few minutes to crisp up the pastry.
FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time? Yes! Assemble them and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Can I use phyllo dough instead of puff pastry? Yes, but keep in mind that phyllo will be crispier and more delicate.
What if I don’t have cranberry sauce? Use raspberry jam, fig jam, or even a chutney for a tasty alternative.
How do I prevent the pastry from getting soggy? Avoid overfilling with cranberry sauce and serve immediately after baking.
Conclusion
Cranberry brie appetizers are an easy yet elegant way to impress your guests. With a perfect mix of flavors and textures, they’re bound to become a favorite at your next gathering!
Print
Simple and Delicious Cranberry Brie Appetizers
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Total Time: 22-25 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These bite-sized appetizers feature creamy Brie cheese and tangy cranberry sauce nestled in flaky puff pastry, baked to golden perfection. They’re quick to prepare and sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients
- 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed
- 8 ounces Brie cheese, cut into small cubes
- 1/4 cup cranberry sauce
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- Fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the Puff Pastry: Unroll the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Using a sharp knife or a round cutter, cut the pastry into 12 equal squares.
- Assemble the Bites: Place each pastry square into a mini muffin tin, gently pressing to fit. Place a cube of Brie cheese in the center of each pastry. Top with a teaspoon of cranberry sauce and, if desired, a sprinkle of chopped nuts.
- Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, consider adding a small dollop of jalapeño jelly along with the cranberry sauce.
- These bites can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to bake.
- If using frozen puff pastry, ensure it’s fully thawed before use.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bite
- Calories: 140 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
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