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Cranberry Brie Bites

These cranberry brie bites are a festive appetizer featuring flaky puff pastry topped with creamy brie and a tangy cranberry glaze. The dish combines crisp, buttery pastry with melting cheese and a bright, tart fruit topping, creating a delightful bite-sized treat. Perfect for holiday gatherings, they offer a balance of textures and flavors that feel both elegant and comforting.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 24
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Holiday
Calories: 120

Ingredients
  

  • 1 package sheet puff pastry thawed if frozen
  • 1 cup fresh cranberries cranberries hulled
  • 2 oz brie cheese brie cheese cut into small cubes
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup honey or maple syrup
  • 1 egg egg beaten, for egg wash
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or black pepper herbs & spices optional garnish

Equipment

  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Small saucepan
  • Pastry Cutter or Knife
  • Brush (pastry brush)
  • Slotted spatula

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll out the thawed puff pastry gently to smooth any creases, then cut into 24 small squares using a pastry cutter or sharp knife.
  2. Arrange the pastry squares on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly. Brush the edges lightly with beaten egg to help them turn golden and crisp during baking.
  3. Bake the pastry for 12-15 minutes until they are puffed up and golden around the edges, filling your kitchen with a warm, buttery aroma. Keep an eye on them to prevent over-browning.
  4. Meanwhile, rinse the cranberries and combine them with honey or maple syrup in a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens into a glossy, tart glaze. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  5. Slice the brie into small cubes, roughly half an inch each. Once the pastry squares are out of the oven and slightly cooled, place a small piece of brie on top of each.
  6. Spoon a dollop of the cooled cranberry glaze onto each pastry, covering the cheese softly. For an elegant touch, sprinkle with fresh thyme or a crack of black pepper if desired.
  7. Return the tray to the oven and bake for an additional 3-4 minutes, just enough to melt the cheese slightly and meld the flavors. The cranberries should glisten, and the pastry will be crisp and flaky.
  8. Remove the bites from the oven and let them rest for 2-3 minutes. Use a slotted spatula to transfer them to a serving platter. Serve warm or at room temperature, enjoying their crisp, melty, and tart harmony.

Notes

For a vegan version, substitute the egg wash with plant-based milk and use vegan cheese. Feel free to add chopped nuts for extra crunch or swap the cranberries for dried ones soaked in warm water if fresh aren’t available.