Description
Festive cranberry brie bites deliver a perfect harmony of sweet and tangy flavors in one irresistible appetizer. Elegant party snacks showcase creamy French brie and zesty cranberry sauce, promising delightful moments for guests seeking sophisticated small bites.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 sheet puff pastry
- 8 oz brie cheese
- 1/2 cup fresh cranberries
Flavor Enhancers:
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Preparation Ingredients:
- 1 large egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tbsp water (for egg wash)
- 1 pinch salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper, ensuring an even surface for uniform cooking.
- Gently unfold the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface, carefully smoothing out any creases without stretching the delicate dough.
- Using a round cookie cutter or sharp knife, cut the pastry into 2-inch circles, creating uniform bite-sized bases for the appetizers.
- Slice the brie into small, manageable cubes that will melt evenly and provide a creamy texture to each bite.
- Place a brie cube in the center of each pastry circle, leaving a small border around the edges for sealing.
- Top each cheese-covered pastry with fresh cranberries, distributing them evenly for a burst of tart flavor.
- Drizzle honey over the cranberries, allowing it to slightly pool around the cheese and fruit.
- Sprinkle thyme leaves and a hint of black pepper across the bites, enhancing the overall aromatic profile.
- Whisk the egg with water and a pinch of salt to create a golden egg wash that will provide a beautiful sheen.
- Carefully brush the exposed pastry edges with the egg wash, ensuring a seal and glossy finish.
- Fold the pastry edges slightly inward, creating a rustic, partially enclosed shape that holds the filling.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until the pastry turns a rich, golden brown and the cheese begins to melt.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes, allowing the filling to set and become more manageable.
Notes
- Pastry Pro Tip: Keep puff pastry chilled until just before use to maintain its flaky, delicate texture and prevent sticking during preparation.
- Cheese Melting Magic: Let brie sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before cutting to ensure smooth, even slicing and optimal melting performance.
- Flavor Boost Hack: Toast thyme leaves briefly in a dry pan to intensify their aromatic qualities and release deeper herbaceous notes before sprinkling on bites.
- Dietary Flexibility: Swap regular brie with dairy-free cheese alternatives and use gluten-free puff pastry to create inclusive versions for guests with dietary restrictions.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 185
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg