Description
Creamy brie meets tart cranberry in these irresistible Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Delights, creating a perfect harmony of flavors. Elegant appetizers emerge from golden, flaky pastry, promising a delightful culinary experience you’ll savor with every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Fruit and Filling:
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- 4 ounces (113 grams) Brie cheese, cut into small cubes (rind removed)
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (optional)
Sweeteners and Liquids:
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup orange juice
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
Spices and Seasonings:
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Pastry:
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
Instructions
- Craft a vibrant cranberry compote by simmering cranberries with sugar, orange juice, and cinnamon in a saucepan over medium heat. Allow the mixture to bubble and reduce until berries rupture and sauce thickens, approximately 10 minutes. Set aside to cool completely.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Dust a clean surface with flour and gently unfurl the puff pastry sheet.
- Using a circular cutter or glass rim, delicately slice pastry into 3-inch diameter rounds. These will serve as the delicate foundation for your elegant appetizers.
- Position a small cube of creamy Brie at the center of each pastry circle. Top with a generous dollop of cooled cranberry compote.
- Sprinkle fresh thyme leaves across the pastry for an aromatic touch, enhancing the flavor profile of these bite-sized delicacies.
- Whisk an egg until smooth and carefully brush the pastry edges, ensuring a golden, crisp exterior during baking.
- Carefully arrange the prepared pastry bites on the prepared baking sheet, maintaining slight separation between each morsel.
- Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. Watch for a beautifully bronzed pastry and fully melted cheese.
- Remove from the oven and allow the bites to rest briefly, permitting the filling to stabilize before serving.
- For future enjoyment, store leftovers in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days and reheat at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore crispness.
Notes
- Make your own cranberry sauce ahead of time to save precious minutes during party prep.
- Fresh thyme leaves add an unexpected herbal touch that elevates the entire flavor profile.
- Frozen puff pastry is a secret weapon for creating elegant appetizers in minutes.
- Egg wash creates that gorgeous golden-brown shine professional chefs love on pastry edges.
- Freezing unbaked bites means you can have gourmet appetizers ready anytime unexpected guests arrive.
- Serve warm for maximum cheese meltiness and crispy pastry texture that’ll impress everyone.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg