Description
Cranberry brie bites elevate appetizers with elegant French-inspired flavors. Simple pastry shells cradle warm melted cheese and tangy cranberry sauce, creating perfect party nibbles for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 120 g (4 oz) brie cheese, cut into small cubes
- ½ cup cranberry sauce
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed if frozen
- 1 egg, beaten
- ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- Fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs
Instructions
- Oven Preparation: Elevate the oven temperature to 200C (400F) and meticulously coat a mini muffin tin with non-stick spray or parchment paper.
- Pastry Transformation: Unfurl the puff pastry sheet across a flour-dusted surface, smoothing out any wrinkles and slice into 12 precise geometric squares.
- Pastry Vessel Creation: Gently press each pastry square into muffin tin compartments, forming delicate cups with smooth, even edges.
- Flavor Layering: Center a brie cube in each pastry cup, then crown with a vibrant dollop of cranberry sauce and a sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts.
- Finishing Touch: Delicately brush pastry edges with beaten egg to encourage a luxurious golden sheen, then bake for 15-20 minutes until pastry puffs and achieves a rich, bronzed complexion.
- Serving Presentation: Allow bites to cool momentarily, garnish with a fragrant herb sprig like rosemary or thyme, and serve either warm or at ambient temperature for a sophisticated appetizer.
Notes
- Pastry Precision: Roll puff pastry thinly and evenly to ensure crisp, light texture without becoming soggy or thick.
- Temperature Control: Allow brie to reach room temperature before baking to guarantee smooth melting and optimal flavor distribution.
- Nutty Variations: Experiment with different nuts like almonds or pistachios for unique flavor profiles and added crunch.
- Dietary Adaptation: Replace regular puff pastry with gluten-free alternatives for celiac or gluten-sensitive guests, ensuring everyone can enjoy these delightful bites.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 11
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg