Cranberry Brie bites
Cranberry Brie Bites are a delightful appetizer that combines the creamy richness of Brie cheese with the tartness of cranberry sauce, all encased in a flaky puff pastry. They're perfect for holiday gatherings or any occasion that calls for a simple yet elegant dish.
Ingredients
- 1 (8-ounce) round Brie cheese
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
- ½ cup cranberry sauce
- ½ cup finely chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- Fresh rosemary sprigs, for garnish (optional)
- Cooking spray or melted butter, for greasing
Instructions
Prepare the Brie:
- Remove the rind from the Brie cheese for a smoother texture (optional).
- Place the Brie in the freezer for about 20 minutes to firm up, making it easier to cut.
Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Lightly grease a 24-cup mini muffin tin with cooking spray or melted butter.
Prepare the Puff Pastry:
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet into a rectangle, approximately 10x14 inches.
- Cut the pastry into 24 equal squares.
- Press each square gently into the prepared mini muffin cups, ensuring the edges come up the sides to form a cup.
Assemble the Bites:
- Remove the Brie from the freezer and cut it into 24 small pieces.
- Place a piece of Brie into each puff pastry cup.
- Top the Brie with about 1 teaspoon of cranberry sauce.
- Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans over the cranberry sauce, if using.
Chill (Optional):
- For best results, refrigerate the assembled bites for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps the pastry maintain its shape during baking.
Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
Garnish and Serve:
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly.
- Garnish with small sprigs of fresh rosemary, if desired.
- Serve warm.