Simple and Delicious Cranberry Brie Appetizers: The Perfect Holiday Bite | CookedByAndy

Simple and Delicious Cranberry Brie Appetizers: The Perfect Holiday Bite

If you’re looking for an easy yet elegant appetizer that wows your guests, these Cranberry Brie Appetizers are the answer. Buttery, flaky pastry, creamy brie, and a sweet-tart cranberry topping come together for the perfect bite-sized treat. Whether you’re making these for a holiday gathering or just want a quick snack, they’re effortless to put together and taste absolutely amazing.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy – Ready in under 30 minutes.
  • Perfectly balanced flavors – Creamy, sweet, and a little tangy.
  • Great for any occasion – Perfect for parties, holidays, or a simple snack.
  • Customizable – You can switch up the toppings to match your taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a quick look at the key ingredients:

  • Puff pastry, thawed
  • Brie cheese, cut into small pieces
  • Cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
  • Chopped pecans or walnuts (optional for crunch)
  • Fresh rosemary for garnish
  • Honey for a touch of sweetness

Full list of ingredients and measurements are in the recipe card below.

How to Make Cranberry Brie Appetizers

Prep the Pastry

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the puff pastry and cut it into small squares. Press each square into a mini muffin tin.

Add the Brie

Place a small piece of brie into each pastry cup. Don’t worry if the cheese looks small—it will melt beautifully.

Top with Cranberry Sauce

Spoon a bit of cranberry sauce over the brie. If you like a little crunch, sprinkle some chopped pecans or walnuts on top.

Bake to Perfection

Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and the cheese is melty.

Garnish and Serve

Drizzle with honey, sprinkle fresh rosemary on top, and serve warm.

Expert Tips and Tricks

  • Use pre-cut brie – It saves time and melts evenly.
  • Don’t overfill – Too much cranberry sauce can make the pastry soggy.
  • Serve fresh – These are best enjoyed warm right out of the oven.
  • Thaw puff pastry properly – Let it sit in the fridge overnight for best results.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

  • Use phyllo cups – For an extra crispy texture.
  • Try a different cheese – Goat cheese or camembert work well.
  • Add a savory twist – A pinch of black pepper or a tiny bit of balsamic glaze.
  • Make it nut-free – Skip the pecans or replace with pumpkin seeds.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

  • With a glass of wine – A crisp white wine or a light red pairs perfectly.
  • On a charcuterie board – Serve alongside meats, nuts, and fruit.
  • As part of a holiday spread – Great with other small bites like stuffed mushrooms or deviled eggs.
  • With a side of fig jam – Adds even more depth of flavor.

Storage and Reheating Tips

  • Refrigerate leftovers – Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
  • Reheat in the oven – Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes.
  • Microwave for a quick option – Heat in 15-second intervals.
  • Freeze before baking – Assemble and freeze for up to 1 month, then bake straight from frozen.

FAQs

1. Can I use crescent roll dough instead of puff pastry? Yes! Crescent roll dough will be softer but still delicious.

2. How do I keep the puff pastry from getting soggy? Don’t overload with cranberry sauce, and bake until golden brown.

3. Can I make these ahead of time? Yes! Assemble and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve.

4. What can I use instead of cranberry sauce? Fig jam, apricot preserves, or raspberry jam are great alternatives.

Conclusion

These Cranberry Brie Appetizers are the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving them for the holidays or just treating yourself, they’re easy to make, incredibly tasty, and always a hit. Give them a try, and watch them disappear in no time!

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Simple and Delicious Cranberry Brie Appetizers: The Perfect Holiday Bite

Simple and Delicious Cranberry Brie Appetizers: The Perfect Holiday Bite

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These Cranberry Brie Appetizers are a perfect blend of buttery, flaky pastry, creamy brie cheese, and sweet-tart cranberry sauce. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, this bite-sized treat is ideal for holiday gatherings, parties, or an easy snack. The contrast of textures and flavors makes them a crowd-pleasing favorite!

  • Author: Touria Elkoudssi
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 1216 servings 1x
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
  • 6 oz brie cheese, cut into small pieces
  • 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
  • 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
  • 1 tbsp honey, for drizzling
  • Fresh rosemary, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven & Prepare Pastry: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the puff pastry and cut it into 12 small squares. Press each square into a mini muffin tin.
  2. Add Brie: Place a small piece of brie into each pastry cup.
  3. Top with Cranberry Sauce: Spoon a small amount of cranberry sauce over the brie. Sprinkle with chopped pecans or walnuts if using.
  4. Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
  5. Garnish & Serve: Drizzle with honey, top with fresh rosemary, and serve warm.

Notes

  • Let the puff pastry thaw in the fridge overnight for the best texture.
  • Don’t overfill with cranberry sauce to prevent sogginess.
  • These appetizers are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 piece
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 120mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 12g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 15mg
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