Looking for easy appetizers that everyone will love? I’ve got you covered with three fantastic recipes centered around creamy brie and bright cranberry. These bites are perfect for any gathering, from a casual get-together to a holiday celebration.
You’ll find options using puff pastry or wonton wrappers, all designed to make your party prep simple and delicious. Let’s make some amazing cranberry brie treats!
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Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe
These Cranberry Brie Bites are small, easy appetizers that disappear fast. They are absolutely perfect for any party or holiday gathering you host.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Brie Bites
- Puff Pastry Shortcut: Use pre-made puff pastry or mini phyllo shells to save time. Just unroll and fill!
- Brie Cheese Prep: Cut your brie into small, even pieces so they melt nicely. No need to remove the rind.
- Cranberry Sauce: Canned whole cranberry sauce works great for ease, or use homemade if you have it ready.
What You Need for Cranberry Brie Bites
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 4 oz brie cheese, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
- 1/4 cup whole cranberry sauce
- Optional: a sprinkle of fresh rosemary or chopped pecans
⏱️ Time: 20 mins🍽️ Yields: 12 bites
How to Make Your Brie Bites
Step 1: Prep Oven & Pastry
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Unroll the thawed puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Cut the pastry into 12 squares. Press each square gently into the cups of a mini muffin tin.
Step 2: Fill & Bake
Place a small cube of brie into each pastry cup. Top each with about a teaspoon of whole cranberry sauce. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and the brie is melted and bubbly.
📝 Final Note
Serve these warm for the best gooey cheese experience. They are still delicious as they cool too, making them perfect for a buffet!
Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Stars Recipe
These Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Stars are festive treats perfect for any holiday table. They are super easy to make and look so pretty.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Puff Pastry Stars
- Puff Pastry Handling: Ensure your puff pastry is cold but pliable. This makes it easier to cut and handle without sticking.
- Star Cutters: Use various sizes of star cookie cutters for a fun and varied look. A 2-3 inch cutter works very well.
- Egg Wash Secret: A simple egg wash (1 egg beaten with a splash of water) gives the pastry a beautiful golden shine and helps seal the edges.
What You Need for Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Stars
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 6 oz brie cheese, sliced thinly
- 1/2 cup whole cranberry sauce
- 1 egg, beaten with 1 tsp water (for egg wash)
- Optional: fresh thyme sprigs for garnish
⏱️ Time: 25 mins🍽️ Yields: 15-20 stars
How to Make Your Puff Pastry Stars
Step 1: Cut Pastry Stars
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Unroll the puff pastry sheet. Using a star-shaped cookie cutter, cut out as many stars as you can from the pastry. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Step 2: Assemble & Seal
Arrange a thin slice of brie on half of the pastry stars. Top each brie slice with a small dollop of cranberry sauce. Place another pastry star on top to create a sandwich. Gently press the edges of each star to seal them.
Step 3: Bake Until Golden
Brush the tops of your assembled pastry stars with the egg wash. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the pastry is beautifully puffed and golden brown. Let them cool slightly before you serve them.
📝 Final Note
These stars look extra pretty with a tiny sprig of fresh thyme placed on top after baking. It adds a nice fresh green touch!
Cranberry Pecan Baked Brie Cups Recipe
These Cranberry Pecan Baked Brie Cups are crunchy, creamy, and wonderfully nutty. They make a lovely baked brie appetizer that’s simple to put together.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Brie Cups
- Wonton Wrappers: Use fresh wonton wrappers. If they seem dry, they might crack when you press them into the muffin tin.
- Brie Cheese Prep: You can remove the rind from the brie if you prefer, but it is not necessary. Cut it into small cubes for even melting.
- Pecan Flavor: Lightly toast the pecans before adding them for a deeper, nuttier taste that truly shines through.
What You Need for Cranberry Pecan Baked Brie Cups
- 12 wonton wrappers
- 4 oz brie cheese, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
- 1/4 cup whole cranberry sauce
- 2 tablespoons chopped pecans
- Optional: drizzle of honey after baking
⏱️ Time: 20 mins🍽️ Yields: 12 cups
How to Make Your Brie Cups
Step 1: Prep Wonton Cups
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Gently press each wonton wrapper into the cups of a mini muffin tin. This will create a cup shape that will hold your filling.
Step 2: Fill & Top
Place a cube of brie cheese into each wonton cup. Top each with about a teaspoon of whole cranberry sauce and a sprinkle of chopped pecans.
Step 3: Bake Until Crispy
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the wonton wrappers are golden brown and crispy, and the brie cheese is melted and warm.
📝 Final Note
A small drizzle of honey right before serving adds a touch of sweetness that pairs beautifully with the creamy brie and tart cranberry. Give it a try!