The holidays are a time for gathering with loved ones, sharing stories, and indulging in delicious, flavor-packed bites. Introducing Savory Cranberry Brie Bites – a modern, appetizer-sized take on the classic holiday cheese board. These bite-sized morsels combine a buttery, crispy puff pastry shell with a luscious, melty brie center and a zesty, cranberry-infused topping. Perfect for entertaining or casual holiday snacking, these savory cranberry brie bites are sure to be the hit of any holiday gathering.
Why You’ll Love This Savory Cranberry Brie Bites for Holiday Gatherings
These Savory Cranberry Brie Bites are the ultimate holiday party appetizer for a few reasons: 1) They combine all the classic holiday flavors – creamy brie, tart cranberries, and buttery pastry – into a perfectly portable and shareable bite. 2) They’re easy to make ahead of time, so you can spend more time with guests and less time in the kitchen. 3) The combination of rich, melty brie, tangy cranberry, and flaky puff pastry creates an irresistible flavor and texture experience in every single bite. Plus, their festive red and green color scheme makes them a beautiful addition to any holiday spread.
Ingredients
To make these Savory Cranberry Brie Bites, you’ll need just a handful of simple ingredients: puff pastry, brie cheese, cranberry sauce, egg wash, and a few pantry seasonings. The creamy brie and sweet-tart cranberry sauce are the stars of the show, while the buttery puff pastry provides the perfect crispy vehicle to hold it all together.
- 1 sheet – Puff pastry, thawed
- 8 oz – Brie cheese, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup – Cranberry sauce
- 1 – Egg, beaten with 1 tbsp water for egg wash
- Pinch – Salt and pepper
Ingredient Substitutions
- Brie Cheese: Goat cheese or cream cheese (both provide a creamy, indulgent contrast to the cranberry)
- Cranberry Sauce: Cranberry chutney or relish (for a more savory cranberry topping)
How to Make Savory Cranberry Brie Bites for Holiday Gatherings
The key steps to making these flavor-packed Savory Cranberry Brie Bites are simple and straightforward.
Step 1: Prep Work
Start by thawing your puff pastry according to package instructions. Once it’s pliable, use a rolling pin to gently roll it out on a lightly floured surface. Use a round cookie cutter or biscuit cutter to cut the puff pastry into 2-inch rounds. Place the rounds on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Next, place a small cube of brie (about 1-inch square) onto the center of each puff pastry round. Top each brie cube with a teaspoon of cranberry sauce.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Whisk an egg with a splash of water to create an egg wash. Brush the exposed puff pastry edges with the egg wash. Bake the cranberry brie bites in a preheated oven until the pastry is golden brown and the brie is melted, about 15-18 minutes.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Remove the baked bites from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Optionally, you can garnish the bites with a sprinkle of fresh thyme or rosemary for a pop of color and flavor.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Flavor Swap: Try swapping the cranberry sauce for a spicy-sweet pepper jelly or a savory caramelized onion jam.
- Cheese Variation: Experiment with different types of cheese, like goat cheese or brie with herbs.
- Festive Shapes: To make these bites even more festive, use a star-shaped or holiday-themed cookie cutter for the puff pastry.
- Make-Ahead: For the ultimate make-ahead ease, you can assemble the unbaked bites in advance and simply pop them in the oven when ready to serve.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: These Savory Cranberry Brie Bites are best served warm, straight out of the oven when the brie is melted and the pastry is crispy. They make a fantastic shareable appetizer for holiday parties and gatherings.
Storage: Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes before serving.
Make-Ahead: The unbaked bites can be assembled and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking.
Nutrition Information
Each Savory Cranberry Brie Bite contains approximately 100 calories, 6 grams of fat, 8 grams of carbohydrates, and 4 grams of protein. They provide a balance of cozy comfort and nutrient-dense ingredients, making them a delightful and satisfying holiday treat.
- Serving Size: 1 bite
- Calories: 100 kcal
- Protein: 4 g
- Carbs: 8 g
- Fat: 6 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these bites ahead of time?
Absolutely! The unbaked bites can be assembled and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes them a great make-ahead option for busy holiday hosting.
Can I use pre-made cranberry sauce?
Yes, store-bought cranberry sauce works perfectly well in this recipe. You can also use homemade if you prefer a more custom flavor.
How do I know when the brie is melted?
The brie should be gooey and soft when the bites come out of the oven. You’ll see the cheese oozing out of the pastry slightly.
Can I freeze these bites?
Yes, you can freeze the unbaked bites for up to 3 months. To bake, simply place the frozen bites on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 18-22 minutes.
What’s the best way to serve these bites?
Serve the Savory Cranberry Brie Bites warm, straight from the oven. They make a great addition to a holiday cheese board or can be enjoyed on their own as a festive appetizer.
Try These Next
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- Cider Glazed Roast Pork For Holiday Gatherings
- Cheesy Bacon Jalapeno Stuffed Pretzel Bites For Game Day
Savory Cranberry Brie Bites for Festive Holiday Gatherings
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 bites
- Category: 🥨 Appetizers, Snacks & Party Bites
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Savory Cranberry Brie Bites are perfect for holiday gatherings. These delightful appetizers feature creamy brie cheese and tart cranberry sauce, all wrapped in flaky puff pastry. They are easy to make and sure to impress your guests!
Ingredients
– 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed
– 8 oz brie cheese, cut into small pieces
– 1/2 cup cranberry sauce
– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
– Fresh rosemary sprigs (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
1.
2. 1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
3. 2. Roll out the puff pastry on a floured surface and cut it into 2-inch squares.
4. 3. Place a piece of brie cheese and a teaspoon of cranberry sauce in the center of each square.
5. 4. Fold the corners of the pastry over the filling to create a bite-sized parcel.
6. 5. Brush the tops with the beaten egg to give them a golden color.
7. 6. Place the bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
8. 7. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
9. 8. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
10. 9. Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs before serving.
Notes
– These bites can be made ahead of time and frozen. Bake them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
– Feel free to substitute the cranberry sauce with your favorite jam or chutney.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bite
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: brie, cranberry, appetizer, holiday