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Golden puff pastry cups filled with melted brie and topped with cranberry sauce and rosemary, ready to enjoy as Cranberry brie bites.
Layla

Festive Cranberry Brie Bites

Elegant and incredibly easy, these festive bites feature creamy melted brie and tangy cranberry sauce baked in flaky puff pastry cups. The perfect Christmas appetizer for any holiday gathering.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 24 bites
Course: Appetizer, Holiday
Cuisine: American, French
Calories: 95
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Bites
  • 1 sheet puff pastry (about 9.5 oz) thawed according to package directions
  • 8 oz wheel of brie cheese chilled
  • 1/2 cup whole berry cranberry sauce
  • 1/4 cup pecans finely chopped
For the Egg Wash & Garnish
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tbsp water
  • 2 sprigs fresh rosemary for garnish (optional)

Equipment

  • Mini Muffin Tin (24-cup)
  • Rolling Pin
  • Pastry brush
  • Air Fryer

Method
 

Prepare the Components
  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 24-cup mini muffin tin.
  2. To make the brie easier to cut, place the wheel in the freezer for 10-15 minutes. Once firm, remove the rind (optional, but recommended for best texture) and cut the brie into 24 small, 1/2-inch cubes.
  3. On a lightly floured surface, gently unfold the thawed puff pastry sheet. Use a rolling pin to smooth any creases. Cut the pastry into 24 equal squares using a pizza cutter or sharp knife (a 4 by 6 grid).
Assemble the Bites
  1. Gently press each pastry square into a cup of the prepared mini muffin tin. The corners should point up, creating a small cup.
  2. Place one cube of brie into each puff pastry cup.
  3. Top each piece of brie with about ½ teaspoon of whole berry cranberry sauce.
Bake and Garnish
  1. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water to create an egg wash. Lightly brush the exposed edges of the puff pastry with the mixture. This will give them a beautiful golden shine.
  2. Sprinkle the chopped pecans over the top of each bite.
  3. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and puffed, and the brie is melted and bubbly.
  4. Let the bites cool in the tin for 5 minutes before carefully removing them to a serving platter. Garnish with tiny sprigs of fresh rosemary just before serving for a festive aroma and look.

Notes

Make-Ahead Tip: You can assemble the bites in the muffin tin (before adding the egg wash and pecans) up to 4 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate. When ready to bake, apply the egg wash and pecans, then bake as directed, adding 1-2 minutes to the cook time.
Storage: These are best enjoyed warm. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in an oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes to restore crispness.
Air Fryer Instructions: Assemble as directed. Place bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket (use silicone muffin liners if needed). Cook at 350°F (175°C) for 6-8 minutes, until golden and bubbly. Cook in batches to avoid overcrowding.