These Baked Cranberry Brie Bites are small, tasty treats that everyone loves! Flaky pastry wraps around creamy brie cheese and sweet cranberry sauce for a perfect bite.
They’re super easy to make, and they disappear fast at parties! I like to serve them warm, so the cheese is all gooey—yummy! Who can resist that? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Puff Pastry: This is the star that gives your bites that flaky texture. If you’re in a pinch, you can use phyllo dough or even pre-made pastry shells. Just keep in mind, the texture may be slightly different!
Brie Cheese: Brie adds creaminess that melts so nicely. If you can’t find brie, camembert or a soft goat cheese are great alternatives, keeping the creamy factor intact!
Cranberry Sauce: Homemade sauce is fantastic, but store-bought works too when time is tight. Use any sweet jam like raspberry or apricot if you want to mix it up!
Onion: Caramelized onions give a rich flavor. Shallots can be a nice substitute as they’re milder and sweeter. For a quicker option, just sauté finely chopped garlic.
How Do You Perfectly Caramelize Onions?
Caramelizing onions is essential for depth of taste. This process draws out their natural sweetness. Here’s how to do it right:
- Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add finely chopped onions, stirring often for about 8-10 minutes.
- For additional flavor, sprinkle on the brown sugar to help with caramelization.
- Watch them carefully; if they start to burn, lower the heat!
Patience is key to getting those beautiful golden brown onions that really elevate your bites!
Baked Cranberry Brie Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bites:
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 8 oz brie cheese, rind removed and cut into small cubes
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- Fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish (optional)
- Flour, for dusting surface
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious appetizer takes about 30 minutes to prepare and bake. You’ll spend around 10 minutes chopping and assembling the ingredients, and then bake for another 15-18 minutes. In no time, you’ll have these tasty treats ready to impress your guests!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly greasing a mini muffin tin. This will ensure your bites don’t stick!
2. Prepare the Puff Pastry:
On a clean, lightly floured surface, unfold the thawed puff pastry sheet. Gently roll it out to smooth out any creases. Cut the pastry into 24 squares, making sure they’re big enough to fit into each muffin cup.
3. Shape the Cups:
Press each square of pastry into the muffin tin, gently molding it to form small cups ready for filling. Don’t worry if they aren’t perfect; they’ll puff up beautifully in the oven!
4. Cook the Onions:
In a small skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the finely chopped onions and sauté, stirring occasionally, until they soften and turn golden, about 8-10 minutes. Mix in the brown sugar and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until nicely glazed. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
5. Fill the Cups:
Now it’s time to add the goodies! Place a small cube of brie cheese in each puff pastry cup. Next, spoon on a teaspoon of your caramelized onions over each brie piece.
6. Add Cranberry Sauce:
Top each filled cup with a small spoonful of cranberry sauce. This will give you that sweet and tangy flavor!
7. Bake:
Pop the muffin tin into your preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and the brie is melty and bubbly. Keep an eye on them as baking times can vary!
8. Cool and Garnish:
Once they’re out of the oven, let the bites cool for a few minutes in the pan. If you like, garnish with a small sprig of fresh rosemary for a touch of color and flavor.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve them warm and prepare for compliments! These bites are perfect for holiday parties or any cozy gathering—it’s hard to eat just one!
Enjoy the melty, sweet, and savory flavors of these delightful Baked Cranberry Brie Bites!
Can I Use Different Cheeses?
Absolutely! While brie is traditional for its creamy texture, you can substitute it with camembert, goat cheese, or even a sharp cheddar if you prefer a bolder flavor. Just keep in mind that the melting qualities may vary.
Can I Prepare These Bites in Advance?
Yes, you can! Assemble the bites up to a day ahead, cover them, and store them in the fridge. Just pop them in the oven directly from the fridge, and you may need to add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
How Do I Store Leftover Baked Bites?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes for best results. This will help maintain the crispy pastry!
What Can I Serve These With?
Baked Cranberry Brie Bites make a fantastic appetizer on their own or pair nicely with a fresh salad, charcuterie board, or a selection of other dips. They’re versatile enough to fit in at any gathering!
