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Easy Cranberry Brie Bites: The Perfect 30-Minute Appetizer

cranberry brie bites - featured image

These easy cranberry brie bites with puff pastry are the perfect 30-minute appetizer. Flaky pastry, melty brie, and bright cranberry sauce come together for a crowd-pleasing treat that feels fancy but is incredibly simple to make.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 sheet frozen puff pastry (about 9x9 inches), thawed
  • 4 ounces brie cheese, cold
  • 1/3 cup whole berry cranberry sauce
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • Fresh rosemary or thyme, for garnish (optional)
  • Flaky sea salt, for finishing

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.
  2. Thaw your puff pastry properly. Take the sheet out of the freezer and let it sit in the fridge overnight, or on the counter for about 30-40 minutes. You want it cold but pliable.
  3. Unfold the pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. If there are any cracks or creases, gently press them back together with your fingertips.
  4. Cut the pastry into 16 equal squares. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, trim the edges to make a neat rectangle first, then cut into 4 rows by 4 rows. Each square should be about 2 inches across.
  5. Place the squares on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
  6. Prepare the brie. Cut the cold brie into 16 small cubes, about 1/2 inch each. Keep the rind on.
  7. Place one brie cube in the center of each pastry square.
  8. Top each brie cube with about 1 teaspoon of cranberry sauce.
  9. Fold the corners of each pastry square up and over the filling. Gently pinch the corners together at the top, leaving the center slightly open.
  10. Make the egg wash. In a small bowl, whisk the egg with 1 tablespoon of water until smooth and frothy. Brush the tops and exposed edges of each pastry with the egg wash.
  11. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed up and deep golden brown. Rotate the pan halfway through for even browning.
  12. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. After 5 minutes, transfer them to a serving platter.
  13. Finish with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt and a tiny sprig of fresh rosemary or thyme.

Notes

Keep everything cold for flaky pastry. Don’t skip the egg wash for golden color. Watch the bottoms to prevent burning. Use cold brie for clean cuts. Make a double batch as they disappear fast. Can be assembled up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerated. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes.

Nutrition

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