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Easy Lighter Cranberry Brie Bites with Puff Pastry

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These lighter cranberry brie bites with puff pastry are quick, easy, and perfect for entertaining. The tartness of fresh cranberries balanced with creamy brie and flaky puff pastry creates a crowd-pleasing appetizer that even cranberry skeptics love.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries (about 4 ounces)
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon orange juice
  • 1 teaspoon orange zest
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of sea salt
  • 1 sheet puff pastry (about 8–9 ounces), thawed
  • 4 ounces brie cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • Fresh rosemary or thyme (optional, for garnish)
  • Flaky sea salt (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Make the cranberry compote: In a small saucepan, combine cranberries, maple syrup, orange juice, orange zest, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until cranberries start to pop and break down, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.
  2. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  3. On a lightly floured surface, gently roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet to about 1/8 inch thick. Cut into 24 small squares, roughly 2 inches each.
  4. Press each pastry square into the cups of a mini muffin tin, forming little pastry cups.
  5. Slice the brie wheel into 24 small pieces, about 1/2 inch each.
  6. Place one piece of brie into each pastry cup. Top with about 1/2 teaspoon of cranberry compote.
  7. In a small bowl, whisk the egg with 1 tablespoon of water. Lightly brush the edges of each pastry cup with the egg wash.
  8. Place the muffin tin on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until pastry is puffed and golden brown and brie is melted and bubbly.
  9. Let the bites cool in the pan for 3 to 5 minutes before removing.
  10. Transfer to a serving platter. Garnish with fresh herbs and flaky sea salt if desired.

Notes

Keep puff pastry cold for best flakiness. Do not overfill cups. Compote can be made up to 3 days ahead. For gluten-free, use gluten-free puff pastry. For dairy-free, use plant-based brie alternative. Bites are best served warm within 30 minutes. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes. Unbaked assembled bites can be frozen for up to 1 month.

Nutrition

Keywords: cranberry brie bites, puff pastry appetizer, holiday appetizer, easy appetizer, lighter appetizer, cranberry recipe

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