Golden, flaky puff pastry cups filled with molten French brie, jewel-toned cranberry sauce, toasted pecans, and fragrant rosemary make these Cranberry Brie Bites the undisputed star of any autumn or holiday gathering. Ready in just 20 minutes with 5 simple ingredients, they disappear the moment they hit the table.
Balancing buttery richness with bright fruit acidity is the secret to unforgettable party finger food. Just like our popular Creamy Boursin Cheese Pasta and Creamy Chicken Orzo Soup, these bite-sized appetizers deliver restaurant-worthy elegance with minimal prep.
1. Prep the Pastry Squares: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a 24-cup mini muffin tin. Unfold the cold puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface, roll slightly into a 10×12-inch rectangle, and cut into 24 even squares.
2. Press & Add Brie: Gently press each puff pastry square into a mini muffin cup, letting the four corners peek out. Place one cube of cold brie into the center of each pastry cup.
3. Top with Cranberry & Pecans: Spoon 1 teaspoon of whole berry cranberry sauce over the brie, then sprinkle with chopped pecans and a tiny sprig of fresh rosemary.
4. Bake Until Golden & Bubbling: Bake for 13–15 minutes until the puff pastry corners are deeply golden brown and the brie is melted and bubbling. Cool in the pan for 5 minutes before lifting out with a butter knife.
1. Freeze the Brie for 15 Minutes First: Chilled brie slices cleanly into neat cubes without sticking to your knife.
2. Keep the Puff Pastry Cold: Cold butter inside the pastry creates maximum steam in the oven, giving you tall, flaky layers instead of flat cups.
3. Let Them Rest 5 Minutes After Baking: Molten brie sets slightly as it cools for a few minutes, making the bites easy to lift out without losing their shape.
Should I remove the rind from the brie?
No need! The brie rind is completely edible, mild in flavor, and helps keep the melted cheese contained inside the pastry cups.
Can I use phyllo shells instead of puff pastry?
Yes, pre-baked mini phyllo shells reduce the bake time to just 8 minutes at 375°F.
Can I make these ahead of time?
You can assemble the cups in the muffin tin up to 24 hours in advance, cover tightly in the fridge, and pop them into the oven right before guests arrive.
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