Ingredients
Homemade Cranberry Sauce
- 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup fresh orange juice
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- ⅓ cup water
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
Cranberry Brie Bites
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 1 small wheel brie cheese (about 8 oz), cut into small cubes
- 1 cup homemade cranberry sauce
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)
- 4 tablespoons chopped walnuts
- Fresh rosemary sprigs to garnish
Instructions
- Make the Cranberry Sauce: In a medium skillet, combine cranberries, sugar, orange juice, orange zest, water, cinnamon, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cranberries burst and sauce thickens. Let it cool completely, then stir in the vanilla extract. Set aside.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a muffin pan and set it aside.
- Prepare Puff Pastry Cups: Roll out the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and cut into 24 even squares. Press each square gently into the wells of the greased muffin pan to form cups.
- Assemble the Bites: Place a cube of brie into each puff pastry cup. Top each with about 1-2 teaspoons of the prepared cranberry sauce. Sprinkle chopped walnuts on top, then gently fold the corners of the pastry squares inward around the filling.
- Apply Egg Wash: Whisk the egg and water together to make an egg wash. Brush the edges of each pastry cup with the egg wash to ensure a golden finish upon baking.
- Bake: Bake the assembled bites for 15-18 minutes or until the puff pastry is puffed up and golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs, and serve warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Ensure the puff pastry is properly thawed before rolling to avoid cracking.
- You can prepare the cranberry sauce ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to use.
- For a nut-free version, omit the chopped walnuts or substitute with toasted seeds.
- Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to cut the puff pastry evenly into squares.
- Serve immediately after baking to enjoy the crispy texture and warm cheese.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American