Baked Brie & Cranberry (Mini)

Baked brie is inherently elegant and simple, and when combined with cranberry to create tiny nibbles, it makes the ideal appetizer. The cheese is warm and melted, with a hint of sweetness and tang… it has a festive vibe regardless of the season.

Components

Approximately 8 ounces of brie, chopped into bite-sized pieces.
1 sheet of thawed puff pastry
½ cup cranberry sauce, whether homemade or canned whole-berry
1 egg (for egg wash)

Alternative swap: for a more mild bite, use crescent roll dough in place of puff pastry.

Measures

1.To make cleanup simple, preheat your oven to 375°F and cover a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2.About 2 inches each, cut the puff pastry into little pieces. They don’t have to be flawless.

3.Put a piece of brie cube in the middle of each pastry square and top with a little spoonful of cranberry sauce.

4.Fold the corners up and squeeze gently to seal. Even if a little cranberry peeps out, don’t be alarmed; it’s cute.

5.For a golden, bakery-style finish, apply an egg wash with a brush.

6.Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until golden and puffy.

7.Allow the brie to cool for five minutes to allow it to settle and prevent it from leaking all over.

Chef’s Tricks

To make cleaner cubes, keep the brie cold while cutting it.
Carefully seal the pastry, since applying too much pressure might cause the cheese to break out.
These may be reheated well in a 300°F oven for around 5 minutes.

Differences

Brie Bites with Honey and Walnuts: Include a little honey and a few finely chopped walnuts.
Savory Variation: Replace the cranberry with a bit of pesto or caramelized onions.
Holiday Spice: To enhance the cranberry sauce, add a dash of cinnamon or orange zest.