Matthew
These Cranberry Brie Bites are the perfect start to your Christmas feast.
With a tangy cranberry sauce and creamy brie cheese nestled in a golden puff pastry, your guests will be reaching for seconds before the main course.
Simple to make and bursting with festive flavors, these elegant aperitifs are sure to impress everyone at your holiday table.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Yield: 24 bites
Ingredients:
- 1 package (2 sheets) puff pastry, thawed
- 1 wheel of brie cheese
- 1 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- Fresh rosemary sprigs, for garnish
- 1 egg, beaten
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Unroll the thawed puff pastry sheets and cut each sheet into 12 equal squares.
- Place a small piece of brie cheese in the center of each puff pastry square.
- Top the brie with a spoonful of cranberry sauce.
- Fold the corners of the puff pastry squares towards the center, pinching the edges together to seal.
- Transfer the filled bites to the prepared baking sheets, spacing them evenly apart.
- Brush the top of each bite with the beaten egg to create a golden, glossy finish.
- Bake for 15 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
- Allow the bites to cool slightly before garnishing with fresh rosemary sprigs and serving warm.
Tips and Tricks:
- For a festive touch, use a cookie cutter to create star-shaped puff pastry bites.
- Experiment with different fruit preserves or chutneys in place of the cranberry sauce for a unique flavor twist.
Nutritional Information:
| Calories | Protein | Carbohydrates | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|
| 120 | 3g | 12g | 6g |
Substitution Options:
- For a dairy-free option, use a dairy-free cheese alternative in place of the brie.
- For a vegetarian option, use a cranberry sauce without gelatin.
Wine or Beverage Pairings:
Pair these bites with a crisp white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay, or a sparkling wine like Champagne or Prosecco. Alternatively, a cranberry mocktail or mulled apple cider would complement the flavors beautifully.
