Brie and Cranberry Puff Pastry Bites

These Brie and Cranberry Puff Pastry Bites are baked in a muffin tin to create a beautiful, easy-to-serve appetizer. With flaky puff pastry, creamy brie, and a dollop of sweet-tart cranberry sauce, they’re the perfect festive addition to any gathering!

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Yield

Makes 12 bites

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Ingredients

• 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed (from a 17 oz package)
• 6 oz brie cheese, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• Fresh thyme or rosemary, for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 12-cup square or round muffin tin.

Step 2: Prepare the Puff Pastry

1. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry sheet to smooth any creases.
2. Cut the sheet into 12 equal squares, approximately 3 inches each. These will fit perfectly into the cups of a standard muffin tin.

Step 3: Assemble the Bites

1. Gently press each puff pastry square into the muffin tin cups, letting the corners fold up.
2. Place a cube of brie in the center of each pastry cup.
3. Add about a teaspoon of cranberry sauce on top of the brie.
4. Sprinkle with chopped walnuts or pecans if using.

Step 4: Brush with Egg Wash
Lightly brush the exposed puff pastry edges with the beaten egg for a golden finish.

Step 5: Bake

1. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown and the cheese is melted.
2. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

1. Garnish with fresh thyme or rosemary for a festive touch.
2. Serve warm or at room temperature.

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Nutritional Information (Per Bite)

Calories,110,Carbohydrates (g),10,Fat (g),7,Protein (g),3,Fiber (g),0,Sugar (g),2,Sodium (mg),85

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Let’s Learn About Puff Pastry

Puff pastry is a versatile dough known for its flaky, buttery layers. When rolled out, a standard sheet of puff pastry measures about 10x15 inches (25x38 cm). To make these muffin-tin bites, cut the sheet into 12 squares, each approximately 3x3 inches (7.5x7.5 cm) — the perfect size to fit into a standard muffin cup.

Puff pastry is made through a technique called “lamination,” where layers of butter are folded between sheets of dough. When baked, the butter creates steam, causing the pastry to puff up to eight times its original thickness!

Where to Find It:
Look for puff pastry in the frozen section of your grocery store, near the frozen pie crusts and doughs.

Choose Quality:
For the best flavor and texture, opt for puff pastry made with real butter. Avoid pastries with additives or hydrogenated oils — always check the label!

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Tips for Success

1. Keep the Puff Pastry Cold: Chilled pastry helps achieve maximum flakiness. If it warms up while you’re working, pop it in the fridge for 10 minutes.
2. Brie Rind: You can leave the brie rind on — it softens beautifully when baked.
3. Drain Excess Liquid: If using a very liquid cranberry sauce, drain some off to avoid soggy pastry.
4. Nutty Crunch: Chopped walnuts or pecans add a wonderful texture contrast to the creamy brie.
5. Make Ahead: Assemble the bites, refrigerate for up to 2 hours, and bake just before serving.

These Brie and Cranberry Puff Pastry Bites are flaky, creamy, and festive — a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any holiday party or gathering!