Cranberry Brie Bites are a delightful holiday treat that'll have your taste buds dancing! These little pastries combine the tangy sweetness of cranberries with the creamy richness of baked brie, all wrapped up in a flaky, golden shell. It's a flavor explosion that's been delighting folks for ages – from cozy gatherings to fancy parties. Whip up a batch in no time using simple ingredients like crescent roll dough, brie, and cranberry sauce. Pop them in the oven and enjoy the mouthwatering aroma as they bake to perfection. If you're curious to learn more about the history and cooking process behind these crowd-pleasing bites, keep reading!
Key Takeaways
- Cranberry Brie Bites combine the tangy sweetness of cranberries with the creamy richness of brie cheese, creating a delightful flavor profile.
- The dish is easy to prepare, with minimal cooking time, and can be made ahead for convenient serving at holiday gatherings or dinner parties.
- The buttery, flaky pastry surrounding the brie and cranberry provides a satisfying crunch, enhancing the overall tasting experience.
- Cranberry Brie Bites are versatile and can be paired with a variety of beverages, making them a crowd-pleasing choice for diverse occasions.
- The dish has gained popularity over the years, becoming a family favorite and generating rave reviews from attendees at events.
History
The origins of cranberry brie bites can be traced back to the early 20th century. Back then, resourceful homemakers would combine the tart, juicy cranberries with the creamy, dreamy brie cheese to create a delightful little treat.
These bite-sized morsels quickly became a beloved staple at holiday gatherings and cozy get-togethers. Can you just imagine the scent of warm, flaky pastry wafting through the air? The vibrant red of the cranberries peeking out, begging to be popped into your mouth.
And that first heavenly bite, where the sweet-tart cranberry mingles with the rich, creamy brie? It's no wonder cranberry brie bites have stood the test of time!
Today, this classic combination continues to delight taste buds around the world. Whether you're hosting a fancy party or enjoying a quiet evening at home, these delightful bites are always a crowd-pleasing favorite.
Their history may stretch back decades, but their fresh, festive flavor is truly timeless.
Recipe
Cranberry Brie Bites are a delightful appetizer that combines the tangy sweetness of cranberries with the creamy, indulgent flavor of brie cheese. These bite-sized treats are perfect for holiday gatherings, dinner parties, or any occasion when you want to impress your guests with a simple yet elegant dish.
The combination of the tart cranberries and the rich, creamy brie creates a delightful balance of flavors that will have your guests coming back for more. These Cranberry Brie Bites are easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time, making them the perfect stress-free addition to your menu.
- Refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 8 oz. wheel of brie cheese
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Unroll the crescent roll dough and cut each triangle into thirds, creating 24 small triangles. Press the triangles into the cups of a mini muffin tin, creating small shells. Bake for 8-10 minutes until lightly golden.
While the crescent roll cups are baking, cube the brie cheese and set aside. In a small saucepan, combine the cranberries, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries have burst and the mixture has thickened, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Once the crescent roll cups are baked, place a cube of brie cheese into each cup, followed by a spoonful of the cranberry mixture. Bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the brie is melted and the cranberries are bubbly.
Serve these Cranberry Brie Bites warm, garnished with a sprinkle of chopped fresh thyme or rosemary, if desired. The contrast of the buttery crescent roll, the creamy brie, and the sweet-tart cranberries makes for a truly irresistible appetizer. Enjoy!
Cooking Steps
Unroll that puff pastry and get ready to create some mouthwatering Cranberry Brie Bites!
First, you'll need to cut the brie into bite-sized pieces.
Next, add a dollop of tangy cranberry sauce on top of each piece.
Wrap the pastry around the brie, then pop them in the oven until they're golden brown and irresistible.
Step 1. Unroll Puff Pastry Sheet
With gentle hands, unravel the puff pastry sheet from its packaging. Unfold it carefully, taking care not to tear the delicate dough. Marvel at how it gently unfurls, like a fluffy cloud ready to grace your kitchen counter. Smooth out any creases or wrinkles, using your fingertips to create a nice, even surface.
Isn't it amazing how this simple sheet of dough can transform into such a versatile and impressive ingredient?
Now, take a moment to admire the buttery sheen and flaky texture of the puff pastry. Imagine how delicious it will taste once baked to golden perfection. Before you begin cutting, make sure the surface is lightly floured to prevent sticking.
With a sharp knife or pizza cutter, carefully slice the puff pastry into perfect squares or rectangles, depending on your desired shape for the Cranberry Brie Bites. Work with precision, keeping your cuts clean and even.
These little pastry pieces are the foundation for your delectable appetizers, so treat them with care.
Step 2. Cut Brie Into Pieces
Next, take the block of Brie cheese and use a sharp knife to carefully slice it into small, bite-sized pieces. Place the Brie pieces onto a serving platter, making sure to leave enough space between each piece for easy grabbing. Now, it’s time to prepare the creamy parsnip puree. In a blender, add cooked parsnips, a dash of heavy cream, and a pinch of salt. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy, then transfer to a serving bowl to accompany the Brie cheese. This decadent and indulgent appetizer is sure to be a hit at your next gathering.
You'll want to make sure the slices are nice and thin, about 1/4 inch thick, so they'll be the perfect size for popping into your mouth.
As you cut, you might notice the Brie has a soft, creamy texture that's oh-so-delicious.
Be gentle with the knife to avoid squishing the cheese – you want neat, tidy slices that will look lovely on your serving platter.
Once you've cut the entire block into pieces, you're ready for the next step.
Imagine how amazing these little bites will taste, with the savory Brie and the sweet cranberry topping.
Your friends and family are going to love these tasty Cranberry Brie Bites!
Step 3. Place Cranberry Sauce on Brie
Now that you have the Brie cheese cut into bite-sized pieces, it's time to add the delicious cranberry topping.
Grab a spoonful of your favorite cranberry sauce and gently place it right on top of each piece of Brie. The tart and sweet cranberry flavor pairs perfectly with the creamy, savory Brie.
You can use a whole-berry cranberry sauce for a more textured topping or a smooth, jellied version for a sleeker look. Either way, the cranberry will nestle right into the Brie, creating a mouthwatering combination of tastes and textures.
As you top each piece, you'll start to see the beautiful red hue of the cranberry sauce peeking through. It's a festive and irresistible addition that'll have your guests coming back for more of these tasty Cranberry Brie Bites.
Now that you've added the cranberry, you're one step closer to enjoying this delightful holiday appetizer!
Step 4. Wrap Pastry Around Brie
You'll want to grab a sheet of puff pastry or crescent roll dough to wrap around the Brie pieces. It's so easy to do! Just unroll the dough and cut it into little squares. Place a cube of Brie in the center of each square.
The creamy texture of butter, which is often used in similar pastry recipes, enhances flavor and moisture. Fold the dough over the Brie, pinching and sealing the edges to create a little pastry-wrapped package.
Arrange the wrapped Brie bites on a baking sheet, then pop them in the oven. In no time, the pastry will turn golden brown and flaky, while the Brie inside gets all melty and gooey.
Mmm, can you just imagine that first bite? The savory richness of the Brie combined with the sweet cranberry sauce – it's a match made in heaven!
These Cranberry Brie Bites make the perfect party appetizer or holiday treat. Just be sure to have plenty, because they'll disappear fast!
Step 5. Bake Until Golden Brown
Once the Cranberry Brie Bites are assembled, it's time to bake them to perfection. Preheat your oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C) and get ready for the delicious smells to fill your kitchen.
Carefully place the prepared bites onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, making sure they've a little breathing room between them.
Pop the tray into the oven and let the magic happen. In about 18-20 minutes, your Cranberry Brie Bites will emerge with a gorgeous golden-brown exterior that's simply irresistible.
The pastry will be flaky and crisp, perfectly complementing the melted, gooey brie and the sweet-tart cranberry filling.
Keep a close eye on them, as you don't want the bites to over-brown. Once they reach that perfect shade of golden, remove the tray from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
Get ready for rave reviews from your family and friends!
Final Thoughts
Although the Cranberry Brie Bites may seem like a simple appetizer, they pack a flavorful punch that's sure to impress your guests. The combination of buttery brie, tart cranberries, and flaky phyllo dough creates a delightful balance of textures and flavors that will have your friends and family coming back for more.
The best part? These bites are incredibly easy to make, so you can whip them up in no time for any holiday gathering or special occasion. Just imagine the delighted expressions on your loved ones' faces as they savor the rich, creamy brie and the sweet-tart cranberry goodness with every bite.
Don't be surprised if these Cranberry Brie Bites become a new family favorite! They're the perfect blend of elegance and simplicity, making them a crowd-pleasing appetizer that's sure to elevate any party or celebration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use a Different Type of Cheese?
You can certainly use a different type of cheese in this recipe. Try substituting goat cheese, cheddar, or even a creamy Swiss for a unique flavor twist. Just be sure the cheese complements the other ingredients.
How Long Do the Bites Last After Cooking?
After cooking, the bites should last 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Their freshness may start to decline after that, so you'll want to enjoy them within that timeframe.
Can I Make the Bites Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can make the bites ahead of time. Prepare them up to a day in advance, then simply reheat them before serving. This allows you to get a head start on your party prep.
What's the Best Way to Reheat the Bites?
The best way to reheat the bites is to place them on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes or until heated through. This will ensure the bites retain their texture and flavor.
Can I Freeze the Unbaked Bites for Later?
You can definitely freeze the unbaked bites for later. Just make sure to wrap them tightly and they'll keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you're ready to bake, simply pop them in the oven straight from the freezer.
Rachel is all about nostalgic comfort food with a modern twist. She brings the flavors of classic American diners to Cook if Ya, with her takes on burgers, fries, and milkshakes. Rachel’s love for simple, hearty meals brings a bit of retro flair to the table, reminding us all of the joys of classic diner dishes.
