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Easy Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Bites: Best 20-Minute Appetizer

cranberry brie puff pastry bites - featured image

These easy cranberry brie puff pastry bites are the perfect 20-minute appetizer, combining flaky pastry, creamy brie, and tart cranberry sauce for a crowd-pleasing treat that’s simple enough for a lazy Sunday but impressive enough for holiday parties.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
  • 4 oz brie cheese
  • 1/3 cup cranberry sauce
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • Fresh thyme or rosemary (optional)
  • Flaky sea salt (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.
  2. Thaw the puff pastry according to package directions. Usually this means leaving it at room temperature for about 30-40 minutes. You want it cold but pliable.
  3. On a lightly floured surface, gently unfold the puff pastry sheet. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut it into 9 equal squares (about 3 inches each).
  4. Place the pastry squares on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
  5. Cut the brie into small cubes, about 1/2 inch each. Leave the rind on.
  6. Spoon about 1 teaspoon of cranberry sauce into the center of each pastry square. Spread it slightly but leave a small border around the edges.
  7. Place one cube of brie on top of the cranberry sauce on each square. Press it down gently.
  8. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water to make the egg wash. Using a pastry brush, lightly brush the edges of each pastry square.
  9. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown. The brie should be soft and slightly melted.
  10. Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 2-3 minutes.
  11. Sprinkle with fresh thyme leaves and a pinch of flaky sea salt before serving.

Notes

Keep the pastry cold for best flakiness. Do not overfill the squares. Let the bites cool for 2-3 minutes before serving to avoid burning your mouth. For best texture, assemble and bake fresh. If prepping ahead, cut pastry and brie separately and assemble just before baking.

Nutrition

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