Cranberry Brie Bites: A Festive & Flavorful Start

  

Looking for the perfect appetizer to wow your guests? These Cranberry Brie Bites are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! The combination of creamy brie, sweet-tart cranberries, and flaky puff pastry is simply irresistible. They're easy to make and look absolutely beautiful on a serving platter – perfect for holiday gatherings or any special occasion.

Why You'll Love These Bites:

• Flavor Explosion: The tangy cranberries perfectly complement the rich, buttery brie.
• Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients, these come together in no time.
• Elegant Presentation: They look as good as they taste, adding a touch of sophistication to your appetizer spread.
• Versatile: Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any fall/winter get-together.

Ingredients:

• 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
• 4 oz brie cheese, cut into small cubes
• 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• Optional: chopped pecans or walnuts for garnish
• Optional: egg wash (1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water)

Instructions:

1.      Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a mini muffin tin with parchment paper liners or lightly grease the cups.

2.     Unfold the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Using a 2-inch round cookie cutter, cut out circles of pastry.

3.    Gently press each pastry circle into the cups of the mini muffin tin.

4.    Place a cube of brie cheese in the center of each pastry cup.

5.    Top the brie with a spoonful of cranberry sauce.

6.     If desired, brush the edges of the pastry with egg wash and sprinkle with chopped nuts.

7.     Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed and the brie is melted and slightly gooey.

8.    Let the bites cool slightly in the muffin tin before carefully transferring them to a serving platter.

Tips & Variations:

• Homemade Cranberry Sauce: For an extra touch, use your favorite homemade cranberry sauce recipe.
• Different Cheeses: Experiment with other soft cheeses like Camembert or a goat cheese log.
• Sweetness Boost: Drizzle a little honey or maple syrup over the bites before baking.
• Herby Twist: Add a sprinkle of fresh thyme or rosemary for a savory note.

These Cranberry Brie Bites are sure to disappear quickly at your next gathering. Enjoy!