Cranberry Brie Bites

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Cranberry Brie Bites are an impressive appetizer with vibrant colors and the perfect combination of sweet and savory. The ingredients are easy to keep on hand during the holiday season so you can prepare these in a snap.

Close up shot of a cranberry brie appetizer — Look at that flaky crust! These are the perfect-sized portions to pop in your mouth.

Ingredients to have on hand

frozen puff pastry
7 ounce wedge of brie cheese
whole berry cranberry sauce
shallot
fresh basil and thyme

Brie and pastry dough in a mini muffin pan — Brie cheese is distinctive and creamy. But it's the white rind from the cheese that adds the subtle and distinctive flavor to this appetizer.

Top Tips and FAQ

Should I cut the rind off the brie cheese before baking?

That's an option, but personally I think the rind adds flavor and even a little texture to these bites.

The rind on brie is totally edible and after baking the flavor of the rind is even more subtle than when we enjoy brie cold from the refrigerator.

Can I use dried basil instead of fresh basil?

Yes, in a pinch. But the fresh basil adds a bright burst of color and fresh flavor to the baked cranberry brie bites. If at all possible use fresh basil. As a substitute, use 1 teaspoon of dried basil.

Soften the Shallots

Diced shallots cooking in olive oil in a pan. — Shallots provide a dose of delicious savory flavor which blends beautifully with the cranberry sauce and the sweetness from the basil.

Cook the shallots until they are soft and starting to caramelize. By the time they've simmered with the cranberry sauce in the pan, they'll cook down to create the most delicious savory flavor in each and every cranberry brie bite.

One leaf of basil in cranberry sauce. — One little leaf of basil is all you need, just let it simmer in the cranberry sauce until it nearly dissolves.

Simmer the Cranberry Sauce

Simmering the sauce on the stove is an important step to creating a thick cranberry sauce that's bursting with flavor. As the moisture from the cranberries lifts away, the flavor brightens and intensifies.

Cranberry brie bites with basil on top, spread out on a dish — While the flavor for Cranberry Brie Bites is what you'll love most, the bright color of the appetizer will also impress your guests.

Not Just for the Holidays

We often think of cranberries as something to serve during the holidays, but this appetizer is delicious any time of year.

Cranberry Brie Bites are a treat that spans the seasons and is a perfect starter before serving roast, chicken, ribs, just about anything.

More Holiday Favorites

Looking for more ideas? Here are some of my favorite holiday recipes: Pork Wonton Stars, Fancy Rice Krispie Treats, and Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese are all big hits at any size holiday gathering.

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