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    Home » Appetizers

    Jul 18, 2020 · Modified: Jan 3, 2022 by Melinda O'Malley Keckler · This post may contain affiliate links · this blog generates income via ads.

    Cranberry Brie Bites

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    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.

    Close up shot of a cranberry brie appetizer
    Look at that flaky crust! This are the perfect size portions to just pop in your mouth.

    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.

    Keep Me Updated

    Be sure to give a star rating to the recipes you make from the Crinkled Cookbook. I always love hearing from you. Sharing is great too! Use the buttons after the recipe to text it with just one click or send it to family and friends on Pinterest and Facebook. Enjoy.

    Close up shot of a cranberry brie appetizer

    Cranberry Brie Bites

    An impressive appetizer with vibrant colors and the perfect combination of sweet and savory flavors. The ingredients are easy to keep on hand during the holiday season so you can prepare these in a snap.
    5 from 90 votes
    Print Rate Pin Recipe
    Prep Time: 20 minutes
    Cook Time: 15 minutes
    Defrosting Time for Puff Pastry: 40 minutes
    Servings: 12 as an appetizer
    Calories: 342kcal
    Author: Melinda O'Malley Keckler

    Ingredients 

    • 1 17.3 ounce package frozen puff pastry sheets
    • 1, 7 ounce wedge of brie cheese
    • 1, 14 ounce can whole berry cranberry sauce
    • 1 whole shallot peeled and diced fine, about ¼ cup
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • 1 small package fresh basil
    • 1 sprig of fresh thyme for garnish

    Instructions

    • Preheat oven to 400°
    • Remove one puff pastry from the box (save the other one for the next time you make this) and defrost the pastry, it takes about 40 minutes. While pastry is warming up, toss diced shallots in olive oil in a small saucepan and cook until softened. Add the can of whole berry cranberry sauce and one whole leaf of basil to the shallots and stir until thickened. Salt and pepper as desired. Continue simmering on medium heat and stir occasionally until the cranberry sauce thickens and the basil leaf has softened. (If the basil doesn't melt into the sauce while simmering then just remove whatever remains of the leaf before the next step.) Slice the remaining basil from the package and set aside.
    • Once pastry is thawed, cut dough into 2 inch squares and press one square into each mini muffin cup - you'll have just enough dough for a standard 24 cup baking pan.
    • Dice small wedges of brie and place cheese into each pastry-lined muffin cup.
    • Place in the oven and bake for about 12 minutes. Remove from the oven and dollop a teaspoon of the cranberry sauce on each puffed pastry and top with a slice of fresh basil.
    • Serve with a sprig of thyme on the side and enjoy the accolades!
    Did you make this recipe? Scroll up and leave a star rating.Tap @crinkledcookbook and follow me today.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 342kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 7gFat: 21gSaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 17mgSodium: 216mgPotassium: 66mgFiber: 1gSugar: 13gVitamin A: 112IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 36mgIron: 1mg

    Please note, the nutrition details are estimated using a food database and are offered here only as a guideline for informational purposes.

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    • 15 Appetizers for Cold Weather Entertaining
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    1. Luca says

      September 16, 2021 at 12:30 pm

      The brie and cranberry really work great together!

      Reply
    2. Amanda Scarlati says

      September 16, 2021 at 8:19 am

      5 stars
      These are the perfect simple appetizer! Saving for the upcoming holidays!

      Reply
    3. Priya Maha says

      September 16, 2021 at 7:35 am

      5 stars
      Made these for a family get-together and they were a huge hit! Thank you for the wonderful recipe

      Reply
    4. Alexandra says

      September 16, 2021 at 7:13 am

      5 stars
      These are so perfect for entertaining and absolutely delicious.

      Reply
    5. Kayla DiMaggio says

      September 16, 2021 at 6:32 am

      5 stars
      These cranberry brie bites are the perfect appetizer! So delicious and easy and a total hit!

      Reply
    6. Jeri says

      September 15, 2021 at 8:50 pm

      5 stars
      I am saving this recipe for Christmas! It looks absolutely amazing! Thanks for sharing the recipe!

      Reply
    7. Addie says

      September 15, 2021 at 8:22 pm

      5 stars
      The perfect little bite!

      Reply
    8. Megan Ellam says

      September 15, 2021 at 5:54 pm

      5 stars
      This is one of my favourite bites for a dinner party and especially around Christmas. Deliciously simple and popular!

      Reply

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    Hello friends! Welcome. I'm Melinda. I'm a home cook and I've been creating recipes for more than 30 years. I'm excited to share recipes and techniques to help you enjoy cooking too. I'm a former TV journalist and a two-time breast cancer survivor. Stick around and click around and let's make great meals at home!

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