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Cranberry Brie Bites – Christmas Eve Appetizers

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 24 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed (or 1 tube refrigerated crescent roll dough)
  • 8 ounces brie cheese (rind on is fine), cut into small 1/2-inch cubes
  • 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought; whole berry preferred for texture)
  • 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (optional, for extra sweetness)
  • 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional, for crunch)
  • 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary or thyme, finely chopped (optional, for aroma)
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted (optional, for brushing)
  • Pinch of flaky sea salt or kosher salt
  • Nonstick spray or a little oil for greasing the muffin pan

Method
 

  1. Prep the pan: Heat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a mini muffin pan with nonstick spray or a thin film of oil.
  2. Cut the dough: On a lightly floured surface, unfold the puff pastry. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to cut it into 24 small squares. If using crescent dough, pinch seams together and cut into 24 squares.
  3. Press into cups: Gently press each square into the mini muffin wells, letting the corners rise up to form little cups. Don’t worry about perfection.
  4. Cube the brie: Cut the brie into small cubes, roughly 1/2 inch. The rind can stay on; it softens and adds flavor.
  5. Fill the cups: Place a cube of brie in each pastry cup. Top with about 1 teaspoon cranberry sauce. If using, add a few chopped nuts and a tiny pinch of herbs.
  6. Add a sweet touch: If you like, drizzle a little honey or maple syrup over the top of each cup. A light drizzle goes a long way.
  7. Bake: Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden and the brie is melted and bubbling slightly. Rotate the pan halfway through for even browning.
  8. Finish: Brush the pastry edges with melted butter if you want extra sheen and richness. Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt over the tops.
  9. Cool briefly: Let the bites cool in the pan for 5 minutes to set, then use a small spoon to lift them out to a serving platter.
  10. Serve warm: These taste best warm, but they’re still delicious at room temperature.