Thanksgiving is all about amazing food and cherished company. But let’s be honest, it can also feel a little overwhelming in the kitchen. Finding a starter that looks impressive but is actually simple to make can feel like a huge win. That’s where these delicious Cranberry Brie Bites come in.
They are one of my favorite easy Thanksgiving appetizers because they hit all the right notes. They are warm, cheesy, a little sweet, and wonderfully flaky. Plus, they are bite sized, making them fantastic Thanksgiving appetizers finger foods for guests to enjoy while they mingle. You are going to love them.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons to adore these little bites. First, the combination of flavors is just classic. You get the rich, creamy brie cheese melting into the tart and sweet cranberry sauce. It is a match made in heaven.
Then there is the texture. The puff pastry bakes up to be so light, buttery, and flaky. It is the ideal vessel for the warm, gooey fillings. The chopped pecans add a lovely little crunch on top that brings everything together.
Perhaps the best part is how simple they are. Using store bought puff pastry saves a ton of time and effort. This recipe is really just about assembling a few quality ingredients. It is a wonderful choice if you need some quick friendsgiving appetizers.
They also look so elegant when they are done. The golden brown pastry, the vibrant red cranberry, and the fresh green rosemary garnish make for a beautiful presentation on any holiday platter. No one has to know how little work was involved.
Ingredients
Here is what you will need to gather to make these fantastic thanksgiving appetizers. The list is short and sweet, which is always a bonus during the busy holiday season.
- 2 sheets of frozen puff pastry, thawed overnight in the refrigerator
- 8 ounces Brie cheese
- 1 cup Homemade Cranberry Sauce or whole berry cranberry sauce
- 1 teaspoon flaky sea salt, such as Maldon
- ½ cup finely chopped raw pecans
- 4 springs fresh rosemary, cut into small pieces for garnish
Step By Step Instructions
Ready to get started? Making these easy Thanksgiving appetizers is a breeze. Just follow along with these simple steps. You will have warm, delicious brie bites in no time.
Step 1: Prep Your Oven And Pans
First things first, let’s get the oven ready. Position your oven racks in the upper and lower thirds and preheat it to 375 degrees F. While it warms up, place the whole wheel of Brie in the freezer for about 15 minutes. This makes it so much easier to cut neatly.
Next, grab two 24 cup mini muffin pans. Be sure to coat them very generously with nonstick spray. This is important because the cheese can bubble over and stick. If you only have one pan, you can just bake these in batches.
Step 2: Prepare The Puff Pastry
Take one sheet of your thawed puff pastry and unroll it on a lightly floured surface. Keep the second sheet in the fridge for now. Gently roll the pastry into a 10 by 14 inch rectangle.
Now, cut the sheet into 4 even strips lengthwise. Then, cut it crosswise into 6 even strips. This will give you 24 little squares. Gently press each square into a mini muffin cup. Use a fork to poke the bottom of each pastry cup a couple of times. This helps prevent the bottom from puffing up too much.
Step 3: Assemble The Brie Bites
Take your chilled Brie out of the freezer. Cut the wheel in half and put one half back in the freezer. Dice the other half into 24 small pieces. Place one piece of brie into the center of each puff pastry cup.
Top each piece of brie with about one teaspoon of cranberry sauce. Sprinkle them with half of the flaky sea salt and half of the chopped pecans. Now, repeat this entire process with the second sheet of puff pastry and the remaining ingredients.
Step 4: Bake To Golden Brown
To avoid any messes in your oven, place each muffin pan on a larger rimmed baking sheet. This will catch any drips. Bake the pans for 18 to 20 minutes. You will know they are done when the pastry is puffed up and the corners are a lovely golden brown.
About halfway through the baking time, remember to switch the pans’ positions on the racks. This ensures they both cook evenly. Once baked, let them cool in the pans for just a few minutes.
Step 5: Garnish And Serve
If any of the cheese or cranberry sauce bubbled out, just use a fork to gently nudge it back into the center. No one will ever know! Carefully transfer the bites to your serving platter. I find a fork works well for this.
For the final touch, garnish each little bite with a tiny piece of fresh rosemary. They can be enjoyed hot right out of the oven or at room temperature. They are delicious either way and are truly great holiday appetizers Thanksgiving worthy.
How To Store Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers, storing them is simple. Let the brie bites cool completely to room temperature. Then, place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to three days.
When you are ready to enjoy them again, you can eat them chilled, but they are best when reheated. To get that flaky texture back, warm them in an oven or toaster oven at 350 degrees F for about 5 to 7 minutes. An air fryer also works wonderfully for this.
Tips
Want to make these easy Thanksgiving appetizers even better? Here are a few extra tips. Chilling the brie before cutting is a key step, so please do not skip it. It keeps the cheese firm and makes dicing so much easier.
Feel free to get creative with your toppings. Instead of pecans, you could use chopped walnuts or pistachios. If cranberry sauce isn’t your favorite, try fig jam or apricot preserves instead. Both are delicious with brie.
You can also assemble these bites ahead of time. Simply prepare them up to the point before baking, cover the muffin tins with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you are ready, just pop them into the preheated oven. It is a great way to save time on a busy day of cooking. This makes preparing Thanksgiving appetizers so much less stressful.
Conclusion
These Cranberry Brie Bites are a fantastic addition to any holiday menu. They prove that easy Thanksgiving appetizers can be both elegant and incredibly tasty. They are simple to prepare, look beautiful, and are always a huge hit with guests.
Whether you are hosting a large family dinner or a casual get together with friends, these Thanksgiving appetizers finger foods will surely be a highlight. Give them a try this holiday season and watch them disappear from the platter.
FAQ
Can I Use A Different Kind Of Cheese?
Yes, you certainly can. While brie is a classic choice, camembert would also work wonderfully. It has a similar creamy texture and rich flavor that melts beautifully. You could also try a soft goat cheese for a tangier option.
Can I Make These Ahead Of Time?
Absolutely. This is one of the best things about this recipe. You can assemble the brie bites completely, place them in the muffin tins, cover them tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before you need to bake them. This is a great time saver.
What If I Do Not Have A Mini Muffin Pan?
No problem. You can use a standard 12 cup muffin pan. You will just make larger bites. Cut the puff pastry into larger squares, about 4 inches each. You may need to adjust the baking time slightly, so just keep an eye on them until they are golden brown.
Are These Good For Other Holidays?
Yes, they are wonderful for any festive occasion. These make great holiday appetizers Thanksgiving is just the start. Serve them for Christmas, New Year’s Eve, or any party. Their flavors are a great fit for any celebration during the cooler months.
Cranberry Brie Bites
These delicious Cranberry Brie Bites are easy Thanksgiving appetizers that hit all the right notes: warm, cheesy, sweet, and wonderfully flaky. They are perfect bite-sized finger foods for mingling guests and an elegant addition to any holiday platter.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Position oven racks in upper and lower thirds. Place Brie in the freezer for 15 minutes. Generously coat two 24-cup mini muffin pans with nonstick spray.
- Unroll one thawed puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface; gently roll into a 10×14-inch rectangle. Cut into 4 lengthwise strips, then 6 crosswise strips, yielding 24 squares. Press each square into a mini muffin cup and poke the bottom with a fork.
- Dice half of the chilled Brie into 24 small pieces. Place one piece of Brie into the center of each puff pastry cup. Top with 1 teaspoon cranberry sauce, sprinkle with half of the flaky sea salt and half of the chopped pecans. Repeat with the second puff pastry sheet and remaining ingredients.
- Place each muffin pan on a larger rimmed baking sheet. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until pastry is puffed and golden brown, switching pan positions halfway through.
- Let cool in pans for a few minutes. If cheese or sauce bubbled out, gently nudge back to center with a fork. Transfer to a serving platter and garnish with fresh rosemary. Serve hot or at room temperature.
Notes
Chilling the brie before cutting is a key step, so do not skip it. It keeps the cheese firm and makes dicing easier.
Feel free to get creative with your toppings. Instead of pecans, you could use chopped walnuts or pistachios. If cranberry sauce isn’t your favorite, try fig jam or apricot preserves instead. Both are delicious with brie.
You can assemble these bites ahead of time. Simply prepare them up to the point before baking, cover the muffin tins with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you are ready, just pop them into the preheated oven. It is a great way to save time on a busy day of cooking.
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