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Crispy Cranberry Orange Brie Bites

crispy cranberry orange brie bites - featured image

Quick and easy bite-sized appetizers featuring creamy brie, tangy cranberry sauce, and fresh orange zest wrapped in crispy puff pastry. Perfect for entertaining and holiday parties.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces Brie cheese, rind removed and cut into small cubes
  • ½ cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
  • Zest of one medium orange
  • 1 package puff pastry sheets (typically two sheets), thawed
  • 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, finely chopped (optional)
  • Pinch of ground black pepper
  • Optional: chopped pecans or walnuts for topping

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine cranberry sauce, orange zest, chopped thyme (if using), and black pepper. Stir gently until combined.
  3. Remove the rind from the brie and cut into roughly ½-inch cubes.
  4. Roll out the thawed puff pastry sheets on a floured surface to smooth creases. Cut each sheet into 12 equal squares (about 3 inches).
  5. Place a brie cube in the center of each puff pastry square. Spoon about a teaspoon of the cranberry-orange mixture on top. Sprinkle nuts if desired.
  6. Fold the corners of each square up to the center and pinch to seal, forming a pouch. Chill briefly if pastry becomes too warm.
  7. Brush each bite with beaten egg using a pastry brush for a golden finish.
  8. Arrange bites about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 15-18 minutes until puffed and golden brown, watching closely after 12 minutes.
  9. Let the bites cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Do not overfill the bites to prevent soggy pastry or leaks. Keep puff pastry cold until assembly for best puffing. Use fresh orange zest for optimal flavor. If edges brown too fast, tent with foil halfway through baking. Egg wash is essential for a glossy, golden crust. Leftovers can be refrigerated up to 2 days and reheated in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes; avoid microwaving to keep pastry crisp.

Nutrition

Keywords: brie bites, cranberry orange appetizer, puff pastry appetizer, holiday appetizer, easy entertaining recipe, crispy brie bites