Pin it
I stumbled on these adorable Brie Bites at my sister's Christmas bash last season and fell head over heels. The crispy, layered pastry wraps around smooth, gooey brie creating something truly magical when you take a bite. They've become what everyone knows me for at parties. All my buddies constantly ask for them whenever we get together and I just love seeing them smile when they taste that first warm, gooey mouthful.
These Tasty Bites Will Transform Your Party Plans
What I adore most about these treats is how they're so easy but look fancy. I can get them ready while my little ones are away at school and stick them in the oven right as guests knock on the door. My whole house fills up with the yummy smell of buttery dough and melting cheese making everyone start to feel hungry. And I can switch the toppings based on whatever's in my cupboard so they work for any event.
Stuff You'll Need From Your Pantry
- Frozen Puff Pastry: Grab it at the grocery store but don't forget to let it thaw in your refrigerator the night before.
- Wheel of Brie: Look for something creamy and keeping the outer part is completely your call.
- Cranberry Sauce: I make mine from scratch but the kind from the store works just fine too.
- Pecans: Break them up roughly for that nice bit of crunch in every bite.
- Sea Salt: Just a small sprinkle pulls all those tasty flavors together.
- Rosemary: Fresh bits from my backyard add such a nice touch.
Creating These Wonderful Bites
In all my years throwing parties nothing beats how easy these bites are to make. Let me show you my tried and true way that always works in my kitchen. The secret is to keep everything chilled until you're ready to cook so your dough turns out perfectly flaky.
- Start With Cold Pastry
- I always let my puff pastry thaw overnight in the fridge then slice it into 48 small squares. I give my mini muffin tray a quick spray and tuck each square right inside.
- Add The Yummy Filling
- Slice your brie into tiny chunks and drop one in each cup. Add a bit of cranberry sauce on top sprinkle with salt and scatter some pecans around.
- Bake Until Golden
- My oven works great at 375°F. These little guys need about 18 minutes till they puff up and turn golden brown.
- Finish With Style
- Let them cool for a minute then add fresh rosemary. I like to serve them when they're still nice and warm.
Pin it
Customize Them Your Way
Sometimes when I'm feeling bold I swap the cranberry for my trusty raspberry jam. My hubby can't get enough when I use fig spread and my kiddos go wild for a drizzle of honey. I tried them with pesto and pine nuts when my reading group came over last week. You can really try anything you want in your kitchen.
Prep Ahead Save Yourself Stress
Want to know my trick for calm entertaining? I get these ready the evening before and store them in the fridge. I often make twice as many freeze them after cooking and heat them up when friends stop by unexpectedly. They taste just as incredible and nobody can tell they've been waiting in my freezer for a month.
Time To Dish Up
I really enjoy offering these bites when they're freshly out of my oven. They go perfectly with some champagne or my special holiday drink mix. When I host morning gatherings I'll put them next to my cheese platter and watch them vanish. There's something about warm melty brie that just pulls folks together around my kitchen counter.
Tips From My Years Of Cooking
The real trick with these treats is keeping your dough cold right up until you cook them. I found this out after trying them tons of times in my kitchen. Shred the brie while it's still cold it works so much better. When I don't forget I cut fresh rosemary from my backyard just before I serve them. It smells amazing.
The Reason They're Always A Hit
After cooking and sharing food ideas on my website for years these brie treats remain the crowd favorite. They look fancy enough for my upscale gatherings but they're easy enough for casual weekend get-togethers. When buttery dough meets creamy cheese it creates something truly wonderful in your mouth.
Try Different Flavors
My kitchen has turned into an experiment zone for new brie bite ideas. Just days ago I made them with my homemade fig spread and they turned out amazing. Sometimes I add a little honey or use some pesto when I want something less sweet. You can really try whatever pops into your head.
Store Them Properly
If you happen to have extras put them in a sealed container in your fridge. They'll stay good for around 3 days. I warm them back up at 350°F just until the cheese gets gooey again. During crazy weeks I make lots and freeze them. They go directly from freezer to oven whenever I need a quick snack.
Common Questions Answered
My fans always ask if they can prepare these ahead and yes you absolutely can. Put everything together cover your muffin pan and keep it cold until party time. Want to play with different toppings? Go for it. I love putting out various jams and spreads so my guests can sample different flavors.
Pin it
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Is it possible to prep these early?
- Absolutely. Assemble them unbaked and keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days, or bake and freeze them for up to 2 months. Warm frozen ones in the oven at 350°F before serving.
- → Why chill the brie beforehand?
- A quick freeze firms it up, which makes cutting it into tidy pieces way easier without the cheese sticking everywhere.
- → What's a good swap for cranberry sauce?
- Use your favorite jam or preserves instead. Raspberry, fig, or apricot flavors all work wonderfully.
- → Why does the filling sometimes spill out?
- Both the cheese and cranberry can bubble as they bake. If this happens, just scoop the overflow back in with a fork while they're still warm.
- → Can they be served cold?
- For sure. They're delicious warm or at room temperature, making them ideal for gatherings.