sauce and chopped candied pecans Print Recipe
When it comes to unforgettable party appetizers, these baked cranberry brie bites topped with sauce and chopped candied pecans
Print bring a burst of holiday spirit to your table. Imagine flaky, golden puff pastry wrapped around creamy, melted brie, crowned with a vibrant swirl of tart-sweet cranberry sauce and the satisfying crunch of candied pecans—the perfect balance of textures and flavors. This dish never fails to impress guests and fills the room with festive joy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients may be simple, but each one plays a vital role in achieving the perfect harmony of taste, texture, and color that makes this appetizer so special.
- Puff pastry sheet: The golden, flaky base that cradles all the delicious fillings with a buttery crunch.
- Brie cheese (8 oz): Creamy and mild, it melts beautifully inside the pastry for a luscious bite.
- Cranberry sauce (1/2 cup): Adds a sweet-tart pop that brightens every mouthful.
- Candied pecans, chopped (1/4 cup): Provides a delightful crunch and a touch of sweetness that complements the brie and cranberries perfectly.
- Fresh rosemary sprigs (optional): Adds an aromatic herbal note and a festive look to elevate the presentation.
How to Make sauce and chopped candied pecans
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Step 1: Preparing your workspace
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C), ensuring it’s nice and hot for a perfectly puffed pastry. Grease a 24-cup mini muffin tin—this is crucial to prevent sticking—and lightly flour your surface to make rolling out the pastry smooth and easy.
Step 2: Cutting and shaping the puff pastry
Unfold your cold puff pastry carefully to avoid tearing. Roll it out gently and cut into 24 even squares, just the right size to fit snugly into each mini muffin cup. Press each square into the tin, making sure the edges are pressed well, then prick the bottoms with a fork to prevent excessive puffing.
Step 3: Assembling the bites
Cut the brie into small cubes, ideally chilled so they handle easily without sticking to your fingers. Place one cube of brie into each pastry cup, then add a spoonful of cranberry sauce on top. Scatter the chopped candied pecans generously over the cranberry sauce, and if you’re feeling fancy, tuck a small rosemary sprig into each for a lovely festive garnish.
Step 4: Baking to golden perfection
Pop the muffin tin in the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. You’re looking for the puff pastry to rise beautifully and turn a rich golden brown, signaling that the brie inside is melted and luscious. Once baked, let the bites cool for a few minutes before carefully lifting them out with a knife to serve warm.
How to Serve sauce and chopped candied pecans
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Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh rosemary not only brightens the look but adds a piney aroma that pairs perfectly with the sweet and savory flavors. For extra sparkle, a light dusting of powdered sugar can mimic a winter snow effect and add a subtle sweetness to the pecans.
Side Dishes
These bites are a showstopper on their own, but if you want to create a fuller holiday spread, serve alongside a crisp green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette to balance richness. Charcuterie boards with assorted meats, olives, and crackers are also a great complement.
Creative Ways to Present
For a memorable presentation, arrange the bites on a wooden board lined with fresh rosemary sprigs or pine leaves. You can also serve them warm in mini decorative bowls, letting guests pluck their favorites while sipping mulled wine or sparkling cider.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (which is rare!), place them in an airtight container and refrigerate. They’ll keep for up to 2 days without significant loss of flavor or texture, though you’ll want to reheat them gently.
Freezing
These bites freeze beautifully before baking. Assemble them as instructed, place the muffin tin in the freezer until solid, then transfer the pastry cups to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator and bake as usual. This is a real time-saver for busy holiday days.
Reheating
To bring these bites back to life after refrigeration or freezing, warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until heated through and the pastry regains its crispness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the pastry soggy.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought candied pecans?
Absolutely! Store-bought candied pecans work perfectly and save prep time. Just chop them finely to spread that signature crunch evenly over the cranberry sauce.
Is it necessary to use fresh rosemary?
Fresh rosemary adds a wonderful aroma and looks festive, but if you don’t have it, you can skip it or sprinkle a tiny pinch of dried rosemary for flavor, though fresh is preferable.
Can I swap cranberry sauce for a different topping?
Sure! Fig jam or apricot preserves are delicious alternatives that maintain the sweet and tangy profile and pair beautifully with brie and pecans.
How far in advance can I prepare these bites?
You can assemble the bites and keep them refrigerated for up to a day before baking. Just make sure to bake them fresh for the best puff and crispness.
Are these bites suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, absolutely! These bites contain no meat and fit perfectly within a vegetarian diet, making them an excellent option for diverse guests.
Final Thoughts
These baked cranberry brie bites with sauce and chopped candied pecans
Print are a true treasure for any festive occasion. Their simple ingredients combine to create something truly extraordinary that everyone will rave about. So gather your ingredients, enjoy the process, and watch how these little bites light up your holiday spread with joy and flavor!
