Warm Cranberry-Pecan Brie Bites

Allergens

Dairy, Wheat

Ingredients

• 1 round (8 oz) Brie cheese wheel
• 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries, thawed
• 1/2 cup pecan halves
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed orange juice
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Pinch of salt
• 1 sheet (about 1 lb) frozen puff pastry, thawed
• All
• purpose flour, for dusting
• 1 large egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)
• Fresh parsley or rosemary sprigs, for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
2. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the cranberries, sugar, orange zest, orange juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries have softened and released their juices, about 8 10 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
3. Meanwhile, unwrap the Brie cheese and place it on a cutting board. Use a sharp knife to cut the rind off the top of the cheese, then slice the cheese into 1/2 inch thick wedges. Set aside.
4. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry sheet into a large rectangle, about 1/8 inch thick. Using a round cookie cutter (about 3 inches in diameter), cut out 20 circles from the pastry dough. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Top each pastry circle with a Brie wedge and a generous spoonful of the cranberry mixture, being careful not to overfill.
6. Gently press the edges of each pastry circle together to seal, creating little packets. Brush the tops of each packet lightly with the egg wash.
7. Bake for 18 20 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and flaky. Remove from oven and let cool slightly on the baking sheet.
8. Transfer the warm Cranberry Pecan Brie Bites to a serving plate, garnishing with fresh parsley or rosemary sprigs for an elegant presentation. Serve immediately.

Chef’s Insight

To add an extra touch of decadence, drizzle each bite with a bit of honey or a balsamic reduction before serving.

Notes

Serve these Warm Cranberry-Pecan Brie Bites with your favorite crackers or bread for dipping into the remaining cranberry sauce.