If the big, fat snowflakes that fell earlier this week, covering the ground in a blanket of white, are any indication, the holidays are definitely on their way. (I tried to be mad, really I did, but the scene was just to pretty to hate on. After begrudgingly saying goodbye to summer just a few short months ago, I am now officially ready for pumpkin pie, and Christmas carols – whee!)
With the holiday season comes holiday parties and, like a little black dress, everyone needs a go-to appetizer to serve. Baked Brie Bites are it! TWO ingredients, not counting the toppings, and you are set. These babies could not be easier, or more addictingly delicious.
I would know. I wolfed down approximately 18 right out of the oven!
The base is pre-made, frozen puff pastry cups topped with cubed brie cheese. As the puff pastry bakes it, well, puffs around the creamy brie which melts and bubbles. When the bites are warm out of the oven, you top them with sweet and fresh toppings, which taste best with brie, in my opinion!
I made three different versions for you to choose from. Pumpkin butter + chopped pecans.
Apple butter + chopped apples.Â
And blackberry jam (or any flavor of jam) + halved grapes. A classic baked brie wedge covered with puff pastry then baked is a total crowd-pleasing holiday app, but I think these little cups are much more fun. Guests can pick and choose their favorite combos then pop to their heart’s desire!
Start with a box of the aforementioned frozen puff pastry cups.Â
These “cups” start out as little discs with a ring in the center. Place them frozen on a baking sheet covered with a silpat or parchment paper.
Next cut 1/4lb brie cheese into 1/2″ cubes. Note: do NOT buy double or triple creme brie cheese, which would melt and spread before the puff pastry cups have a chance to puff up around the cheese.
Brie cheese is very creamy, so if your “cubes” are more like “rectangles” just give ’em a little squish.
Like this! ; )
Place a cube of cheese into the center of each puff pastry disc then bake for 15-17 minutes at 400 degrees, or until they’re golden brown and bubbly.
While the bites are baking, get the toppings ready. For the options I showed you’ll need chopped pecans, apples, and grapes.Â
Jam, apple butter, and pumpkin butter!
Add the toppings right when the bites come out of the oven then enjoy warm, or even cooled down to room temperature.
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Baked Brie Bites
Description
Baked Brie Bites are the perfect holiday party appetizer. Flaky puff pastry cups are baked with creamy brie cheese then finished with a variety of toppings.
Ingredients
- 24-count Pepperidge Farms puff pastry cups
- 1/4lb brie cheese (NOT double or triple creme,) cut into 1/2" cubes
- Topping ideas:
- pumpkin butter +Â chopped pecans
- blackberry jam +Â halved grapes
- apple butter + chopped apples
Directions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees (or degree indicated on package.) Line a baking sheet with a silpat or parchment paper then place puff pastry cups at least 2" apart. Place a square of brie cheese into the center then bake for 15-17 minutes, or until puffed and golden brown. Top bites with toppings immediately after removing from oven then serve.
This recipe is courtesy of Iowa Girl Eats, http://iowagirleats.com.
I loved each of these flavor combos for different reasons, but I think my favorite was the apple butter + chopped apples. Clearly I am crazy for apples this fall!
Ben’s favorite was the jam + grapes, a classic baked brie combo, and the spiced pumpkin butter + chopped pecans was so luxurious too. Hope you enjoy these yummy bites!
Chandra@The Plaid and Paisley Kitchen 11.13.2013
I love how simple yet beautiful these are! Better yet they look delicious!
Diane 11.13.2013
These would be good too with topped with some home made apple or cranberry chutney!
Mandy @ Eat Pray Grow 11.13.2013
I’ve been craving brie, but it’s on the pregnant lady no-no list…which Is why I’ve been on the lookout for a baked recipe, and this is perfect! It has everything I was looking for – puffed pastry, brie, and fruit. I can’t wait to try it!
ashley @ sunnysideshlee.com 11.13.2013
so simple and they look absolutely amazing!
AbbieD 11.13.2013
Yummy! I bet some fig preserves of some sort would be delightful as well. Or maybe a date?
Thanks for the idea! I think I just might have to give them a whirl.
Maureen Gribble 11.13.2013
I am LOVE LOVE LOVING everything about this post! I always make baked brie for Thanksgiving, but after about 6 years of doing the same old recipe, I knew this year was time to change it up and as per usual, IGE to the rescue! I have two (yes two) jars of TJ’s pumpkin butter in my pantry, it’s like fate! :)
Wynne 11.13.2013
I want to make these, but my husband does not eat any kind of cheese. Is there something else I can substitute to make this just as tasty? Thanks.
Brittany 11.13.2013
Feel free to post about 5 more of these appetizer posts and you will have single handedly planned my Mom’s surprise 50th party for me! :D
If not…I am still adding this one to my list :)
Lauren 11.13.2013
Totally with you on the recent snowfall cultivating holiday spirit! These look delicious – great holiday party app idea. Thanks for sharing!
Emily @ More Than Just Dessert 11.13.2013
These look amazing! I used to work at a restaurant that served an appetizer of bread, brie,and green apples all baked together…I’ve been hooked on brie ever since!
Captain Competition 11.13.2013
Snow here in Columbus yesterday! Took my daughter sledding in the yard. Those bites look great, I’m a sucker for a good cheese appetizer.
FitBritt@MyOwnBalance 11.13.2013
Oh my gosh! These are so adorable and look so yummy!!
Erica @ In and Around Town 11.13.2013
Love these pastry bites! anything consisting of baked brie is perfection in my book :)
Sarah @ Making Thyme for Health 11.13.2013
I would totally tear right through these things! I love Brie and all of the combos are perfect. Great idea! I still have yet to try TJ’s pumpkin butter. I’ve heard it’s amazing.
I can’t believe it’s snowing already! It hasn’t dropped below 50-60 degrees in California.
Becca @ Amuse Your Bouche 11.13.2013
I love these Kristin! This is just the sort of thing we usually have on Christmas Eve (we usually have a load of canapes and appetisers instead of a full meal), but we usually just have our brie and jam on crackers – puff pastry sounds much nicer! Love the toppings too!
erin @hooleywithaz 11.13.2013
these look amazing, and i’m pretty sure i want to make these for thansgiving at my MIL’s house now!
Erin | The Law Student's Wife 11.13.2013
So simple, so classy, and I love that guests can choose the different flavors. Definitely want to make this for our Christmas party…anndddd maybe just for myself to quietly demolish for dinner. Don’t tell!
Brie @ Entrée the Giant 11.13.2013
My hubby and I went to a wedding back in early October and as one of their apps, they served tiny buttered crostini topped with ooey gooey brie and raspberry jam. I’ve been meaning to recreate at home, but I may have to make a last minute adjustment and sub out the crostini for puff pastry cups. How cute?!
PS – Yes, my name is Brie. Just like the cheese :)
Kerry 11.13.2013
I love baked brie as appetizers. Love the idea of them being bite sized! Perfect!
Lea 11.13.2013
I wish we would get snow soon! We left Colorado in April and they had their first snow storms weeks ago, while here in D.C. we are still waiting.
These puffs look great! I’ll definitely whip these up on Thanksgiving. Thanks!!