Quick Holiday Joy: Sausage Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe

Crispy appetizers with sausage cranberry brie spark joy at every gathering.

Small bites pack massive flavor into each delectable morsel.

Creamy cheese melts perfectly against savory meat and sweet berries.

Guests always ask for seconds when these arrive on the plate.

Simple ingredients combine into something magical that feels fancy yet easy.

Nobody suspects how quickly these can come together in your kitchen.

Indulge in this crowd-pleasing recipe that guarantees smiles around the table.

Why You’ll Love Sausage Cranberry Brie Bites

• Snack Like a Pro: Elevate your appetizer game with these fancy yet simple bites that look like you spent hours in the kitchen.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Explosion: Combine sweet cranberry, savory sausage, and creamy brie for a taste combination that'll have everyone asking for the recipe.
• Quick Entertaining Magic: Prepare these impressive appetizers in under an hour, perfect for unexpected guests or last-minute gatherings.
• Versatile Party Pleaser: Ideal for game days, holiday parties, or casual get-togethers, these bite-sized treats work for any social occasion.

Sausage Cranberry Brie Bites: Everything You’ll Need

• Puff Pastry: A light, flaky dough that creates a delicate and crispy base for these elegant appetizers.
• Sausage: A savory protein that adds rich flavor and depth to the bite-sized treats.
• Brie Cheese: A creamy, soft cheese that melts beautifully and provides a luxurious texture.
• Cranberry Sauce: A sweet and tangy spread that complements the savory elements of the recipe.

• Rosemary, Sage: Aromatic herbs that enhance the overall flavor profile of the sausage and add a fragrant touch.
• Garlic: A pungent ingredient that provides depth and complexity to the sausage mixture.

• Egg, Water: Used to create an egg wash that gives the pastry a golden, shiny appearance and helps seal the edges.
• Chopped Sage: A fresh herb used as a garnish to add visual appeal and a final layer of herbal flavor.

Stepwise Guide for Sausage Cranberry Brie Bites

Step 1: Defrost Pastry Gently remove puff pastry from freezer and let it sit at room temperature for about 40 minutes until soft and pliable.

Step 2: Fire Up the Oven Crank the oven to 400F (200C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 3: Sizzle the Sausage Heat a skillet over medium flame and cook sausage with garlic until beautifully browned.

Sprinkle in rosemary and sage, letting the herbs dance in the pan for an additional 2 minutes.

Drain away any excess fat.

Step 4: Whip Up Egg Wash Grab a small bowl and whisk egg with water to create a silky, glossy egg wash that will give your bites a gorgeous golden sheen.

Step 5: Build Your Flavor Layers Dust your work surface with flour and gently roll out the pastry.

Brush the surface with egg wash, then spread a generous layer of cranberry sauce.

Nestle the cooked sausage on top and crown with creamy brie slices.

Step 6: Shape and Slice Carefully roll the pastry into a tight log, then slice into 12 uniform bite-sized pieces.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection Arrange slices on prepared baking sheets, brush with remaining egg wash, and sprinkle chopped sage on top.

Slide into the oven and bake for 15 minutes until they turn a tempting golden brown.

Secrets for Better Sausage Cranberry Brie Bites

• Remove puff pastry from freezer 40 minutes before preparing to ensure smooth, easy handling without cracking.
• Use fresh herbs like rosemary and sage to enhance the meat's taste and create a more complex flavor profile.
• Brush egg wash on pastry edges and bottom to create a seal that prevents moisture from making the bite base soggy.
• Cut brie into thin, even slices to help it melt uniformly and distribute smoothly across each bite.
• Apply egg wash generously before baking to achieve a beautiful, shiny, and evenly browned pastry surface.

Flavor Combinations for Sausage Cranberry Brie Bites

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace sausage with crumbled vegetarian sausage or roasted mushrooms for a meat-free version. Use plant-based brie for added flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap puff pastry with gluten-free puff pastry or phyllo dough made from alternative flours like rice or almond flour.
• Mediterranean Spin: Substitute cranberry sauce with olive tapenade, use feta cheese instead of brie, and add chopped sundried tomatoes for a Mediterranean-inspired bite.
• Spicy Kick: Incorporate chorizo instead of regular sausage, add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, and use pepper jack cheese for extra heat.

Creative Ways to Plate Sausage Cranberry Brie Bites

• Festive Party Platter: Arrange these golden bites on a rustic wooden board with fresh rosemary sprigs and whole cranberries for a stunning holiday appetizer presentation.
• Cheese Board Companion: Serve alongside a selection of cured meats, additional soft cheeses, and a light red wine to complement the rich flavors of the sausage and brie.
• Brunch Centerpiece: Create a breakfast spread by pairing these bites with a fresh mixed green salad and mimosas for an elegant morning gathering.
• Dipping Delight: Prepare a quick cranberry mustard sauce or herb-infused aioli on the side for guests who enjoy extra dipping options with their pastry bites.

How to Keep Sausage Cranberry Brie Bites Fresh

• Store leftover bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cover with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
• Place cooled bites on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 1 month for best quality and taste.
• Warm refrigerated or thawed frozen bites at 350F for 8-10 minutes until heated through and crispy. Avoid microwave to maintain pastry's crunch.
• Crisp up bites at 350F for 3-4 minutes, turning halfway through to ensure even heating and restore original texture.

FAQs

• What type of sausage works best for this recipe?

Ground breakfast sausage or Italian sausage removed from its casing are perfect choices, providing rich flavor and easy crumbling for the bites.

• Can I use homemade cranberry sauce instead of store-bought?

Absolutely! Homemade cranberry sauce adds a fresher, more personalized touch to the recipe and works wonderfully with the brie and sausage.

• Is there a substitute for brie if I don't have it?

Camembert or goat cheese are excellent alternatives that provide similar creamy texture and complementary flavor profiles to the original recipe.

• How do I prevent the pastry from sticking while rolling?

Generously dust your work surface with flour and use a light touch when rolling to ensure the puff pastry doesn’t stick and maintains its delicate texture.

Sausage Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe

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4.7 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Festive holiday nibbles, Sausage Cranberry Brie Bites deliver perfect party magic in miniature form. Crisp pastry shells cradle warm, savory sausage and melted brie, promising delightful flavor explosions you cannot resist.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 sheet frozen puff pastry
• 8 ounces (226 grams) Johnsonville ground Italian sausage (sweet, mild, or hot)
• 4 ounces (113 grams) brie, rind removed and sliced
• 1/2 cup jellied cranberry sauce

Herbs and Aromatics:

• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped
• 2 teaspoons fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 teaspoon fresh sage (for garnish)

Binding and Egg Wash:

• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon water

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Instructions

1. Allow frozen puff pastry to soften at room temperature for approximately 40 minutes, ensuring it becomes pliable without cracking.
2. Prepare the oven by heating to 400F (200C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper for even cooking and easy cleanup.
3. Heat a skillet over medium temperature and cook sausage with minced garlic until thoroughly browned and fragrant. Incorporate fresh rosemary and sage, continuing to cook for an additional 2 minutes to enhance herb flavors. Remove excess grease by draining.
4. Create an egg wash by whisking egg and water together until smooth and well-combined.
5. Spread the thawed pastry on a lightly floured surface and gently brush with prepared egg wash to ensure golden coloration.
6. Distribute cranberry sauce evenly across the pastry surface, leaving a small border around the edges.
7. Sprinkle the cooked sausage mixture uniformly over the cranberry sauce layer.
8. Arrange thin brie cheese slices strategically across the sausage, ensuring comprehensive coverage.
9. Carefully roll the pastry into a compact log, maintaining consistent pressure and shape.
10. Slice the log into 12 equal portions using a sharp knife, creating uniform bite-sized pieces.
11. Position pastry slices on prepared baking sheets, maintaining space between each piece.
12. Brush exposed surfaces with remaining egg wash and garnish with finely chopped sage leaves.
13. Bake for 15 minutes in preheated oven until pastry achieves a rich, golden-brown coloration and appears crisp and puffy.

Notes

• Pastry Perfection Ensure puff pastry is completely thawed but still cold for the flakiest texture and easiest handling.
• Sausage Selection Choose a well-seasoned sausage like Italian or breakfast sausage to boost the flavor profile of these bite-sized appetizers.
• Cheese Swap Substitute brie with camembert or goat cheese for different flavor variations that complement the cranberry and sausage.
• Make-Ahead Magic Prepare the rolls and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking, which allows flavors to meld and makes party prep easier.

• Prep Time: 50 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 191 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 244 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 0.4 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 48 mg