The apple and cranberry flavors really speak to the fall, but why not change those flavors for other times of the year. For instance, you could replace the cranberry with cherry and use some chopped toasted hazelnuts instead of the apple to make cherry hazelnut Brie bites. Or you could make strawberry basil Brie bites. In fact, you could swap out the Brie cheese for goat cheese and make mini goat cheese bites instead. The point is, you can use this recipe as a guide or a template and make your own tasty bites to suit the season or just to suit your mood.
The only trick to making these bites is sealing them at the top into the “beggars’ purses“. This is really the easiest way to seal the pastry together. Just pull all the edges and corners up to meet in the center and pinch them together to make them stick. Then, spread out the corners that stick out of the top and press them down a little to make them look a little prettier. You might struggle with your first one, but I’d put money on you being an expert by the time you’ve done it three times.
Now, these are perfect for gatherings because you can make them all ahead of time. In fact, you could make three batches ahead of time and be really prepared for a cocktail or hors d’oeuvres party. They freeze really well once assembled. Just remember to freeze them on a baking sheet so that they are not touching each other and then transfer them to a sealable plastic bag only once they are frozen. Remove as much air as possible from the bag (you could use a vacuum sealer, but I just suck as much air out as possible using a straw!) before keeping them in the freezer until you’re ready to prepare them. When that time comes, remember to let them sit out on the counter for about 20 minutes before air-frying or baking them and check one to make sure it is heated all the way through before serving to your guests. That’s right – you get the first one. You deserve it!
If you love serving Brie cheese as an appetizer, but don’t have the time to make the little bites above, you can always grill, bake or air-fry a whole wheel of Brie and serve it like that. Here’s another Brie appetizer.
It’s not a comment on the recipe as yet BUT, would like to ask a question if this is possible. My family will not eat cranberry in any form. I know that sounds crazy, I love it. Love the sound of this recipe, any suggestions of something else to use with the apple? I really want to try this. Thanks
Hi Katherine. How about a little cherry jam? Or apricot jam? ML
Thanks for replying, Meredith. Cherry jam sounds good. I’ll give it a try and let you know how they like it. Have a Merry Christmas!!!!
If assembling ahead and freezing do I egg wash at that time or Wait until I bake to egg wash?
Hi Victoria. I would wait to egg wash it just before baking.
Can these be made in the oven? I don’t have a air fryer and they look delicious…
Hi elle. You can bake these in the oven at 375°F for about 20 to 25 minutes.
Hi Meredith, I would love to make these but my son can only eat gluten free. How can I make these to be gluten free?
Hi Mary. To make these gluten free, you’d need to buy a gluten free puff pastry. Then you’ll be good to go!
I would imagine these would be good with goat cheese or even blue cheese – thoughts?
Hi Eric! I would totally agree with both of those options!!
Excellent. My only challenge was with the cranberries used – it was homemade a way to “running”. Next time will try with purchased cranberries instead.
They are wonderful and so easy to make!!!! Everyone loved them.
I made the bites and they were wonderful. I froze a bunch and took them out for Thanksgiving. They melted into mush in the oven. I thawed them first. What did I do wrong?
Sorry you had an issue with your Brie Bites. It sounds like the puff pastry may have got too warm before baking. You only need to let them sit out at room temperature for about 20 minutes. If the dough is too warm or the oven is not hot enough then the pastry will melt before it gets crisp when baking.
Do I freeze them raw or after baking?
Thank you!
Hi Kim. I prefer to freeze them raw and then add a few minutes on to the baking time when it comes time to bake them.
Can pie dough be used of instead puff pastry?
This recipe has not been tested with pie dough. You could try the recipe with pie dough, but the end result will be more crumbly than the puff pastry. You may want to fold the squares over into triangles which may be easier to eat than the beggar’s purse shape. The pie dough may break up when trying to bite into them.
These are wonderful. Took a little time to prepare but worth it. A great and fancy looking appetizer