Cranberry Brie Bites: Easy Gluten-Free Holiday Appetizer Ready in 30 Minutes!

Transform your holiday entertaining with these show-stopping gluten-free cranberry brie bites! Perfect for both casual gatherings and elegant soirées, these delectable appetizers combine buttery brie, tangy cranberries, and crispy gluten-free pastry for an unforgettable taste experience.

Recipe Details

Time & Yield

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 24 bites

Ingredients

For the Gluten-Free Pastry Cups

• 1½ cups gluten-free all-purpose flour blend
• ½ teaspoon xanthan gum (if not in flour blend)
• ½ cup cold butter, cubed
• 4-5 tablespoons ice water
• ¼ teaspoon salt

For the Filling

• 8 oz brie cheese, cubed
• 1 cup fresh cranberry sauce
• ¼ cup honey
• Fresh thyme sprigs
• Optional: ¼ cup chopped pecans

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Pastry

1. Combine dry ingredients in a food processor
2. Pulse in cold butter until crumbly
3. Add ice water gradually until dough forms
4. Chill for 30 minutes

Assembly

1. Preheat oven to 375°F
2. Roll dough to ⅛-inch thickness
3. Cut into 24 circles
4. Form cups in mini muffin tin
5. Blind bake for 10 minutes

Filling and Baking

1. Place brie cube in each cup
2. Top with cranberry sauce
3. Drizzle with honey
4. Bake 5-7 minutes until cheese melts
5. Garnish with thyme and pecans

Pro Tips for Success

Temperature Control

• Keep pastry ingredients cold
• Use room temperature brie
• Serve warm for best results

Texture Tips

• Don’t overwork the dough
• Pre-bake cups until golden
• Watch final bake carefully

Make-Ahead Options

• Prepare pastry cups up to 3 days ahead
• Store unfilled cups in airtight container
• Assemble just before serving

Troubleshooting Guide

Common Issues and Solutions

• Crumbly dough: Add water gradually
• Soggy bottoms: Pre-bake thoroughly
• Uneven melting: Cut brie uniformly

Storage and Reheating

• Best served fresh
• Reheat at 350°F for 5 minutes
• Store refrigerated up to 2 days

Recipe Variations

• Substitute fig jam for cranberry sauce
• Try different cheese options
• Experiment with herbs
• Add different nuts

Serving Suggestions

• Arrange on festive platter
• Pair with champagne
• Provide recipe cards
• Garnish with fresh herbs

Conclusion

These gluten-free cranberry brie bites prove that dietary restrictions don’t mean sacrificing flavor or elegance. Perfect for holiday entertaining, they’ll become your signature appetizer that guests request year after year.

Related Recipes You’ll Love

• Gluten-Free Chocolate Cake
• Flourless Almond Cake
• Gluten-Free Carrot Cake
• Apple Fritter Bread

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