An easy make ahead appetizer for Thanksgiving, because we all need that. I made mine today and on Thursday afternoon, I can just take these out of the refrigerator and pop them into the oven. The mini baked brie en croute is an appetizer that almost everyone will love. I say almost because I’ve learned that you can’t please everyone all of the time. This is one that might come close! I mean cheese in a pastry? One of the things I love about it most is that you can keep the mini brie cheese rounds in the refrigerator, a package of puff pastry in the freezer and a jar of jam in the pantry and in a moments notice, you can have a delicious appetizer. I’ve served them with a salad for lunch too. It feels very French Bistro.
Here’s what you need to add to your already page long shopping list in case you don’t just have these items in your refrigerator, freezer and pantry:
PrintMini Brie en Croute
An easy make ahead appetizer for thanksgiving
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients
A couple of bags of mini brie bites from Trader Joe’s– a box of puff pastry (thawed overnight in the refrigerator or on the counter until you’re able to unfold without breaking).
A jar of your favorite cranberry jam. This one is my favorite!
You’ll also need an egg for an egg wash so they will brown up nicely in the oven.
Instructions
To make 10, you’ll need 2 packages of mini brie bites and only 1/2 package or one sheet of puff pastry. Take the softened puff pastry that’s still cold, but not at all frozen. You want to be able to unfold it without it cracking, but still cold enough to be able to roll out. Spread a little flour and roll one sheet so that it’s a little larger. Cut edges so that you have straight lines and cut into 9 squares. Save the trimmed edges and roll out for the last mini brie. (The brie bites come in packages of 5).
Place one little brie round on each square and bring up each corner and give a little twist. If you are making them ahead, place in an air tight container. If you are making them to bake immediately, place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and brush with a little egg wash so they brown up in the oven.
Bake in a 400º oven for about 20 minutes. The brie is in a very soft rind so even if you see the cheese in the puff pastry, it won’t be a problem. That’s why I love using these mini brie bites over cutting up pieces from a larger piece of Brie cheese.
Recipe inspired by this one.
Besides the fact that you can make these ahead, I love a one-bite appetizer.
Happy Thanksgiving!
xo annie
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