Cranberry Brie Bites (vegan)
Printed from Inclusive Kitchen — Cranberry Brie Bites
Cranberry Brie Bites are a delightful appetizer that combines the rich creaminess of brie with the tartness of cranberry sauce, all wrapped in a flaky pastry. This vegan version swaps traditional cheese for a creamy plant-based alternative, ensuring that everyone can enjoy this festive treat. The result is a bite-sized morsel that is both elegant and comforting, making it a perfect addition to any holiday spread or casual gathering.
Historically, the combination of cheese and fruit has been a staple in many cultures, often served as a palate cleanser or a sweet contrast to savory dishes. In this vegan adaptation, we embrace the spirit of that tradition while keeping it entirely plant-based. The use of vegan cheese not only caters to dietary preferences but also allows for a lighter, more refreshing bite that won’t weigh you down during those long holiday feasts.
To make these bites, we’ll use store-bought puff pastry, which is a game changer for quick and easy appetizers. Just remember to check the label to ensure it’s vegan-friendly. The cranberry sauce can be homemade or store-bought, but making it from scratch allows you to control the sweetness and flavor. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover cranberries from Thanksgiving! And if you’re feeling adventurous, you can even add a sprinkle of chopped nuts or herbs for an extra layer of flavor. Just don’t forget to save some for yourself—these bites tend to disappear faster than you can say “vegan cheese!”
Ingredients
- 1 sheet vegan puff pastry
- 8 oz vegan cream cheese
- 1 cup cranberry sauce
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.25 tsp pepper
- 0.25 cup flour
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature is ideal for achieving a golden, flaky crust on the puff pastry.
- Roll out the vegan puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8 inch thick. This helps ensure that the pastry puffs up nicely during baking.
- Using a round cutter or a glass, cut out circles from the pastry, about 3 inches in diameter. You should be able to get around 12 circles from one sheet.
- Place the pastry circles into a greased muffin tin, gently pressing them into the cups. This will create little cups to hold your filling.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the vegan cream cheese, cranberry sauce, chopped fresh rosemary, salt, and pepper. This mixture will provide a creamy and flavorful filling.
- Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the filling into each pastry cup. Be careful not to overfill, as the mixture may bubble over during baking.
- Bake the bites in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning.
- Once baked, remove the bites from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. This will help the filling set slightly and make them easier to handle.
- Garnish with additional fresh rosemary or a sprinkle of chopped nuts if desired. This adds a nice touch and enhances the presentation.
- Serve warm or at room temperature. These bites are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container for a day or two.
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes if needed. This will help restore the pastry's crispiness.
- Enjoy your vegan cranberry brie bites with friends and family, and watch them disappear faster than you can say 'plant-based deliciousness!'
Nutrition (per serving)
- Calories: 150
- Carbs g: 20
- Protein g: 3
- Fat g: 7
- Sugar g: 2
