Name: Candied Pecan u0026amp; Orange Cranberry Brie Bites
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 33 min
Ingredients: 1 sheet (approx. 10 oz) frozen puff pastry, thawed; 8 oz wheel of brie; 1/2 c fresh or frozen cranberries; 2 tbsp granulated sugar; 1 tbsp fresh orange juice; 1 tsp fresh orange zest; 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash); 1/4 c Smash & Sprinkle 5-Minute Candied Pecans, roughly chopped

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If you are looking for the perfect, wow-factor holiday appetizer that takes almost zero effort, this is it. These Candied Pecan & Orange Cranberry Brie Bites are the first things to disappear from any party I host.

They look incredibly impressive, but they’re really just simple, clever assembly! We’re skipping the boring canned stuff and making a quick, vibrant cranberry sauce. The super delicious secret is a zesty sprinkle of fresh orange zest, which adds a bright, aromatic pop that perfectly cuts through the rich, creamy brie.

But the real showstopper? We top them with a sprinkle of our own 5-Minute Candied Pecans, which adds that perfect salty-sweet crunch. This is “wow factor without the work,” in one perfect bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The Ultimate “Wow Factor” Flavor Combo: Creamy brie, tart-sweet cranberry, a sprinkle of orange, and the crunch of candied pecans. It’s a perfect bite!
Incredibly Fast & Easy: You only need a few simple ingredients and about 15 minutes of prep. This is the definition of a no-stress party recipe.
A True Holiday Showstopper: These look absolutely beautiful and festive on a platter, but they’re secretly so simple to make.
Our 5-Minute Hack: This recipe is the perfect way to use our 5-Minute Candied Pecans!

Step-by-Step Instructions

First, let’s get our ingredients prepped.

Unfold your sheet of puff pastry (make sure it’s cold!) on a lightly floured surface and gently roll it out just a bit. Cut it into 24 small, even squares. Press these squares into the cups of a mini-muffin tin. Then, cut your block of brie into 24 small cubes and place one cube inside each puff pastry cup.

Next, we’ll make our cranberry sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the fresh cranberries, sugar, and the juice and zest of one orange. Let it simmer for just 5-8 minutes, stirring until the berries burst and the sauce thickens into a gorgeous, jewel-toned jam.

Now, for the assembly. Spoon a small amount (about a teaspoon) of that vibrant orange-cranberry sauce on top of the brie in each muffin cup. Be careful not to overfill, or the brie will make a great escape!

Finally, bake these beauties at 400°F for 15-18 minutes, until the puff pastry is golden-brown and crispy, and the brie is lusciously melted. Let them cool in the tin for just 5 minutes (this is crucial!), then gently remove them to a serving platter. While they’re still warm, top them with our final sprinkle of roughly chopped 5-Minute Candied Pecans. Serve them warm and watch them vanish!

Ava’s Notes

Keep Your Pastry COLD: This is my number one rule for puff pastry! Cold pastry = flaky, crispy layers. If it gets warm while you’re working, pop the whole muffin tin in the fridge for 10 minutes before baking.
Make-Ahead Dream: You can fully assemble these bites in the mini-muffin tin, cover them with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Just bake them off right before your guests arrive!
Don’t Overfill! A little brie and a little sauce go a long way. If you add too much, they’ll bubble over and be a (still delicious) mess.