Ingredients:

  • 1 sheet (approx. 14.1 oz) all-butter Puff Pastry, ready-rolled
  • 4 oz Brie Cheese, rind on, diced into 1/4 inch cubes
  • 1/2 cup Whole Berry Cranberry Sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Fresh Thyme Leaves, finely chopped
  • 1/4 teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper
  • 1 large Egg, lightly beaten
  • 1 teaspoon Milk or Water
  • Pinch Flaked Sea Salt (Maldon)
  • Optional: 1 tablespoon Finely Chopped Pistachios or Walnuts

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C / Gas Mark 6). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Prepare the Filling: In a small bowl, gently combine the diced brie, chopped thyme leaves, and black pepper. Do not add the cranberry sauce yet.
  3. Cut the Pastry: Unroll the chilled puff pastry sheet. Using a small round cutter (approx. 2.5 inches), cut out as many circles as possible (approx. 24). Reroll any scraps and cut more circles if needed.
  4. Transfer and Dock: Place the pastry circles onto the prepared baking sheet. Lightly prick the centre of each circle 2–3 times with a fork to help the edges puff while keeping the center flat.
  5. Assemble the Bites: Spoon approximately 1/2 teaspoon of cranberry sauce onto the center of each pastry circle, leaving a clear 1/4-inch border. Top the cranberry sauce with a small mound of the brie and thyme mixture.
  6. Prepare the Egg Wash: Whisk the egg with the milk or water until smooth. Using a pastry brush, lightly brush the exposed puff pastry border with the egg wash. Sprinkle the washed edges with a pinch of flaked sea salt.
  7. Bake for 15–18 minutes, rotating the tray halfway through, until the pastry is deeply golden brown, fully puffed, and the brie is melted and bubbling gently.
  8. Cool and Garnish: Remove from the oven. If using, sprinkle chopped nuts over the melted cheese while the bites are still hot. Allow to cool on the tray for 5–10 minutes before serving warm or at room temperature.