Baked Brie Red Pepper Jelly Bites

Ingredients

Refer to the printable recipe card at the end of the post for detailed ingredients and measurements.

Puff Pastry – This is that flaky pastry that puffs up when it cooks and is perfect for appetizers. Of course, if you don’t have these on hand, you could use phyllo cups (or phyllo shells) instead.

Brie – Brie is a creamy cheese that is spreadable. If you don’t have it or can’t find it, you could use cream cheese instead and add a cube of cheese inside puff pastry or phyllo cups.

Red Pepper Jelly – This is a sweet and spicy kind of jam, or a hot jalapeño jelly, or orange marmalade if you don’t like the spicy heat, that pairs perfectly with a creamy cheese such as brie. If you don’t have this jelly, you could use cranberry sauce instead and create cranberry brie bites.

How To Make Brie Red Pepper Jelly Bites

Preheat your oven to 400°F. Spray a cupcake pan with cooking spray.

Prepare the Phyllo Shells:

Unroll the phyllo pastry and separate half of the sheets. Cut the pastry sheets into small circles, approximately 3 inches wide. You can use a cookie cutter or scissors.

Assemble the Appetizers:

Place the pastry circles in the muffin tins and press down to form small cups. Brush with melted butter.

Add Brie Place a cube of Brie cheese in the center of each puff pastry cup.

Top each Brie cube with a small dollop (about 1/2 teaspoon) of red pepper jelly.

Bake the Appetizers:

Bake in the preheated oven for 8-12 minutes, or until the phyllo is browned and the cheese is melted.

Garnish and Serve:

Allow the appetizers to cool slightly before garnishing with fresh thyme, rosemary, or crushed nuts if desired.

Recipe Tips

• Choose High-Quality Brie: Opt for a creamy, high-quality Brie for the best flavor and texture. Remove the rind if you prefer a smoother bite.
• Use a Flavorful Pepper Jelly: Select a red pepper jelly with the right balance of sweet and spicy to complement the Brie. You can even experiment with jalapeño or fruit-infused pepper jellies for variation. You can make your own sweet pepper jelly.
• Prepare the Base: Choose Phyllo dough or puff pastry as a base. Cut the dough into even squares or circles for consistent presentation. You may be able to purchase phyllo rounds. If you are making your own rounds, brush liberally with melted butter.  If you purchase the phyllo rounds, this isn't necessary.
• Cut the Brie Carefully: Use a sharp knife and chill the Brie slightly before cutting to prevent the Brie from being too sticky.  
• Assemble with Balance: Avoid overloading the appetizers with too much jelly, as it can overpower the cheese. Use just enough for a flavorful pop.
• Bake for Meltiness: If baking, place the Brie and jelly-topped pastries in a preheated oven at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, or until the Brie is soft and gooey and the pastry is golden brown.
• Add Fresh Garnishes: Enhance the presentation and flavor with fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or a sprinkle of crushed nuts for added texture.
• Serve Immediately: These appetizers are best enjoyed warm when the Brie is at its meltiest, and the flavors are at their peak.

Variations

• Offer Variety: Provide a mix of bases or additional toppings, like thinly sliced prosciutto or dried cranberries, to appeal to a variety of palates.

More Holiday Appetizer Recipes

• Cranberry Jalapeño Cream Cheese Dip
• Meatballs with Grape Jelly and Chili Sauce
• Turkey and Stuffing Meatballs
• Bloody Mary Deviled Eggs
• Balsamic Jalapeno Pomegranate Brie