If you’re looking for a crowd-pleaser that combines rustic comfort with a touch of elegance, let me introduce you to the Beef Sausage Brie Bites – Easy Appetizer Recipe. These bite-sized morsels pack a punch with savory ground beef Italian sausage, creamy melted brie, and a pop of sweet, tangy cranberry sauce, all nestled inside golden, flaky puff pastry. Perfectly herb-infused and easy to make, they are ideal for busy hosts who want to wow guests without spending hours in the kitchen. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become your go-to appetizer for gatherings big and small.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Beef Sausage Brie Bites – Easy Appetizer Recipe plays a key role, combining to deliver a balance of flavors, textures, and aromas that make these bites irresistibly delicious. From the buttery puff pastry to the fragrant herbs and creamy brie, simplicity is the secret here.
- Frozen puff pastry sheet: Provides a light, flaky base to hold all the delicious fillings while puffing up beautifully in the oven.
- Johnsonville Ground Beef Italian Sausage: Adds rich, savory flavor with a hint of spice; pick sweet, mild, or hot based on your preference.
- Garlic cloves, minced: Infuses the sausage with aromatic warmth that enhances every bite.
- Fresh sage, chopped: Offers a subtle earthiness and slightly peppery taste that complements the meat perfectly.
- Fresh rosemary, chopped: Brings a woodsy aromatic note that elevates the sausage mixture.
- Large egg: Used for the egg wash, it helps the pastry edges turn golden and crisp during baking.
- Water: Mixed with the egg to create a smooth egg wash for shining pastry edges.
- Jellied cranberry sauce: Adds a sweet-tart finish that contrasts beautifully with savory sausage and creamy cheese.
- Brie cheese, rind removed and sliced: Melts into gooey, rich pockets of indulgence that are simply heavenly.
- Fresh sage, chopped (for garnish): Offers a fresh, herbal punch and pretty color on top.
How to Make Beef Sausage Brie Bites – Easy Appetizer Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Puff Pastry
Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). Once the puff pastry has thawed, gently roll it out on a lightly floured surface until it’s about 1/8 inch thick. Carefully cut it into 12 equal squares and arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This foundation is what will give your bites their perfect flaky texture and delicate crispness.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage Filling
Next, heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the ground beef Italian sausage, breaking it up as it cooks. When the sausage is mostly browned, add the minced garlic and let it sauté for about a minute until it becomes fragrant. Stir in the chopped fresh sage and rosemary, cooking for one to two more minutes to let those beautiful herbal flavors infuse. Finally, drain any excess grease to keep the filling from being too oily.
Step 3: Apply the Egg Wash
In a small bowl, whisk together the large egg and a tablespoon of water until smooth. Using a pastry brush, gently coat the edges of each puff pastry square with this egg wash. This simple step ensures a shiny, golden, and wonderfully crisp border once the bites bake.
Step 4: Assemble the Bites
Now comes the fun part. Spoon about a tablespoon of the sausage mixture into the center of each puff pastry square. Then, top each with a slice of brie cheese, which will melt into creamy goodness as the bites bake. The combination of sausage and gooey brie is pure magic.
Step 5: Bake Until Perfect
Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes. You’re looking for puff pastry that is beautifully golden and puffed, with brie melted and bubbling up invitingly. This baking time is just right to deliver that perfect texture contrast between flaky and tender.
Step 6: Add the Finishing Touches
Once out of the oven, allow the bites to cool slightly right on the baking sheet. Then, spoon a small dollop of jellied cranberry sauce over each one and sprinkle with additional fresh sage. These final touches add a burst of color and flavor, making the Beef Sausage Brie Bites – Easy Appetizer Recipe truly unforgettable.
How to Serve Beef Sausage Brie Bites – Easy Appetizer Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh chopped sage as a garnish not only makes the bites more visually appealing but also enhances the aromatic experience. You can also sprinkle finely chopped toasted pecans for a touch of crunch or drizzle a bit of honey for a subtle sweetness contrast. These little details take the appetizer from great to show-stopping.
Side Dishes
While these bites shine on their own, pairing them with a crisp mixed greens salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette helps balance the richness. Additionally, serving with a glass of medium-bodied red wine or a light sparkling wine complements the herbaceous, meaty flavors beautifully, turning your gathering into an elegant affair.
Creative Ways to Present
For a casual party, arrange your Beef Sausage Brie Bites – Easy Appetizer Recipe on a rustic wooden board, surrounded by sprigs of fresh herbs and small bowls of cranberry sauce for dipping. If you want to impress, serve them on elegant slate plates with tiny serving forks. You could even create a themed appetizer platter including olives, nuts, and cured meats to elevate the entire experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftover Beef Sausage Brie Bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To keep them tasting fresh, make sure they’re completely cooled before sealing and avoid stacking them too tightly to maintain their flaky texture.
Freezing
If you want to prep ahead for a big event, these bites freeze wonderfully. After baking and cooling, place them on a parchment-lined tray and freeze individually until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. They will keep for about one month and can be baked straight from frozen with a slight increase in baking time.
Reheating
The best way to reheat your Beef Sausage Brie Bites – Easy Appetizer Recipe is in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) for 8 to 10 minutes, or until warmed through and the pastry is crisp again. Avoid microwaving as it can make the pastry soggy and the texture less enjoyable.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage for this recipe?
Absolutely! While Italian sausage provides a flavorful base, you can swap in breakfast sausage, chorizo, or even a plant-based sausage depending on your preference. Just adjust seasoning to balance the flavors.
What if I don’t have fresh herbs on hand?
Fresh herbs really brighten this recipe, but dried herbs can also work in a pinch. Use about one-third of the fresh amount since dried herbs are more concentrated. Just add them during cooking to allow flavors to develop.
Can I prepare the sausage filling in advance?
Yes, you can cook and cool the sausage mixture up to two days ahead. Store it covered in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble, making your party prep quicker and stress-free.
Is there a vegetarian version of the Beef Sausage Brie Bites – Easy Appetizer Recipe?
You can replace the sausage with a savory mushroom and walnut mixture or a store-bought vegetarian sausage alternative. The brie and herbs will still bring richness and flavor for a satisfying bite.
How spicy is this appetizer? Can I control the heat?
The heat level depends largely on your choice of sausage: sweet, mild, or hot Italian sausage. If you want more control, opt for mild sausage and add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes during cooking.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly satisfying about serving up a batch of these Beef Sausage Brie Bites – Easy Appetizer Recipe at your next get-together. They’re quick to make, bursting with flavor, and bring together savory, creamy, and sweet notes all in a flaky pastry package. Whether it’s a casual game day or a festive holiday party, these bites are sure to be the star on your appetizer table. I promise, once you try them, they’ll become as much of a favorite for you as they are for me!
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Beef Sausage Brie Bites – Easy Appetizer Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 38 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Beef Sausage Brie Bites are a delicious and easy appetizer featuring savory Italian sausage, creamy melted brie, and a touch of fresh herbs, all wrapped in flaky puff pastry and topped with a tangy cranberry sauce. Perfect for entertaining or a flavorful snack in under an hour.
Ingredients
Pastry
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed for 40 minutes
Sausage Mixture
- 8 oz Johnsonville Ground Beef Italian Sausage (Sweet, Mild, or Hot)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped
- 2 teaspoons fresh rosemary, chopped
Other
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1/2 cup jellied cranberry sauce
- 4 oz brie cheese, rind removed and sliced
- 1 teaspoon fresh sage, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pastry: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). On a lightly floured surface, gently roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet to about 1/8 inch thickness. Cut the pastry into 12 equal squares and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Cook Sausage Mixture: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the ground beef Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the chopped sage and rosemary, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes until the herbs are fragrant. Drain any excess grease from the mixture.
- Prepare Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water thoroughly to create an egg wash. Using a pastry brush, lightly brush the edges of each puff pastry square with the egg wash to help them brown nicely during baking.
- Assemble Bites: Spoon approximately a tablespoon of the cooked sausage mixture onto the center of each puff pastry square. Top each with a slice of the brie cheese, ensuring even coverage.
- Bake: Place the assembled bites in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown, puffed up, and the brie is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly on the baking sheet. Spoon a small dollop of jellied cranberry sauce over each bite and sprinkle with fresh chopped sage for garnish. Serve warm for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Be sure to thaw the puff pastry thoroughly for easy rolling and cutting.
- You can use sweet, mild, or hot Italian sausage depending on your preferred spice level.
- Removing the rind from the brie helps it melt smoothly and blends better with the sausage.
- This appetizer is best served warm but can be reheated gently in the oven if needed.
- If fresh herbs are unavailable, use 1 teaspoon each of dried sage and rosemary instead.
