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
Scale
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.
