Brie and Cherry Pastry Cups

Top bite-size puff pastry with creamy Brie, sweet cherry preserves and crunchy pecans for an easy, elegant appetizer.


Prep Time: 30 min

Total Time: 55 min

Makes: 36 appetizers
 
1 sheet frozen puff pastry (from 17.3-ounce package), thawed


1/3 to 1/2 cup red cherry preserves

4 ounces Brie cheese, cut into 1/2x1/2-inch pieces (36 pieces)

1/4 cup chopped pecans

2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives

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1. Heat oven to 375°. Spray 36 miniature muffin cups, 1 3/4x1 inch, with cooking spray. Cut pastry into 36 (1 1/2-inch) squares. Slightly press each square into muffin cup; press center with finger.

2. Bake 10 minutes. Press center with handle of wooden spoon. Bake 6 to 8 minutes longer or until golden brown. Immediately press again in center. Fill each with about 1/2 teaspoon preserves. Top with cheese piece, pecans and chives.

3. Bake 3 to 5 minutes or until cheese is melted. Serve warm.

High Altitude (3500-6500 ft): No changes.





Substitution

If you like spicy foods, try substituting red or green jalapeño jelly for the cherry preserves. It's a delicious touch of sweet and spice!

Do-Ahead

Go ahead and assemble the cups and bake up to 4 hours in advance, omitting the final bake time for melting the cheese. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to bake. Right before serving, heat at 375° just until warm and cheese is melted.

Special Touch

Arrange these pretty appetizer cups on tiered serving plates with fresh rosemary and cherries.