Sugarplum Baked Brie Bites

Name: Sugarplum Baked Brie Bites
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 32 min
Yield: 36
Ingredients: 1/4 cup dried cranberries; 1/4 cup dried cherries; 6 dried plums (pitted prunes); 1/2 cup raw walnut halves; 2 teaspoons orange zest; 2 tablespoons apricot jam; 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg; 1/4 teaspoon allspice; 1/8 teaspoon cardamom; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 12 ounces brie cheese; 36 slices baguette; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary, optional

Cook Time: 12 minutes

Ingredients

1/4 cup dried cranberries
1/4 cup dried cherries
6 dried plums (pitted prunes)
1/2 cup raw walnut halves
2 teaspoons orange zest
2 tablespoons apricot jam
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
1/8 teaspoon ground cardamom
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
12 ounces Brie cheese
36 slices baguette
2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary (optional)

Directions

Step 1: To prepare the sugar plum mixture, chop the dried cranberries, dried cherries, and dried plums into small pieces. Pile the chopped fruits together and place the walnut halves on top. Continue chopping everything until you reach the desired fineness. Transfer the mixture to a bowl.

Step 2: Add the orange zest, apricot jam, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, cardamom, and salt to the fruit and nut mixture. Stir everything together with a spoon until well combined. If needed, add a little more apricot jam to help the mixture hold together.

Step 3: Preheat your oven to 450F (230C). Prepare one or two baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper or a Silpat baking mat.

Step 4: For each bite, place a slice of baguette on the prepared sheet pans. Spoon a generous portion of the sugar plum mixture onto each baguette slice.

Step 5: Cut the Brie cheese in half, then slice each half into 1/8-inch thick pieces. Top each baguette slice with enough cheese to completely cover the sugar plum mixture. You may need to arrange smaller slices together to ensure full coverage.

Step 6: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven. Bake for about 12 minutes, or until the Brie cheese is melted and beginning to brown in spots. Once baked, remove from the oven and let the bites stand for a few minutes to cool slightly.

Step 7: Transfer the Brie bites to a serving tray or board. If desired, sprinkle some extra chopped dried cranberries over the top and scatter chopped rosemary. Serve warm for the best experience. These bites are also delicious at room temperature, so you can prepare them ahead of time if needed.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories	6g Fat	51g Carbs	12g Protein
302	6g	51g	12g
Total Fat	6g (7%)	Saturated Fat	2g (11%)
Cholesterol	9mg (3%)	Sodium	624mg (27%)
Total Carbohydrate	51g (19%)	Dietary Fiber	2g (8%)
Total Sugars	7g	Protein	12g (24%)
Vitamin C	1mg (1%)	Calcium	68mg (5%)
Iron	4mg (20%)	Potassium	147mg (3%)

Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

History and Origins: Sugarplum Baked Brie Bites, as the name suggests, is a delightful fusion of seasonal flavors typically associated with the holiday season. The tradition of sugarplums is steeped in European history, particularly in the early 19th century. The term sugarplum originally referred to sweet confections made from sugar and dried fruits, often shaped into tiny, colorful candies. However, over time, the term evolved to represent a broader array of sweet and spiced dishes served during winter holidays. The use of dried fruits, spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, and the incorporation of creamy Brie cheese in this recipe captures the essence of those classic holiday flavors, making it a modern reinterpretation of an old tradition. Brie cheese, native to France, has been a part of French culinary heritage since the 8th century. The combination of melted Brie with dried fruits and nuts has quickly become a staple appetizer for festive gatherings in recent years. Sugarplum Baked Brie Bites offer an innovative twist by serving the familiar holiday flavors in a bite-sized format, making them perfect for social occasions and casual gatherings.

Regional Features: While the ingredients of this dishsuch as Brie cheese, dried fruits, and spicesare enjoyed worldwide, the regional influence of Sugarplum Baked Brie Bites is notably European. The traditional combination of fruits and nuts, especially the inclusion of dried cherries, cranberries, and prunes, can be traced back to French and English winter traditions. In these regions, dried fruits were commonly used during the cold months when fresh produce was scarce. In America, this dish has gained popularity as a holiday appetizer, often served at Thanksgiving and Christmas parties due to its festive appearance and rich, warming flavors. The addition of rosemary as an optional garnish adds a herbal note that contrasts with the sweetness of the fruit topping, a subtle nod to the more savory aspects of European cheese boards.

Difference from Similar Dishes: Sugarplum Baked Brie Bites stand out from other baked Brie recipes due to their unique topping. Traditional baked Brie often features a simple layer of honey or jam, whereas this recipe uses a spiced sugarplum mixture, incorporating dried fruits like cherries, cranberries, and prunes, along with toasted walnuts. The addition of fragrant spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom elevates the flavor profile, creating a complex yet balanced bite. This distinct combination of sweet and savory elements differentiates Sugarplum Baked Brie Bites from other cheese-based appetizers, making them more aromatic and flavorful. Another key difference lies in the bite-sized servings, which makes them more convenient for guests to enjoy without the need for cutting into a larger wheel of Brie. Unlike traditional baked Brie, which is often served in a whole form, these individual bites offer a more modern and visually appealing presentation.

Where It's Usually Served: Sugarplum Baked Brie Bites are perfect for any holiday gathering, especially around Christmas and New Year's Eve. They are commonly served as an appetizer at festive dinners, cocktail parties, or as part of a cheese platter during family celebrations. Their versatility makes them ideal for both formal events and casual get-togethers. In some regions, particularly in the United States, they are also featured at Thanksgiving dinners as a seasonal appetizer. These bites are best enjoyed warm, straight from the oven, although they remain delicious even at room temperature, which makes them easy to prepare ahead of time. The dish is also a great addition to charcuterie boards, providing a nice contrast to smoked meats, crackers, and other cheeses. It pairs well with both red and white wines, making it a crowd-pleaser for various occasions.

Interesting Facts: - The combination of dried fruits, nuts, and warm spices is reminiscent of old European Christmas desserts, such as fruitcakes and spiced breads, which were traditionally made to last through the winter months. - Brie cheese, often referred to as "the queen of cheeses," is believed to have been created in the French region of Brie as early as the 8th century. The cheeses creamy texture and delicate flavor make it a perfect partner for the sweetness of dried fruit and the warmth of spices. - The sugarplum mixture used in this recipe is a modern twist on the classic candy, which was once so highly regarded that it was often mentioned in literature, including Tchaikovsky's famous ballet The Nutcracker. - This dish is not only a festive favorite but also versatile: variations can include swapping out the dried fruits for fresh fruits like pears or figs, or using different cheeses such as goat cheese or camembert for an alternative flavor profile.

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FAQ about Sugarplum Baked Brie Bites

Sugarplum Baked Brie Bites can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through. They are also great served at room temperature.

Yes, you can prepare the bites ahead of time. Assemble them on the baking sheet, cover with plastic wrap, and store them in the refrigerator for up to a day before baking. When ready, bake as directed.

It is not recommended to freeze Sugarplum Baked Brie Bites, as the texture of the bread and brie may change after thawing. If you do freeze them, bake them first, then store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 1 month. Reheat in the oven once thawed.

If you don’t have apricot jam, you can substitute with honey, fig jam, or any fruit preserve of your choice. Adjust the quantity based on the sweetness you prefer.

While Brie is recommended for its creamy texture, you can substitute it with other soft cheeses like Camembert, goat cheese, or cream cheese, depending on your flavor preference.

Yes, you can omit the walnuts if you have nut allergies or simply prefer not to use them. You could replace them with seeds (like pumpkin or sunflower) or additional dried fruit for texture.

To prevent the bread from becoming soggy, make sure to bake the baguette slices before topping them with the sugar plum mixture. This will create a crisp base. Additionally, avoid overloading the bread with too much jam or fruit mixture.

The sugar plum mixture can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. When ready to use, simply stir and spoon it onto the baguette slices before adding the cheese and baking.

Yes, you can use dried rosemary if fresh is unavailable. Use about 1/3 of the amount called for in the recipe, as dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor. Sprinkle it over the bites before serving.

Comments

Kevin Davis

01/12/2025 07:58:28 PM

Having purchased dried cherries, prunes, cranberries, and cheese, I decided to skip the apricot preserves and chose honey instead. I simply removed the top of the brie and placed it in a suitable container to keep the melted cheese nicely contained. I sprinkled it with the Sugar Plum topping and baked it according to the instructions. The result was incredibly delicious! We enjoyed it with crackers as a delightful Christmas appetizer and finished the whole thing in no time. Definitely planning to make this again! Personally, I believe adding bread would have been excessive, but it was still incredibly tasty!

Charles Lee

01/02/2023 02:01:46 PM

The dish was incredibly tasty, although slightly heavy on the bread. For my next attempt, I plan to slice the bread thinner or transform it into a dip, as suggested in another review. I also experimented by swapping the cheese for prosciutto, and surprisingly, I enjoyed the dish even more that way. The combination of bread, sweet topping, and prosciutto complement each other perfectly.