Maple Butter Brie Bites (An Easy Gluten-Free Thanksgiving Appetizer)

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If I could only bring one appetizer to a party for the rest of my life, it would be these. Maple Butter Brie Bites are little cubes of gluten-free bread toasted in butter and maple syrup until they’re caramelized and crispy, then topped with a piece of creamy triple-cream brie and one more drizzle of maple.

They’re one of my five-star recipes, and they are a true show-stopper. Nobody will ever guess they’re gluten-free, and they disappear like magic. Set out a platter on Thanksgiving while the turkey rests and watch. They’re my favorite gluten-free Thanksgiving appetizer, and just as perfect for Christmas and New Year’s Eve.

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Why These Brie Bites Work

• Maple butter toasting: the bread cubes soak up the butter and maple, then caramelize in the skillet into crispy, candy-edged bites. It’s the trick that makes gluten-free bread taste like the best part of a French toast.
• Triple-cream brie: it’s richer and softer than regular brie, so it melts into the warm bread.
• Sweet and salty: the extra maple drizzle and the buttery cheese make every bite taste like dessert and an appetizer at once.

The One Rule: Don’t Walk Away

Maple syrup goes from caramelized to burnt fast. Keep the heat at medium, toast in a single layer (work in batches if needed), and keep turning the cubes until every side is a deep golden brown. Stay at the stove the whole time. It only takes a few minutes, and it’s worth it.

Tips for the Best Brie Bites

• Use regular sandwich-thickness gluten-free bread, not thick-cut. Day-old bread holds its shape best and gets the crispiest.
• Make them pretty: instead of cubes, use a small cookie cutter to cut stars, hearts or leaves from each slice. Leaves for Thanksgiving, stars for Christmas, hearts for Valentine’s Day.
• Let the toasted cubes cool for a minute before adding the brie so the cheese softens without sliding off.
• Choose a triple-cream brie like Saint André or Délice de Bourgogne.
• For a little extra, finish with flaky salt, fresh thyme or chopped toasted pecans.

Make It Ahead

Toast the maple butter bread cubes up to 4 hours ahead and keep them uncovered at room temperature. Right before guests arrive, top with brie and drizzle with maple. If you like the brie extra melty, warm the finished bites in a 350°F oven for 1 to 2 minutes.

Is This Appetizer Gluten-Free?

Yes, as long as you use gluten-free bread. Butter, pure maple syrup and brie are naturally gluten-free. Always check labels if you’re cooking for someone with celiac disease.

Hosting a crowd? Pair these with my show-stopper ideas and grab my 5 free gluten-free recipes. Tag @unbelievablygf when the platter is empty.

What I use: Udi’s gluten-free bread, Kerrygold salted butter, organic pure maple syrup, Maldon flaky salt and a small marble serving board.

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