If ever there was a party appetizer that guarantees rave reviews and disappears the second it hits the table, Cranberry Brie Bites have got to be it. These dazzling little morsels are the perfect blend of creamy, gooey cheese and sweet-tart cranberry sauce, all hugged in flaky, golden pastry. You get an irresistible contrast of flavors and textures in just one (dangerously addictive) bite. Whether it’s your first time making them or they’re already a go-to favorite, this is one of those recipes you’ll look for any excuse to make during the holidays—or honestly, any time you crave a cheerful treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the joys of Cranberry Brie Bites is how such a show-stopping appetizer comes together with just a handful of ingredients. Each one plays a starring role, creating that signature mix of creamy, buttery, and tangy flavors you’ll crave long after the platter’s empty.
- Puff Pastry: Delivers the flaky, crisp shell that holds everything together—make sure to use it chilled for best results.
- Brie Cheese: This creamy, mild cheese becomes perfectly melty and gooey when baked, acting as the luscious heart of each bite.
- Cranberry Sauce: Provides that bright, sweet-tart pop—both homemade and store-bought work, but whole-berry versions add extra texture.
- Chopped Pecans (optional): Sprinkle these on top for a crunchy, buttery contrast that pairs so well with the creamy cheese and tart cranberry.
- Fresh Rosemary (optional): Adds a fragrant, woodsy note that invites compliments and a truly festive flair.
- Egg (for egg wash): Helps the pastry turn a glorious golden brown, and gives a shiny, bakery-style finish.
How to Make Cranberry Brie Bites
Step 1: Prep the Puff Pastry
Start by letting your puff pastry thaw just until it’s workable—cold, but bendable. Unroll or unfold it on a lightly floured surface and, using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice it into 24 even squares. Each square will be the perfect bed for your cheesy, cranberry goodness.
Step 2: Line the Muffin Pan
Grab a mini muffin pan and lightly spray it with nonstick cooking spray. Gently press one puff pastry square into each cup, creating a little nest that will hold all the delicious fillings. Don’t worry if the edges look a bit rustic—imperfections just add charm!
Step 3: Cut the Brie
Now for the best part: the cheese. Cut the Brie into small cubes, about 3/4-inch each. No need to remove the rind—it’s totally edible and melts beautifully, adding both flavor and structure to your Cranberry Brie Bites.
Step 4: Fill and Top
Time to assemble! Drop a cube of Brie into each pastry-lined cup, then spoon about a teaspoon of cranberry sauce over the top. If you’re going for extra flair, sprinkle a pinch of chopped pecans and a tiny sprig or sprinkle of rosemary on each one.
Step 5: Egg Wash and Bake
Lightly beat an egg and brush the exposed pastry edges for that delectable glossy finish. Slide the pan into a preheated 375°F oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, until the pastry is puffed and golden and the cheese is bubbling. The aroma alone will make your mouth water!
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Let the Cranberry Brie Bites cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a serving platter. This helps the cheese set just enough that you can pick them up easily—no one wants molten Brie all over their fingers (tempting as it sounds!).
How to Serve Cranberry Brie Bites
Garnishes
Garnishing isn’t just about looks, though it certainly makes your Cranberry Brie Bites extra eye-catching. Scatter a little more chopped fresh rosemary or a light dusting of orange zest across your platter just before serving. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt can also amplify flavors and add a subtle crunch.
Side Dishes
Balance out the richness of Cranberry Brie Bites with a crisp, green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette or arrange them on a cheeseboard with thin apple slices, grapes, and maybe some prosciutto. These bites also play well with roasted nuts and even a bowl of marinated olives for an added savory contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Don’t just serve them on a plain tray! Try arranging your Cranberry Brie Bites on a rustic wooden board with fresh rosemary sprigs tucked between. For a festive touch, line them up on a narrow platter or for casual gatherings, nestle them into cupcake wrappers for easy grabbing. They also make adorable additions to a holiday brunch spread.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you actually end up with leftovers (good luck!), store completely cooled Cranberry Brie Bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to three days and still taste wonderful when gently reheated.
Freezing
Need to plan ahead? Assemble the bites but skip the baking, then pop them onto a tray to freeze until solid. Transfer to a zip-top bag, freeze for up to a month, and bake from frozen—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time for perfectly fresh bites anytime.
Reheating
To reheat, place the Cranberry Brie Bites on a baking sheet and warm them in a 350°F oven for about 6-8 minutes or until heated through. This restores the pastry’s flakiness and the cheese’s creaminess, making them taste like they’re just out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I use a different cheese in place of Brie?
Absolutely! While brie is classic, camembert is a great swap, and creamy goat cheese can give your bites a tangier twist. Just be sure to pick a cheese that melts well for the right texture.
Is it okay to use homemade cranberry sauce?
Homemade cranberry sauce is not just okay—it’s fantastic! It lets you control the sweetness and add any fun extras, like orange zest or cinnamon, that make your Cranberry Brie Bites uniquely yours.
Can I make Cranberry Brie Bites ahead of time?
You sure can. Assemble the bites and refrigerate them covered on the baking tray for a few hours before your event, then just pop them in the oven right before guests arrive for maximum flakiness and warmth.
Are Cranberry Brie Bites vegetarian?
They are vegetarian as long as your Brie and puff pastry use non-animal rennet and fats. Most store-bought versions are, but it never hurts to double-check if serving vegetarians.
How do I keep the pastry from getting soggy?
Letting the bites cool slightly before removing them from the pan prevents steam from building up underneath. Also, using whole cranberry sauce instead of a runny variety helps keep the bottoms crisp.
Final Thoughts
There’s a reason people swoon over Cranberry Brie Bites every time they appear—they’re genuinely easy, impossible to resist, and bring a little sparkle to any special occasion. I hope you’ll give these a try, whether you’re gathering with friends, setting a holiday table, or just craving something deliciously different. Happy baking!
Print
Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12–15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 bites
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American / Holiday
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cranberry Brie Bites are elegant, creamy, and festive mini appetizers featuring melted Brie, tangy cranberry sauce, and flaky puff pastry—perfect for parties or holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 sheet (about 8×8 in / 20×20 cm) frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 6 oz brie cheese (170 g), rind on, cut into 24 approx. ¾‑in cubes
- ½ cup cranberry sauce (whole‑berry or homemade)
- 2 tbsp chopped pecans (optional)
- 1 tsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped (optional)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- On a lightly floured surface, unroll puff pastry and cut into 24 equal squares (~2.5 in / 6 cm).
- Lightly grease a mini‑muffin tin. Press each pastry square into a cup to form a nest.
- Place one cube of Brie in each nest, then top with ~1 tsp cranberry sauce.
- If using, sprinkle chopped pecans and rosemary on top.
- Brush exposed pastry edges with beaten egg.
- Bake for 12–15 min, until pastry is puffed/golden and cheese is bubbling.
- Cool in pan for 2–3 min, then transfer to a serving platter.
Notes
- Use a homemade or high‑quality store‑bought cranberry sauce—whole‑berry texture helps prevent soggy pastry.
- Camembert or soft goat cheese can replace Brie for variation.
- Make up to assembly stage ahead and keep refrigerated, then bake just before serving.
- To freeze, assemble bites but don’t bake. Freeze on a tray until solid, then store in a bag for up to 1 month. Bake from frozen—add 2–3 extra minutes.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat at 350°F for 6–8 min to crisp pastry.
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