These Cranberry Brie Bites are not only visually stunning, but they also offer the perfect balance of textures and flavors. The buttery puff pastry contrasts beautifully with the gooey, melty Brie, while the cranberry sauce adds a touch of brightness and sweetness. They’re incredibly easy to prepare, require only a handful of ingredients, and can be made ahead of time to save you stress on the day of your event. Whether you’re hosting or attending a gathering, these bites are guaranteed crowd-pleasers.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Puff pastry sheets (thawed if frozen)
Brie cheese (cut into small cubes)
Cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
Fresh rosemary (optional, for garnish)
Cooking spray or butter (for greasing the muffin tin)
Directions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Lightly grease a mini muffin tin with cooking spray or butter.
Roll out the puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface and cut them into small squares (about 2×2 inches).
Press each square into a mini muffin cup to form a base.
Add a cube of Brie into each puff pastry cup.
Top each with a small spoonful of cranberry sauce.
Optionally, sprinkle a bit of chopped fresh rosemary on top for extra flavor and a festive look.
Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and the Brie is melted and bubbly.
Let them cool slightly before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes approximately 24 bites and takes about 30 minutes total—10 minutes for prep and 15–20 minutes for baking. It serves 8–10 people as an appetizer.
Variations
Nutty Twist: Add a pecan half on top of each bite before baking for extra crunch.
Spicy Kick: Stir a bit of jalapeño jelly into the cranberry sauce for a sweet-heat combo.
Different Cheese: Swap Brie for Camembert or goat cheese for a different flavor profile.
Herb Infusion: Try adding thyme or sage instead of rosemary.
Fruit Swaps: Use fig jam, raspberry preserves, or apricot chutney in place of cranberry sauce for variety.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover Cranberry Brie Bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5–7 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the pastry soggy. These bites can also be made ahead and frozen—just reheat from frozen in the oven at 375°F for about 10 minutes.
FAQs
How far in advance can I make Cranberry Brie Bites?
You can assemble them a day ahead, cover tightly, and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Can I use phyllo dough instead of puff pastry?
Yes, phyllo can be used, but it will create a crispier, lighter texture compared to puff pastry.
What’s the best type of Brie to use?
Use a creamy, mild Brie. You can remove the rind or leave it on based on personal preference.
Do I need to pre-bake the puff pastry?
No, the puff pastry will cook thoroughly during baking along with the other ingredients.
Can I use homemade cranberry sauce?
Absolutely! Homemade cranberry sauce works wonderfully and allows you to control sweetness and spice.
Can I freeze them after baking?
Yes, freeze baked bites in a single layer, then transfer to a container. Reheat in the oven to retain crispness.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, use a gluten-free puff pastry alternative to make this recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive guests.
How do I prevent them from sticking to the pan?
Make sure to generously grease your muffin tin or use non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
Can I serve these at room temperature?
Yes, although they are best warm, they still taste great at room temperature and are perfect for buffets.
Conclusion
Cranberry Brie Bites are an irresistible combination of flavors and textures that are sure to be the hit of any party or holiday gathering. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can create an elegant appetizer that looks and tastes impressive. Whether served warm from the oven or made ahead, these little bites bring a festive touch to any celebration.
Cranberry Brie Bites are a festive, bite-sized appetizer featuring creamy Brie cheese and tangy cranberry sauce baked in flaky puff pastry. Perfect for holidays or parties, they are elegant, flavorful, and easy to make.
Ingredients
1 package puff pastry sheets, thawed
8 oz Brie cheese, cut into small cubes
1/2 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
Fresh rosemary, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Cooking spray or butter (for greasing the muffin tin)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Lightly grease a mini muffin tin with cooking spray or butter.
Roll out puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface and cut into 2×2 inch squares.
Press each square into a mini muffin cup to form a pastry base.
Add a cube of Brie to each cup.
Top each with a small spoonful of cranberry sauce.
Optionally, sprinkle chopped fresh rosemary on top for garnish.
Bake for 12–15 minutes, until pastry is golden and Brie is melted.
Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
Add a pecan half on top before baking for added crunch.Mix in jalapeño jelly with cranberry sauce for a spicy version.Swap Brie with Camembert or goat cheese for a twist.Use fig jam, raspberry preserves, or apricot chutney instead of cranberry sauce for variety.Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat in oven to maintain crispness.
