Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe
If you’re on the hunt for a show-stopping appetizer that’s both elegant and surprisingly easy, this Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe is exactly what you need. These little pockets of gooey Brie, tart cranberry, and flaky pastry come together in a way that instantly makes you the host with the most. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll have a new favorite for holiday parties, weekend get-togethers, or whenever you’re feeling a bit fancy.
What I love most about this Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe is how it balances sweet, savory, and crunchy textures all in one bite. It’s perfect for those moments when you want something that feels special but doesn’t require a ton of fuss. Plus, puff pastry is a total game-changer here—it browns up beautifully and gives such a buttery crisp base for the Brie and cranberries to shine.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients come together like an all-star team—the flaky puff pastry gives structure, the creamy Brie adds richness, and the cranberry sauce brings that festive pop of flavor. Be sure to grab a good-quality Brie for the best melty texture, and whole berry cranberry sauce really elevates the taste with its natural sweetness and texture.
- Puff pastry dough: Using sheets makes assembling these bites super easy and keeps that lovely flaky texture.
- Brie cheese: Choose a creamy wedge; rind adds flavor but can be cut off if you prefer milder bites.
- Whole berry cranberry sauce: Adds a fresh, fruity tartness; homemade or store-bought works.
- Pecans: Finely chopped for a bit of crunchy texture contrast—toast them lightly for extra flavor if you have time.
- Rosemary sprigs: Fresh rosemary cut into small pieces for an herby aroma and subtle piney taste.
Variations
I love tweaking this Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe depending on the season or mood. Feel free to make it your own by swapping handfuls of ingredients or modifying the toppings to suit your taste. The great thing is that these bites are so adaptable!
- Add a drizzle of honey: In fall, I drizzle a little honey before baking to boost sweetness and create a lovely glaze.
- Swap pecans for walnuts or almonds: Different nuts give a new crunch dimension—walnuts add earthiness, almonds bring a mild nuttiness.
- Use fig jam instead of cranberry sauce: For a less tart but equally luxurious bite, fig jam brings a rich, caramelized flavor.
- Make it vegan: Use dairy-free Brie alternative and a vegan puff pastry to keep it plant-based and just as tasty.
- Add a sprinkle of chili flakes: If you like a touch of heat, a pinch of chili flakes pairs surprisingly well with the sweet and savory combo.
How to Make Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Puff Pastry
Start by thawing your puff pastry sheets according to the package instructions—you want them cold but pliable. Roll each sheet slightly on a lightly floured surface to smooth out the creases (this helps them puff up evenly). Then cut each sheet into squares roughly 2 to 2½ inches wide—this size fits perfectly in a mini muffin tin.
Step 2: Fill Those Pastry Cups
Gently press each square into the mini muffin tin to create little cups. Don’t worry if the edges aren’t perfect—the puff pastry takes care of the rest by puffing nicely in the oven. Next, cut your Brie into small chunks or thin slices, and pop one into each pastry cup. Add about a teaspoon of cranberry sauce on top, then sprinkle the finely chopped pecans and rosemary pieces for that extra flavor punch.
Step 3: Bake Until Golden and Melty
Pop the filled muffin tin into a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Bake for about 15 to 18 minutes, or until the puff pastry is puffed and golden brown, and the Brie inside is melted into creamy perfection. Keep an eye on them near the end so they don’t over-brown. Let the bites cool for a few minutes before removing—they’ll firm up just enough to hold together but still be melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
How to Serve Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe
Garnishes
I love adding a tiny fresh rosemary sprig on top of each bite after baking—it instantly looks festive and adds fresh herbal notes. Sometimes a quick dusting of powdered sugar gives a subtle touch of sweetness that pairs beautifully with the tart cranberries.
Side Dishes
These bites are a perfect appetizer alongside a crisp green salad with vinaigrette or a charcuterie platter featuring olives, nuts, and cured meats. They also pair nicely with a glass of dry white wine or sparkling cider—great for celebrations!
Creative Ways to Present
For holiday parties, I’ve arranged these bites on a rustic wooden board surrounded by fresh cranberries and rosemary sprigs. Using mini tart pans or phyllo cups instead of the muffin tin also gives a slightly different shape and texture. These little tweaks make serving them feel extra special without extra work.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers keep surprisingly well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Since the Brie can firm up, I recommend gently reheating them before serving again so they’re warm and melty like fresh out of the oven.
Freezing
If you want to prep ahead, you can freeze the assembled but unbaked Cranberry Brie Bites on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag once solid. Bake them straight from frozen, allowing a few extra minutes in the oven—this is a lifesaver for last-minute entertaining!
Reheating
I gently reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven for about 5-7 minutes to revive that flaky texture and melty Brie without overcooking the cranberry topping. Quick stovetop warming tends to make the pastry soggy, so the oven method is my go-to for best results.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen puff pastry for this Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen puff pastry works perfectly as long as you thaw it properly according to package instructions—usually overnight in the refrigerator. Thawed puff pastry is easier to handle and will puff up beautifully when baked.
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Do I need to remove the rind from the Brie?
The rind is edible and adds nice flavor and texture to the bites. However, if you or your guests prefer a milder texture, you can gently peel it off before cutting the Brie.
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Can I make these vegetarian or vegan?
Yes! This Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe is naturally vegetarian as is. To make vegan versions, substitute the Brie with plant-based cheese options and choose vegan puff pastry. Make sure the cranberry sauce doesn’t contain any animal-derived ingredients as well.
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How long can I make these ahead?
You can assemble the bites and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Alternatively, freezing them beforehand is also possible for longer storage.
Final Thoughts
This Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe has become my go-to for impressing friends without stressing in the kitchen. The way the brie melts alongside the sweet cranberries and crunchy pecans inside buttery puff pastry is just irresistible. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how easy, versatile, and downright delicious this appetizer can be. Promise it’ll become a staple in your recipe box too!
Print
Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 bites 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cranberry Brie Bites are elegant, bite-sized appetizers perfect for holidays and gatherings. Featuring flaky puff pastry filled with creamy Brie cheese, tangy whole berry cranberry sauce, crunchy pecans, and fragrant rosemary, these savory-sweet treats are simple to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Pastry
- 2 sheets puff pastry dough
Filling
- 8 ounces Brie cheese
- 1 cup whole berry cranberry sauce
- ⅓ cup pecans, finely chopped
- 5 sprigs rosemary, cut into 1-inch pieces
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking the puff pastry bites evenly.
- Prepare Puff Pastry: Roll out the puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface. Cut each sheet into approximately 12 squares to make about 24 total bites. Gently press each square into a mini muffin tin cup to shape the pastry shells.
- Add Brie: Cut the Brie cheese into small cubes or slices and place one piece in the center of each puff pastry shell, ensuring an even distribution of cheese across all bites.
- Add Cranberry Sauce: Spoon about a teaspoon of whole berry cranberry sauce on top of the Brie in each pastry cup. The cranberry sauce adds a delicious tang and sweetness that complements the cheese.
- Top with Pecans and Rosemary: Sprinkle the finely chopped pecans over each cranberry-topped pastry. Then place a small piece of rosemary sprig on top for a fragrant and visually appealing garnish.
- Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes until the puff pastry is golden and puffed, and the Brie has melted.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the bites from the oven and allow them to cool slightly in the muffin tin for 5 minutes. Carefully remove each bite with a small spatula or spoon and transfer to a serving platter. Serve warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- If Brie rind is undesired, you may trim it off before cutting into pieces.
- Whole berry cranberry sauce can be substituted with homemade cranberry chutney for a fresher flavor.
- To make ahead, prepare the bites and refrigerate assembled for up to 4 hours before baking.
- Use mini muffin tins for perfectly sized bite appetizers.
- Pecans can be toasted lightly beforehand to enhance flavor.
Keywords: Cranberry Brie Bites, Puff Pastry Appetizers, Holiday Appetizers, Brie Cheese Recipes, Cranberry Sauce Snacks
