Cranberry Brie Bites are the ultimate bite-sized appetizer for the holidays. They’re made with buttery puff pastry, creamy brie cheese, and tangy cranberry sauce, all baked until bubbly and golden. Each little bite is rich, flaky, sweet, and savory the perfect combination of festive flavors.
I started making these for Christmas parties a few years ago, and they’ve become a go-to appetizer every year. They look elegant but take only a few minutes to prepare. Whether you serve them for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year’s Eve, they’re always the first thing to disappear from the table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy, ready in about 25 minutes
- Just three main ingredients
- Perfect balance of sweet, creamy, and buttery flavors
- Great for holiday entertaining or cozy gatherings
- Can be made ahead and baked fresh before serving
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 6 oz (170 g) brie cheese, cut into small cubes
- 1/2 cup (120 g) cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
- Fresh rosemary or thyme for garnish (optional)
Optional Add-Ins
- Chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch
- A sprinkle of sea salt or black pepper on top
- Orange zest for extra holiday flavor
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Puff Pastry
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly flour your work surface and unfold the puff pastry sheet. Cut it into 12 equal squares.
Step 2: Assemble the Bites
Place each puff pastry square into a mini muffin tin, pressing gently to create small cups. Add one cube of brie to the center of each cup. Top with about 1 teaspoon of cranberry sauce.
Step 3: Add Optional Toppings
Drizzle lightly with honey or maple syrup if you like sweetness. Add a small sprig of rosemary or a pinch of chopped nuts for garnish.
Step 4: Bake
Bake for 13 to 15 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown and the brie is melted and bubbly.
Step 5: Serve
Let the bites cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve warm for the perfect gooey, buttery texture.
Chef’s Tips for the Best Brie Bites
- Keep puff pastry cold until ready to use; it bakes flakier that way.
- Trim the rind off the brie if you prefer a smoother texture.
- Use homemade cranberry sauce for a fresh, tangy flavor.
- Add a drizzle of balsamic glaze after baking for extra elegance.
- Serve on a wooden board or platter for a beautiful presentation.
Variations and Substitutions
- Replace cranberry sauce with fig jam, apricot preserves, or apple butter.
- Use camembert or goat cheese instead of brie.
- Make them savory with caramelized onions and thyme.
- Use phyllo cups instead of puff pastry for a crispier texture.
- Add cooked bacon bits for a smoky twist.
Serving Suggestions
These cranberry brie bites are a crowd-pleasing appetizer for any occasion.
- Serve at Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year’s parties.
- Pair with wine, champagne, or sparkling cider.
- Arrange on a charcuterie board with nuts and fruit.
- Serve alongside savory dips or finger foods for variety.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overfilling the cups, which can cause the cheese to overflow.
- Using too warm puff pastry, making it harder to shape.
- Skipping parchment or nonstick spray, which can cause sticking.
- Baking too long, as the brie can burn quickly.
- Serving cold — they taste best warm and melty.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Assemble ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5 to 7 minutes until warm.
- Avoid microwaving, as the pastry can become soggy.
Nutrition Facts (per bite, approx.)
- Calories: 130
- Protein: 3 g
- Fat: 8 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Sugar: 4 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Calcium: 6% DV
Cranberry Brie Bites
Equipment
- Mini muffin tin
- Knife to cut brie
- Cutting board
- Oven
- pastry brush (optional for glaze)
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 6 oz brie cheese, cut into small cubes
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup (optional)
- fresh rosemary or thyme for garnish (optional)
- chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- orange zest (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly flour your work surface and unfold the puff pastry. Cut into 12 equal squares.
- Place each puff pastry square into a mini muffin tin, pressing to form cups. Add a cube of brie in each and top with 1 tsp cranberry sauce.
- Drizzle with honey or maple syrup if using. Add herbs, nuts, or zest as desired.
- Bake for 13–15 minutes or until puffed and golden, and the brie is melted and bubbly.
- Cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve warm for best flavor and texture.
Notes
Nutrition
Sweet, Savory, and Perfectly Festive
Cranberry Brie Bites are a beautiful combination of creamy, buttery, and fruity flavors that bring instant cheer to any holiday spread. They’re elegant enough for a dinner party but simple enough to make on a weeknight.
