Festive Cranberry Brie Bites are a warm, flaky, creamy holiday appetizer that tastes as magical as the season feels. Soft melted brie nestled inside golden puff pastry cups, topped with sweet-tart cranberry sauce and a drizzle of honey, create a bite-sized treat that feels gourmet yet takes minutes to prepare.
The first time I brought these to a Christmas party, they vanished faster than anything else on the table. They’re elegant without effort, festive without fuss, and one of those appetizers that makes everyone stop mid-conversation for a happy “wow.”
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in about 20 minutes
- Just a handful of ingredients
- Buttery, flaky, creamy, and sweet-tart in one bite
- Perfect for Christmas parties, holiday brunch, or cozy nights in
- Easy to batch-make and transport
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 6 oz (170 g) brie cheese, cut into small cubes
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (whole berry works best)
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- Fresh rosemary or thyme, finely chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: chopped pecans or pistachios for crunch
Step-By-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep Pastry
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a mini muffin pan. Unfold puff pastry and cut into 12 small squares.
Step 2: Fill
Press each pastry square gently into the muffin wells. Add a cube of brie to each. Top with 1 teaspoon of cranberry sauce.
Step 3: Bake
Bake 12 to 15 minutes until pastry is puffed and golden and cheese is bubbly.
Step 4: Garnish
Remove from oven. Drizzle lightly with honey and sprinkle rosemary or thyme on top. Add nuts if using.
Step 5: Serve
Serve warm and melty. These bites taste best fresh, but they’re still delicious at room temperature.
Chef’s Tips
- Keep puff pastry cold for maximum flakiness
- Trim rind from brie if you prefer a smoother texture
- Don’t overfill with cranberry sauce — it can overflow
- Add a tiny pinch of flaky salt to elevate the sweetness
- Warm your cranberry sauce slightly so it scoops smoothly
Variations
- Swap cranberry for fig jam, raspberry jam, or apricot preserves
- Use goat cheese instead of brie for a tangier flavor
- Stir orange zest into the cranberry sauce for brightness
- Make savory versions with pesto or caramelized onions
- Top with candied pecans for a sweet crunch
Serving Suggestions
Serve these cranberry brie bites with:
- Holiday charcuterie boards
- Sparkling cider or prosecco
- Mulled wine or hot toddy
- Fresh fruit and nuts
Perfect for:
- Christmas appetizers
- Holiday brunch
- Office potlucks
- Cocktail parties
- Christmas Eve gatherings
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Letting pastry warm too much before baking
- Overfilling pastry cups
- Underbaking — they should be deeply golden
- Skipping honey drizzle (adds balance)
- Forgetting garnish — herbs make them feel festive
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- Prep ahead: Cut pastry and cube brie in advance
- Refrigerate leftovers up to 2 days
- Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5–7 minutes
- Avoid microwaving — pastry loses crispness
Nutrition (approx. per bite)
- Calories: 130
- Protein: 3 g
- Fat: 8 g
- Carbs: 11 g
Festive Cranberry Brie Bites
Equipment
- Mini muffin pan
- Knife for cubing brie
- Cutting board
- small spoon or teaspoon for cranberry sauce
- Pastry brush (optional) for honey drizzle
- Oven
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 6 oz brie cheese, cut into small cubes
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (whole berry preferred)
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- fresh rosemary or thyme, finely chopped (for garnish)
- chopped pecans or pistachios (optional, for crunch)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a mini muffin pan. Unfold puff pastry and cut into 12 squares.
- Press each pastry square into muffin wells. Add a cube of brie and a teaspoon of cranberry sauce on top.
- Bake 12–15 minutes until puffed and golden and cheese is bubbly.
- Drizzle lightly with honey. Garnish with rosemary or thyme and nuts if using.
- Serve warm or at room temperature. Best enjoyed fresh.
Notes
Nutrition
Warm, Flaky, and Holiday-Magic
Festive Cranberry Brie Bites are the kind of appetizer that feels like a holiday hug. Simple, elegant, and bursting with seasonal flavor, they bring warmth and joy to every bite.
Serve them proudly on your holiday table — and be ready to make another tray, because they never last long.
