If ever there was a holiday appetizer that looked as impressive as it tasted, it would have to be these Cranberry Brie Bites. With crisp, golden puff pastry cradling a creamy nugget of brie and a dollop of bright, tangy cranberry sauce, this bite-sized treat is pure festive joy! The sweet-tart cranberries and velvety cheese, offset by a puff of buttery pastry, make these little morsels the star of every gathering. Whether you need a quick party snack or the perfect way to kick off a holiday meal, Cranberry Brie Bites are always met with delight!

Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredient list for Cranberry Brie Bites is blissfully short, but every component is hand-picked for flavor and texture. Each piece, from the flaky pastry to the creamy cheese, adds its own magic touch to this beautiful appetizer.

Puff Pastry: Store-bought puff pastry gives you that glorious, flaky base without a fuss—just remember to thaw it completely before using for best results.
Cranberry Sauce: The sweet and tart cranberry sauce provides a festive pop of color and perfectly complements the creamy brie.
Brie Cheese: Brie’s gooey, buttery richness is what makes these bites truly irresistible; be sure to cut it into even cubes for consistent melting.
Chopped Rosemary (optional): A sprinkle of rosemary elevates the aroma and adds a gourmet touch—it’s optional, but highly recommended if you love a hint of herbaceous flavor.

How to Make Cranberry Brie Bites

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Tools

Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C), which is just the right temperature to create a beautifully crisp pastry exterior without sacrificing that gooey center. While the oven preheats, grab your trusty mini muffin tin and lightly grease it to ensure safely releasing your finished bites—no sticking allowed!

Step 2: Shape the Puff Pastry

Unfold your thawed puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured work surface. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the pastry into 2-inch squares—don’t worry about perfection; rustic is part of the charm! Press each square gently but firmly into the mini muffin tin cups, letting the excess sit up the edges to create a little cup that’ll hold all those yummy fillings.

Step 3: Fill with Brie and Cranberry Sauce

Drop a cube of brie into the bottom of each pastry cup, followed by a teaspoon of cranberry sauce on top. This layering ensures you’ll bite into creamy cheese melding with sweet-tart cranberries in every mouthful. For extra flavor, tuck in a sprinkle of chopped rosemary, if using.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide your tray into the preheated oven and bake the Cranberry Brie Bites for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and beautifully golden. Keep an eye toward the end—you want bubbling cheese and vibrant cranberry, but not burnt edges.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Let the bites cool in the pan for a few minutes before gently popping them out to a serving platter. They’re absolutely divine served warm, when the brie is still melty and indulgent, but they taste fantastic at room temperature too, making them party-perfect.

How to Serve Cranberry Brie Bites

Garnishes

A swift flourish can turn your Cranberry Brie Bites into a show-stopper. Consider a light shower of freshly chopped rosemary, a crack of black pepper, or even a scattering of toasted chopped walnuts on top for extra crunch and interest.

Side Dishes

These bites love company! Serve them with a vibrant winter salad, a bowl of marinated olives, or a selection of fresh grapes and sliced pears. Their rich, savory-sweet flavor pairs beautifully with lighter, acidic dishes and fresh fruit.

Creative Ways to Present

Go beyond the basic platter! Arrange your Cranberry Brie Bites on a festive wooden board with sprigs of rosemary tucked around for a woodland feel, or serve them in cupcake liners for a playful touch. For cocktail parties, try skewering them with festive toothpicks to make grabbing a bite even easier.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have any leftovers, place your Cranberry Brie Bites in an airtight container. They’ll keep in the fridge for up to three days, making them a great make-ahead option for busy holiday weeks.

Freezing

For longer storage, these bites freeze wonderfully. Let them cool completely, then arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze. Once hard, transfer to a freezer bag; you can reheat directly from frozen, making these a handy appetizer to have on standby.

Reheating

To refresh your Cranberry Brie Bites, simply place them on a baking tray in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 5 to 8 minutes, until warmed through and the cheese is melty again. Avoid the microwave for best texture—your pastry will thank you!

FAQs

Can I use a different cheese instead of brie?

Absolutely! Camembert is a close cousin to brie and melts beautifully. Goat cheese or even cream cheese with a touch of honey could work for a different but delicious twist.

Is homemade cranberry sauce better than canned?

Both work wonderfully, so use whichever you prefer! Homemade cranberry sauce gives you total control over the sweetness and texture, but a good-quality canned version is a perfectly tasty shortcut.

Can I assemble these in advance?

Yes! You can assemble the uncooked Cranberry Brie Bites and refrigerate them, covered, for up to 24 hours before baking. Perfect for stress-free entertaining.

What if I don’t have mini muffin tins?

No worries—use a regular muffin tin and simply cut the pastry and cheese slightly larger, or line a baking tray with parchment and form rough “cups” by folding the pastry up around the filling.

Can I add nuts or herbs?

Definitely! Add a sprinkle of chopped walnuts, pecans, or pistachios for added crunch, or try fresh thyme or sage for a new dimension of flavor.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s equal parts simple and stunning, you just can’t go wrong with Cranberry Brie Bites. Give them a try at your next gathering and watch just how quickly they disappear—the hardest part will be saving a few for yourself!

Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 24 reviews

Author: Sara
Total Time: 25 min
Yield: 24 bites
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These festive Cranberry Brie Bites are flaky, gooey, and irresistibly sweet-savory. Perfect for the holidays.

Ingredients

Puff Pastry:

1 sheet puff pastry, thawed

Cranberry Sauce:

½ cup cranberry sauce

Brie Cheese:

4 oz Brie cheese, cut into small cubes

Optional:

1 tbsp chopped rosemary

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Instructions

Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cut pastry: Cut puff pastry into 2-inch squares and press into mini muffin tin.
Add ingredients: Add a cube of Brie and 1 tsp cranberry sauce into each. Sprinkle rosemary, if using.
Bake: Bake for 15–18 minutes until golden and bubbly.