If you’re looking for a show-stopping party appetizer that feels effortless yet incredibly elegant, Cranberry Brie Bites are your new best friend. These handheld jewels combine flaky puff pastry, gooey Brie cheese, and tart cranberry sauce—a trio that bursts with color and flavor in every bite. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or bringing a tray to your next potluck, prepare yourself for these irresistible bites to vanish in minutes. The best part? They look stunning and taste gourmet, but couldn’t be easier to whip up.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every element in these Cranberry Brie Bites plays a simple but important part, contributing to their irresistible balance of texture, flavor, and festive flair. Don’t skip or skimp—each ingredient brings the magic!
- Puff pastry sheet (thawed): This is your foundation, giving each bite its dazzling layers and delicate crunch.
- Brie cheese (cut into 24 small cubes): The star of the show, Brie melts into creamy, decadent pockets of cheesy bliss.
- Cranberry sauce (whole berry or homemade): Adds a pop of sweet-tart flavor and gorgeous ruby color on top.
- Fresh rosemary (chopped, optional): A little goes a long way—adds a lovely piney aroma and festive touch.
- Egg (beaten, for egg wash): Brushed on the pastry edges for that glorious golden finish.
- Nonstick cooking spray: Ensures every bite pops right out of the tin, no sticking, no stress.
How to Make Cranberry Brie Bites
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray all 24 wells of a mini muffin tin with nonstick cooking spray. This quick step guarantees your Cranberry Brie Bites will come out beautifully golden and intact, ready for admiring guests.
Step 2: Roll and Cut the Pastry
Roll out your thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to smooth out the creases and make it just a touch thinner. Cut it into 24 small squares—no need to be a perfectionist! These little pockets will puff up gorgeously no matter what.
Step 3: Press into Muffin Tin
Gently press each square into a muffin tin well, letting the corners poke up to create ruffled edges. This simple step gives each bite that sought-after, bakery-quality look and perfect structure for holding all that gooey filling.
Step 4: Add the Brie and Cranberry
Place a cube of Brie in each pastry cup, then top with about a teaspoon of cranberry sauce. If you love a zing of freshness, sprinkle a pinch of chopped rosemary on top—it’s subtle but totally worth it for the aroma alone.
Step 5: Egg Wash the Edges
Brush the exposed pastry edges with the beaten egg. The egg wash is your secret weapon for getting that irresistible, glossy golden finish—your Cranberry Brie Bites will look just as good as they taste.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and deeply golden. Let your bites cool slightly in the pan—just a few minutes—before carefully removing them so the cheese and sauce have a moment to settle.
How to Serve Cranberry Brie Bites
Garnishes
Brighten each bite with a tiny tip of rosemary or a pecan half perched on top. A final sprinkle of extra chopped rosemary not only adds color but delivers that toasty-herbal aroma that makes these bites pop on the platter.
Side Dishes
Round out your appetizer spread with crisp veggie crudités, spiced nuts, or tangy marinated olives. Cranberry Brie Bites pair especially well with glasses of bubbly or a chilled Riesling, making them a dream match for festive drinks and easy entertaining.
Creative Ways to Present
Embrace your inner entertainer by arranging the bites on a rustic wooden board with sprigs of rosemary and clusters of grapes. Or, nestle each one in a tiny cupcake liner for a pop of color and easy grab-and-go serving. They’re the jewel-toned centerpiece any appetizer platter needs!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you somehow end up with leftovers (don’t count on it!), pop them into an airtight container, separating layers with wax paper. They’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to three days, perfect for snacking or sneaky midnight bites.
Freezing
Want to plan ahead? Assemble the Cranberry Brie Bites, but don’t bake them yet. Place the unbaked bites, still in the tin, in the freezer until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready, bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time for ultimate convenience.
Reheating
Revive any leftover bites by warming them in a 325°F (163°C) oven for about 5–7 minutes. This crisps the pastry and melts the cheese just enough to bring back that fresh-from-the-oven magic—microwaves can turn the pastry chewy, so stick to the oven for best results!
FAQs
Can I use homemade cranberry sauce?
Absolutely, homemade cranberry sauce makes these Cranberry Brie Bites even more special. If you love a chunky, tangy sauce, this is your time to shine, but store-bought works beautifully as well.
What can I substitute for Brie?
If Brie isn’t your thing, try Camembert or even a creamy goat cheese. Just keep the cheese portion roughly the same size so your pastry bakes evenly and the bites don’t overflow.
Can these be made ahead?
Yes! You can assemble the bites up to a day in advance and store them (covered) in the fridge, then just brush with egg and bake right before serving. Freshly baked always makes the best impression.
Will crescent roll dough work instead of puff pastry?
It sure will! Crescent roll dough creates a slightly different texture—chewier and breadier—but still absolutely delicious. Just pinch the seams together well before cutting into squares.
How do I keep the bites from sticking to the muffin tin?
Good old nonstick spray is key. Spray each well generously, and if you want to be extra certain, run a butter knife around the edges while they’re still slightly warm to loosen them before removing.
Final Thoughts
Truly, once you try Cranberry Brie Bites, you’ll wonder how you ever entertained without them. They’re festive, foolproof, and a guaranteed holiday hit. Don’t wait for a special occasion—grab your apron and let these tiny flavor bombs work their magic at your next gathering!
Print
Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 24 bites
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cranberry Brie Bites are a delightful combination of creamy Brie cheese, tangy cranberry sauce, and flaky puff pastry, perfect for any holiday gathering or party. Easy to make and bursting with flavor, these bite-sized appetizers are sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients
Puff Pastry:
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed)
Brie Cheese:
- 4 ounces Brie cheese (cut into 24 small cubes)
Cranberry Sauce:
- ½ cup cranberry sauce (whole berry or homemade)
Additional:
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary (optional)
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
- Nonstick cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly spray a 24-cup mini muffin tin with nonstick spray.
- Prepare Pastry Cups: Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and cut into 24 equal squares. Press each square into the muffin tin wells to form small pastry cups.
- Fill Cups: Place a cube of Brie in each pastry cup, then top with about 1 teaspoon of cranberry sauce. Sprinkle with chopped rosemary if desired.
- Brush with Egg Wash: Brush the exposed edges of the puff pastry with the beaten egg.
- Bake: Bake for 15–18 minutes or until the pastry is golden and puffed.
- Serve: Let cool slightly before removing from the tin. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- You can use crescent roll dough as a substitute for puff pastry.
- These are perfect as holiday appetizers and can be made ahead, then baked just before serving.
- Add a pecan on top for extra crunch and flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bite
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
