Name: Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 33 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Puff Pastry: 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed), Brie Cheese: 6 ounces Brie cheese (cut into small cubes), Cranberry Sauce: 1/2 cup whole berry cranberry sauce, Pecans: 1/4 cup chopped pecans, Rosemary: 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary (finely chopped), Egg Wash: 1 egg (beaten), Additional: flour (for dusting the surface)

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If there’s one dish guaranteed to steal the show at any gathering, it’s Cranberry Brie Bites. These glorious little morsels are a marriage of flaky puff pastry, creamy brie, tart cranberry sauce, and a touch of nutty crunch. They’re a cinch to put together but never fail to leave a big impression, whether you’re hosting a festive holiday soirée or looking for a quick, elegant appetizer that everyone will be talking about long after the last bite has disappeared.

Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient for Cranberry Brie Bites is chosen to create a perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color. There’s no excess here: just a handful of easy-to-find items, each with a starring role in making these bites irresistible.

Puff pastry: Gives that signature buttery, golden crunch and serves as the perfect vessel for all the melty, gooey goodness.
Brie cheese: Offers creamy, melt-in-your-mouth richness; cut it into small cubes so each bite is perfectly balanced.
Whole berry cranberry sauce: Adds a lovely pop of tangy-sweet flavor and that gorgeous ruby color you want in a party spread.
Chopped pecans (optional): Bring gentle crunch and nuttiness—swap for walnuts or skip if you’re nut-free.
Fresh rosemary: A little sprinkle of this herb instantly brightens up each bite with woodsy, festive flair.
Egg (for egg wash): Brushing the pastry with egg before baking gives it that shiny, deep golden finish everyone loves.
Flour: For lightly dusting your work surface so the pastry rolls out smoothly and doesn’t stick.

How to Make Cranberry Brie Bites

Step 1: Prepare Your Puff Pastry

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Lightly dust your countertop or board with flour, then lay out the puff pastry. Roll it gently just to even out any folds or creases, being careful not to overwork it—the goal is light and airy, not tough. Next, cut the pastry into 24 equal squares; a pizza cutter or sharp knife does wonders here!

Step 2: Line Your Muffin Tin

Take each puff pastry square and press it gently into the cups of a mini muffin tin. This creates the perfect little nest for all the fabulous fillings to come. Make sure the pastry lines the bottom and comes up the sides, but don’t worry if they’re not perfect—rustic charm is part of the appeal with Cranberry Brie Bites.

Step 3: Add the Brie

Drop a cube of Brie cheese into each pastry-lined cup. The richness of the Brie is really the heart of every bite—don’t skimp! If you love cheese pulls, tuck in a slightly bigger piece, but avoid overfilling so the bites don’t get messy in the oven.

Step 4: Top with Cranberry Sauce

Spoon about a teaspoon of cranberry sauce onto each piece of brie. This layer adds the vibrancy and tang that cuts through the cheese’s richness—plus it gives that signature burst of color that makes these so inviting.

Step 5: Sprinkle Pecans and Rosemary

A quick sprinkle of chopped pecans (if using) and a pinch of fresh rosemary instantly elevates the bites. The nuts add crunch, while rosemary brings a sophisticated aroma that whispers “holiday” with every whiff. Try not to overload, a little goes a long way!

Step 6: Brush with Egg Wash

Before baking, lightly beat an egg and brush it over the exposed edges of pastry. This step ensures that unmistakable golden finish, turning your Cranberry Brie Bites into glossy gems fresh from the oven.

Step 7: Bake and Serve

Slide the muffin tin into the oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes. You’re looking for puffed, deeply golden pastry and gooey cheese. Once out, let them cool for just five minutes so they’re warm but easy to handle—then serve them up and watch them disappear!

How to Serve Cranberry Brie Bites

Garnishes

When it comes to finishing touches, a small sprig of fresh rosemary or a few whole cranberries on top can make the presentation pop. If you’re feeling fancy, a light drizzle of honey gives just a hint of sweetness and elegant shine.

Side Dishes

While Cranberry Brie Bites truly shine on their own, they pair wonderfully with light and crisp salads, or alongside an assortment of fresh fruit and nuts. They also make a decadent companion to a sparkling rosé or chilled white wine, perfect for any occasion.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving them piled high on a rustic wooden board, mingled with other festive favorites. For a colorful twist, alternate with bites topped with fig jam or a dollop of hot pepper jelly. Or set them out in individual paper cups for easy grabbing at a cocktail party or potluck.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have extras (spoiler: it almost never happens!), keep the bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Let them cool completely before storing so the pastry stays as crisp as possible.

Freezing

Cranberry Brie Bites are surprisingly freezer-friendly. After baking and cooling, lay them out on a tray to freeze individually, then transfer to a zip-top freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to a month—just pull out what you need for impromptu guests or holiday snack attacks.

Reheating

To bring them back to their original glory, reheat the bites in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes straight from the fridge, or 12–15 minutes from frozen. This crisps up the pastry and melts the cheese, making them taste freshly baked all over again.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought cranberry sauce?

Absolutely! Store-bought whole berry cranberry sauce works wonderfully in Cranberry Brie Bites and makes this appetizer quick and stress-free. If you have homemade on hand, feel free to use it for an extra personal touch.

Is it possible to make these nut-free?

Definitely. Just leave out the pecans or substitute with pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds if you still want some crunch. The bites will be just as delicious—plus, everyone at your party can enjoy them safely.

Can I use a different cheese instead of brie?

Brie is classic for its creamy melt, but Camembert or soft goat cheese also work well for slightly different flavors. Just be sure to use a cheese that melts smoothly for the best results.

What if I don’t have fresh rosemary?

Dried rosemary can be used, just use half the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated. You could also try thyme or even a pinch of orange zest for a new twist on flavors.

How far ahead can I prepare these?

You can assemble Cranberry Brie Bites up to a day in advance and refrigerate, covered, until you’re ready to bake. Hold off on the egg wash until just before baking for peak golden results.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend Cranberry Brie Bites enough—they’re the kind of appetizer that delivers huge flavor with hardly any fuss. They always disappear in a flash and have a magical way of impressing guests without you breaking a sweat. Go ahead and give them a try for your next party, holiday, or cozy night in!

Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe

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4.8 from 18 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 33 minutes
Yield: 24 bites
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Cranberry Brie Bites are a delightful combination of savory Brie cheese, tangy cranberry sauce, and flaky puff pastry, perfect for any holiday gathering or party. The flavors meld together beautifully in these easy-to-make, bite-sized appetizers.

Ingredients

Puff Pastry:

1 sheet puff pastry (thawed),

Brie Cheese:

6 ounces Brie cheese (cut into small cubes),

Cranberry Sauce:

1/2 cup whole berry cranberry sauce,

Pecans:

1/4 cup chopped pecans,

Rosemary:

1 teaspoon fresh rosemary (finely chopped),

Egg Wash:

1 egg (beaten),

Additional:

flour (for dusting the surface)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F.
Prepare the pastry: Lightly flour a work surface and roll out the puff pastry sheet. Cut into 24 squares and press into mini muffin tin cups.
Add fillings: Place Brie cubes in each cup, top with cranberry sauce, pecans, and rosemary.
Egg wash: Brush pastry edges with beaten egg.
Bake: Bake for 15-18 minutes until golden brown.
Serve: Let cool for 5 minutes before serving warm.