Name: Cranberry Brie Bites
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-489805H12M34S
Total time: PT-489805H12M34S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 sheet thawed puff pastry (or equivalent dough sheets); 8 oz brie cheese, cold / slightly chilled, cut into small cubes; 1 cup cranberry sauce (store‑bought or homemade); Mini muffin tin (24‑cup) greased; Optional toppings: fresh rosemary sprigs, chopped pecans or walnuts, a light egg wash (1 egg + 1 tbsp water); All‑purpose flour (for dusting work surface)

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These cranberry brie bites are one of my favorite holiday appetizers—and honestly, I’ll find any excuse to make them year-round. With just a few ingredients, they come together into perfectly gooey, flaky, sweet-savory bites that are always the first to disappear at any gathering. I love serving them warm from the oven with just the right amount of melted brie and cranberry sauce in each bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how simple yet impressive these little bites are. They look elegant, taste amazing, and take hardly any time to prepare. The balance of buttery puff pastry, creamy brie, and tangy cranberry sauce is just right, and the mini size makes them super snackable. They’re ideal for parties, holiday dinners, or even a cozy night in with a glass of wine. Cranberry Brie Bites

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Puff pastry sheets, thawed
Brie cheese, cut into small cubes
Cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
Fresh rosemary (optional, for garnish)
Egg (for egg wash, optional)
All-purpose flour (for dusting work surface)

Directions

I preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a mini muffin tin or line it with paper liners.
I roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and cut it into small squares—enough to fit into each muffin cup.
I press each square into the mini muffin tin, gently forming a cup.
I place a cube of brie into each puff pastry cup, then top with a small spoonful of cranberry sauce.
If I’m using egg wash, I brush the exposed pastry edges for a golden finish.
I bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden and the brie is bubbly.
Once baked, I let them cool for a few minutes before removing from the tin. I sometimes add a tiny sprig of rosemary on top for a festive touch.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 24 bites and takes around 30 minutes total—10 minutes to prep and 15–20 minutes to bake.

Variations

I sometimes add a sprinkle of chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for crunch.
For a slightly sweeter version, I drizzle honey on top before serving.
I switch out cranberry sauce for fig jam or apricot preserves when I want a different flavor profile.
I use phyllo dough instead of puff pastry for a lighter, crispier bite.
A pinch of black pepper or balsamic glaze adds a savory contrast to the sweetness.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I pop them back in the oven at 350°F for 5–7 minutes to crisp the pastry and re-melt the cheese. I don’t recommend microwaving, as the puff pastry loses its flakiness. Cranberry Brie Bites

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, I assemble them and store them in the fridge (unbaked) for a few hours. I just bake them fresh right before serving for the best texture.

Can I freeze cranberry brie bites?

Yes, I freeze them after baking. Once cooled, I store them in a freezer-safe container and reheat in the oven straight from frozen at 350°F for 8–10 minutes.

What kind of cranberry sauce works best?

I like using whole berry cranberry sauce for texture, but smooth sauce works too. Homemade or store-bought both taste great in this recipe.

Do I have to remove the rind from the brie?

No, I leave the rind on—it’s totally edible and melts beautifully with the cheese. It adds a bit of earthy flavor too.

Can I make this without a mini muffin tin?

Yes, I’ve made them on a baking sheet by shaping small pastry cups with the brie and cranberry on top. They’re not as perfectly round, but still delicious.

Conclusion

Cranberry brie bites are my go-to appetizer when I want something elegant, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. With their flaky crust, melty cheese, and tangy cranberry topping, they never fail to impress guests or satisfy my own cravings. Whether I’m hosting a party or just looking for a festive snack, these little bites are always a win.