Cranberry brie bites are the festive, bite-sized appetizer that disappears first at every holiday party. Each little cup has a crisp, flaky puff pastry shell, a spoonful of creamy melted brie, and a dollop of sweet-tart cranberry sauce on top.
This easy cranberry brie bites recipe takes just 10 minutes of prep and uses only a handful of ingredients. You press store-bought puff pastry into a muffin tin, add brie and cranberry sauce, and bake. A sprig of rosemary and a sprinkle of chopped pecans make them look like they came from a caterer.
They are ideal for Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Eve, and any gathering where you want an impressive finger food with almost no work. You can assemble them ahead of time and bake them right before guests arrive, which keeps the day of the party calm and stress free.
Recipe at a Glance
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 24 bites
Category: Appetizer
Why You’ll Love These Cranberry Brie Bites
- Flaky, buttery pastry with creamy melted brie
- Sweet and tart cranberry balances the rich cheese
- Only 5 main ingredients and 10 minutes of prep
- Easy to assemble ahead of time
- A beautiful holiday party appetizer
Ingredients You’ll Need for Cranberry Brie Bites
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 8 ounces brie cheese, rind on, cut into 24 small cubes
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce, whole berry or homemade
- 2 tablespoons chopped pecans
- 1 large egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon water
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs, for garnish
How to Make Cranberry Brie Bites
- Preheat the oven to 400°F and grease a 24-cup mini muffin tin.
- Unfold the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and roll it gently to smooth the folds.
- Cut the pastry into 24 equal squares, about 2 inches each.
- Press one square into each muffin cup, letting the corners stick up like little petals.
- Place one cube of brie into each pastry cup.
- Top each with about 1 teaspoon of cranberry sauce and a pinch of chopped pecans.
- Brush the exposed pastry edges with the egg wash.
- Bake for 16 to 18 minutes until the pastry is puffed and deep golden brown.
- Cool for 5 minutes, drizzle with honey, and top with a rosemary sprig before serving.
Tips for the Best Cranberry Brie Bites
- Keep the brie rind on. It holds the cheese together, melts beautifully, and saves you the hassle of trimming.
- Thaw the puff pastry in the refrigerator overnight, then work with it while it is cold so it stays flaky.
- Don’t overfill the cups. A small cube of brie and a teaspoon of cranberry sauce prevent leaking and sticky pans.
- Grease the tin well, or use a nonstick spray, so any melted cheese doesn’t glue the pastry to the pan.
- Let the bites cool for 5 minutes. The cheese is molten hot straight from the oven.
Variations to Try
- Fig jam or apricot preserves instead of cranberry
- Add a tiny piece of cooked bacon to each cup
- Use phyllo shells for a quicker, crispier base
- Swap brie for camembert or goat cheese
- Sprinkle with orange zest for a bright citrus note
How to Store It
Store leftover cranberry brie bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat at 350°F for 5 to 8 minutes to re-crisp the pastry.
To make ahead, assemble the unbaked bites in the tin, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add the egg wash and bake just before serving. They can also be frozen unbaked for up to 1 month.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to remove the rind from the brie?
No. The rind is edible and melts into the cheese, and it helps the cubes keep their shape while baking.
Can I make cranberry brie bites ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the bites up to a day ahead, refrigerate them, and bake just before serving so the pastry stays flaky.
Can I use canned cranberry sauce?
Yes. Whole berry canned sauce works well. Homemade cranberry sauce has a fresher, tarter flavor that pairs perfectly with the brie.
What can I use instead of puff pastry?
Crescent roll dough or mini phyllo shells both work. Phyllo shells are the quickest option because they need no shaping.
Cranberry Brie Bites
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 400°F and grease a mini muffin tin.
- Cut the puff pastry into 24 squares and press one into each cup.
- Add a cube of brie, a teaspoon of cranberry sauce, and some pecans to each cup.
- Tip: Don't overfill or the cheese will leak.
- Brush the pastry edges with egg wash.
- Bake 16 to 18 minutes until golden.
- Cool 5 minutes, drizzle with honey, and garnish with rosemary.
Notes
Keep the brie rind on for the best melt.