Cranberry Brie Bites

Name: Cranberry Brie Bites
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 24 bites
Ingredients: 1 package of puff pastry (2 sheets); 8 ounces Brie cheese, cut into small squares; 1 cup cranberry sauce; 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash); Fresh rosemary for garnish (optional)

Highlighted under: Seasonal & Festive

Elevate your holiday gatherings with these delightful Cranberry Brie Bites. Flaky pastry cups filled with creamy, melted Brie cheese and topped with sweet-tart cranberry sauce create a perfect balance of flavors. Easy to make and utterly delicious, these bites are perfect for appetizers, party platters, or festive celebrations. Impress your guests with this simple yet elegant hors d'oeuvre that embodies the spirit of the season!

Created by

Emma

Last updated on 2025-11-20T07:07:56.997Z

These Cranberry Brie Bites are a perfect addition to any holiday table, providing a delicious combination of flavors that everyone will love.

The Perfect Holiday Appetizer

Cranberry Brie Bites are a fantastic choice for any holiday gathering. Their combination of flaky pastry, rich Brie cheese, and fruity cranberry sauce creates an irresistible flavor profile that everyone will love. Whether you're hosting a small family dinner or a large festive party, these bites add a touch of elegance to your table. They are small enough to be enjoyed in one bite, making them perfect for mingling guests who want to snack and socialize at the same time.

These bites are also incredibly versatile; they can be paired with a variety of drinks, from sparkling cider to red wine. Their sweet and savory flavor contrasts make them not just a treat for the palate, but also a beautiful presentation for your guests. With their stunning appearance and delectable taste, they are sure to be a hit at any event.

Easy Preparation for Anytime

What makes Cranberry Brie Bites so appealing, aside from their taste, is how simple they are to prepare. With only a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip these up in no time. The use of store-bought puff pastry means you don’t have to worry about making dough from scratch. This is a major time-saver during the busy holiday season, allowing you to focus on other delicious dishes or spending quality time with friends and family.

Each step of the preparation can be done in advance as well; you can even assemble the bites and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake. This flexibility means you can enjoy your gatherings without getting caught in the kitchen, letting you soak in the festive atmosphere with your loved ones.

A Crowd-Pleasing Delight

Cranberry Brie Bites are not only elegant but are also designed to please a crowd. Their delightful flavors cater to various taste preferences, making them an ideal addition to any party platter. Whether served at a Christmas celebration, Thanksgiving, or a New Year’s Eve bash, these bites resonate with the holiday spirit and bring a sense of joy to every gathering. Plus, they are perfect for both adults and kids, ensuring everyone at your event finds something they love.

Moreover, because they are bite-sized, they encourage guests to sample and explore the flavors of different dishes at your party. It's a fun and interactive way to engage with your food, making your gathering memorable and the enjoyable company even more delightful.

Ingredients

For the Cranberry Brie Bites

1 package of puff pastry (2 sheets)
8 ounces Brie cheese, cut into small squares
1 cup cranberry sauce
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Fresh rosemary for garnish (optional)

Feel free to customize the recipe by adding nuts or different sauces according to your preference.

Instructions

Prepare the Pastry

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the puff pastry and cut it into squares fitting your muffin tin.

Add the Brie

Place a square of Brie cheese in the center of each pastry square.

Add Cranberry Sauce

Top each Brie square with a teaspoon of cranberry sauce.

Bake the Bites

Fold the edges of the pastry over the filling and pinch to seal. Brush the tops with beaten egg. Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown.

Serve

Allow cooling for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh rosemary if desired.

These bites are best enjoyed warm, so serve them immediately for the best experience!

Storing Leftovers

If you're lucky enough to have any Cranberry Brie Bites left after your event, storing them is easy! Allow the bites to cool completely, then place them in an airtight container. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. When you're ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. This will help restore their flaky texture and melty cheese, making them almost as good as fresh.

Freezing is also an option if you're looking to prepare these ahead of time. Assemble the bites and place them on a baking sheet in the freezer until firm. Once solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to a month. Bake them straight from the freezer when the craving strikes—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Customization Ideas

While the classic combination of cranberry and Brie is always a hit, don’t hesitate to customize your Cranberry Brie Bites to suit your taste. Consider adding a sprinkle of chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, for some added crunch. Alternatively, try mixing in some caramelized onions or a dash of balsamic glaze to elevate the flavor complexity even further. Experimentation can lead to a delightful twist on this classic recipe.

You can also get creative with the cheese. While Brie has a deliciously creamy texture, other cheeses like camembert or goat cheese can add a unique flair to your bites. The possibilities are endless, and trying out different ingredients can turn this straightforward recipe into your signature dish.

Pairing Suggestions

To truly elevate your Cranberry Brie Bites, consider pairing them with complementary foods and drinks. A well-crafted charcuterie board featuring cured meats, olives, and artisan bread would beautifully enhance the overall experience. Additionally, serving these bites alongside fresh fruit, such as sliced apples or pears, can offer a refreshing contrast to the rich cheese and tangy cranberry.

As for drinks, sparkling wines, such as Prosecco or Champagne, pair wonderfully with the flavors of the bites. Their effervescence cuts through the richness of the Brie and balances the sweetness of the cranberry. Alternatively, a light red wine like Pinot Noir can complement the savory notes, making for an exquisite pairing that will impress your guests.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the pastry cups and fill them with cheese and cranberry sauce in advance. Just bake them before serving.

→ What can I substitute for Brie?

You can use Camembert or any soft cheese if you prefer.