Cranberry Brie Bites
These irresistible cranberry brie bites combine buttery puff pastry, creamy brie cheese, and tangy-sweet cranberry sauce for an elegant yet easy appetizer that’s perfect for holiday gatherings or any special occasion.
Easy Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe
There’s something magical about the combination of warm, gooey brie cheese and tart cranberries nestled inside golden, flaky pastry. These cranberry brie bites have become a holiday staple in countless homes, but they’re so delicious and simple to prepare that you’ll want to make them year-round. The contrast between the rich, creamy cheese and the bright, fruity cranberry sauce creates a perfect flavor balance that guests find irresistible.
Traditionally served during the holiday season when cranberries are at their peak freshness, these elegant appetizers bring festive color and flavor to any gathering. The red of the cranberries against the golden pastry makes them as visually appealing as they are delicious.
THIS RECIPE:
- Requires just 5 main ingredients for the basic version
- Can be assembled in under 15 minutes
- Bakes perfectly in 20 minutes or less
- Yields 24 beautiful appetizer bites
| Recipe Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 18-20 minutes |
| Total Time | 35 minutes |
| Servings | 24 bites |
| Yield | 24 cranberry brie bites |
These homemade cranberry brie bites may look fancy, but they’re surprisingly easy to prepare. The combination of store-bought puff pastry and simple ingredients means you can create an impressive appetizer with minimal effort. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or just want to elevate your weekend gathering, these bites deliver maximum flavor with minimum stress.
Ingredients for Cranberry Brie Bites
The quality of ingredients makes all the difference in this simple recipe. Since there are so few components, each one shines through in the final product. Opt for the best quality you can find, especially when it comes to the brie cheese and cranberry sauce.
For the Cranberry Brie Bites:
- 2 sheets puff pastry, thawed according to package directions
- 8 oz brie cheese, rind removed and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or high-quality store-bought)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)
- Fresh thyme leaves for garnish (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans for topping (optional)
For Homemade Cranberry Sauce (optional):
- 12 oz fresh cranberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 2 tablespoons orange juice
When selecting brie, look for a wheel that yields slightly when pressed but isn’t too soft. The rind should be white and bloomy without any dark or discolored patches. While you’ll be removing the rind for this recipe, its condition is still an indicator of the cheese’s quality.
| Ingredient Category | Recommended Quantity | Quality Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Puff Pastry | 2 sheets (17.3 oz package) | All-butter puff pastry offers superior flavor and texture; look for brands with real butter in the ingredients |
| Brie Cheese | 8 oz wheel | Choose a younger, firmer brie for easier cutting; triple-cream varieties provide extra richness |
| Cranberry Sauce | 1 cup | Homemade provides the best flavor balance; if using store-bought, choose whole berry sauce rather than jellied |
| Fresh Herbs | 1-2 sprigs thyme | Fresh herbs significantly enhance flavor; look for vibrant green color and strong aroma |
| Nuts (Optional) | 1/4 cup pecans | Toasting nuts before adding intensifies flavor; chop uniformly for even distribution |
How to Make Cranberry Brie Bites
Creating these delightful appetizers involves a few simple steps: preparing the pastry, assembling the bites, and baking until golden and bubbly. The process is straightforward but does require attention to detail to ensure even cooking and that perfect balance of flavors.
Prepare your workspace: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Prepare the puff pastry: On a lightly floured surface, unfold the thawed puff pastry sheets. Using a rolling pin, gently roll each sheet to smooth out creases and create a slightly larger rectangle, approximately 10×12 inches.
Cut the pastry: Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut each pastry sheet into 12 equal squares (about 3×3 inches each) for a total of 24 squares.
Form the cups: Press each pastry square into the wells of a mini muffin tin, allowing the corners to extend up and over the edges. If you don’t have mini muffin tins, you can place the squares on a baking sheet and fold up the edges slightly to create a nest shape.
Assemble the bites: Place a 1-inch cube of brie in each pastry cup. Top with approximately 1 teaspoon of cranberry sauce.
Prepare egg wash: In a small bowl, beat together the egg and 1 tablespoon of water.
Finish and bake: Use a pastry brush to lightly coat the exposed pastry edges with egg wash. This will help achieve that beautiful golden color. If using, sprinkle chopped pecans on top. Bake for 18-20 minutes, until the pastry is puffed and golden brown, and the brie is melted.
Cool briefly: Allow the cranberry brie bites to cool in the pan for 5 minutes. This brief resting period helps the cheese set slightly so the bites hold their shape when served.
Garnish and serve: Carefully remove from the muffin tin and transfer to a serving platter. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves if desired and serve while still warm.
Tips for Making Cranberry Brie Bites
• Temperature matters: Ensure your puff pastry is properly thawed but still cold when working with it. If it becomes too warm, return it to the refrigerator for 15 minutes before proceeding.
• Prep ahead: Cut your brie and measure ingredients before starting to assemble for a smoother process.
• Rind removal: For the smoothest texture, remove the brie rind before cutting into cubes.
• Prevent overflow: Don’t overfill the cups with cranberry sauce to avoid messy spillovers during baking.
| Technique | Recommendation | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Pastry Handling | Work quickly with cold pastry | Prevents butter from melting, ensuring flaky layers |
| Brie Preparation | Freeze for 15 minutes before cutting | Firmer cheese is easier to cut into precise cubes |
| Assembly | Use a small cookie scoop for cranberry sauce | Creates uniform portions and prevents overfilling |
| Baking | Rotate pans halfway through baking time | Ensures even browning and consistent cooking |
Pro tip: For even more flavor complexity, add a small sprig of rosemary or a tiny drizzle of honey on top of each bite before baking. The aromatic herbs or sweet honey creates another dimension of flavor that pairs beautifully with the cranberry and brie.
Make-Ahead Instructions
These cranberry brie bites are perfect for entertaining because many components can be prepared in advance, allowing you to spend more time with your guests.
The pastry cups can be prepared and placed in the muffin tins up to 24 hours ahead. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to fill and bake. This actually helps the pastry maintain its shape during baking.
If making homemade cranberry sauce, it can be prepared up to 1 week in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The sauce actually improves after a day or two as the flavors meld together.
You can cube the brie up to 24 hours in advance. Store the cubes in an airtight container in the refrigerator, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
For partially assembled bites, you can place the brie in the pastry cups and refrigerate for up to 3 hours before baking. Add the cranberry sauce just before baking for best results.
Storing Leftovers
Cranberry brie bites are best enjoyed fresh from the oven when the pastry is crisp and the cheese is perfectly melted, but leftovers can still be delicious if stored properly.
Allow any leftover bites to cool completely before storing. Place them in a single layer in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Avoid stacking them as this can crush the delicate pastry.
When ready to enjoy, reheat the bites in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes until warmed through. A toaster oven works beautifully for smaller portions and helps maintain the crispness of the pastry better than microwave reheating.
For food safety, never leave these cheese-containing appetizers at room temperature for more than 2 hours, especially during summer months or in warm environments.
Freezing Cranberry Brie Bites
These appetizers freeze surprisingly well, making them perfect for advance party preparation or preserving leftovers.
To freeze unbaked cranberry brie bites, assemble them completely in the muffin tin, then place the entire tin in the freezer until solid (about 2 hours). Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag with parchment paper between layers. They can be frozen for up to 1 month.
To bake from frozen, place directly into a preheated oven while still frozen, adding about 5 minutes to the original baking time. Watch carefully to ensure they don’t over-brown.
For freezing baked cranberry brie bites, cool completely after baking, then freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer container with parchment paper between layers. They’ll keep for up to 3 weeks.
To reheat from frozen, place on a baking sheet in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-12 minutes until heated through and crisp. Don’t thaw before reheating to prevent sogginess.
Serving Suggestions
These versatile cranberry brie bites shine as part of a larger appetizer spread or can stand alone as an elegant pre-dinner bite. Serve them on a wooden board or decorative platter lined with fresh rosemary sprigs for a festive presentation that highlights their holiday appeal.
For a complete appetizer table, pair these bites with contrasting flavors and textures: a charcuterie selection, spiced nuts, and fresh crudités with dip create a well-rounded offering.
A light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of honey just before serving adds an elegant touch and enhances the sweet-savory balance.
For beverages, these cranberry brie bites pair beautifully with:
- Champagne or Prosecco, whose effervescence cuts through the richness of the cheese
- A light-bodied Pinot Noir that complements the cranberry flavor
- Spiced apple cider (hot or cold) for a non-alcoholic option that echoes the festive flavors
Serve these bites warm but not hot – about 5-7 minutes after removing from the oven is perfect. This allows the cheese to remain melted but not burn anyone’s mouth.
FAQ
Can I use different types of cheese instead of brie?
Yes! Camembert works as a direct substitute for brie. You can also experiment with goat cheese or mild blue cheese for different flavor profiles. Just ensure whatever cheese you choose melts well when heated.
What can I substitute for cranberry sauce?
Fig jam, raspberry preserves, or pepper jelly all work wonderfully in place of cranberry sauce. You could also use caramelized onions with a touch of balsamic glaze for a savory variation.
My puff pastry keeps shrinking when baked. What am I doing wrong?
This typically happens when the pastry is too warm when it goes into the oven. Chill your assembled bites in the refrigerator for 15 minutes before baking. Also, make sure your oven is fully preheated before baking.
Can I make these without a mini muffin tin?
Absolutely! You can place the pastry squares on a regular baking sheet, add the fillings to the center, and fold up the corners slightly. They’ll be more open-faced but equally delicious.
How do I prevent the bottoms from getting soggy?
Blind bake the pastry cups for 5-7 minutes before adding fillings. This creates a barrier that helps keep the bottoms crisp after the fillings are added and the bites are fully baked.
