Cranberry Brie Bites Puff Pastry

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

When it comes to holiday appetizers, you need something quick, beautiful, and delicious. These Cranberry Brie Bites check all the boxes. They come together in less than 30 minutes, require minimal prep, and bake to golden perfection. The combination of flaky puff pastry, creamy brie, and tangy cranberry sauce delivers the perfect balance of texture and flavor in every mouthful.

These bites are:

• Quick & Easy – Just four main ingredients and under 30 minutes start to finish.

• Festive & Elegant – Perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or Christmas dinner starters.

• Make-Ahead Friendly – Assemble them ahead of time and bake just before serving.

• Vegetarian & Alcohol-Free – Suitable for all guests at your holiday table.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Puff Pastry

You can use store-bought puff pastry sheets for convenience. They bake up golden, light, and buttery — the perfect base for our brie bites. Let the pastry thaw slightly before cutting to make it easier to handle.

Brie Cheese

Choose a high-quality brie with a creamy, mild flavor. Brie pairs wonderfully with cranberry sauce, creating that irresistible sweet-savory combo. Cut it into small cubes that will fit nicely inside the puff pastry cups.

Cranberry Sauce

Use homemade or store-bought cranberry sauce. If you make your own, you can customize the sweetness and texture. Whole-berry cranberry sauce adds a beautiful rustic look, while smooth sauce offers a refined finish.

Garnishes

A small sprig of rosemary or a few crushed pistachios on top gives these bites a pop of color and a festive aroma. Optional but recommended for presentation and flavor contrast.

Optional Add-Ins

• A drizzle of honey for extra sweetness.

• A sprinkle of orange zest for a citrusy lift.

• Chopped pecans or walnuts for a crunchy texture.

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Equipment You’ll Need

• Mini muffin pan

• Sharp knife or pizza cutter

• Cutting board

• Small spoon

• Cooling rack

These simple tools are all you need to create a tray of irresistible holiday appetizers in no time.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a mini muffin pan or line it with parchment paper squares for easy removal.

Unfold your puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. If it’s too stiff, let it sit for about 5 minutes at room temperature.

Step 2: Cut the Pastry

Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the puff pastry into 2-inch squares. Each sheet should yield around 24 pieces. Gently press each square into the wells of the mini muffin pan to form small pastry cups.

Step 3: Add the Brie

Cut the brie into small cubes — roughly ¾ inch in size. Place one cube in the center of each puff pastry cup. There’s no need to remove the rind; it melts beautifully and adds flavor.

Step 4: Spoon on the Cranberry Sauce

Add about ½ teaspoon of cranberry sauce on top of each piece of brie. Don’t overfill or the sauce may bubble over while baking.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake in the preheated oven for 13–15 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and puffed. The brie should be melted and gooey.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Let the bites cool for 2–3 minutes before removing them from the pan. Top each with a tiny sprig of fresh rosemary or a sprinkle of crushed pistachios for color. Serve warm or at room temperature.

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Make-Ahead Tips

You can prepare these bites up to 24 hours in advance:

• Assemble the pastry cups with brie and cranberry sauce.

• Cover the muffin tin tightly with plastic wrap.

• Store in the refrigerator until ready to bake.

When ready to serve, bake as directed and garnish fresh from the oven.

You can also bake them ahead of time and reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes before serving.

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Serving Ideas

Cranberry Brie Bites are versatile and pair beautifully with other holiday flavors. Here are a few serving ideas:

• Arrange them on a festive platter with rosemary sprigs, orange slices, and sugared cranberries.

• Serve alongside other appetizers like stuffed mushrooms, spinach puff pastries, or cheese boards.

• Add to your Christmas brunch menu — they complement both sweet and savory dishes.

For a colorful presentation, drizzle with a touch of honey or sprinkle pomegranate arils for sparkle.

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Variations to Try

Make this recipe your own with these creative variations:

Fig & Brie Bites

Replace cranberry sauce with fig jam for a rich, earthy sweetness. Perfect for autumn gatherings.

Raspberry Brie Bites

Use raspberry preserves for a fruitier, slightly tangier option.

Apple Cranberry Brie Bites

Add a thin slice of apple beneath the brie for a crisp, refreshing contrast.

Savory Twist

Top the brie with a touch of caramelized onions and a dab of cranberry for a gourmet, sweet-savory bite.

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Tips for Perfect Cranberry Brie Bites

1. Don’t Overfill: Too much cranberry sauce can cause overflow during baking.

2. Use Cold Puff Pastry: This helps achieve maximum puff and flakiness.

3. Watch the Oven: Puff pastry can go from golden to burnt quickly, so keep an eye on the last few minutes.

4. Serve Warm: Brie is best enjoyed when melted and gooey.

5. Add Fresh Herbs: A little rosemary or thyme adds both beauty and flavor.

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Storing and Reheating

To Store:
Cool completely and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To Reheat:
Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 6–8 minutes or until heated through. Avoid microwaving; it can make the pastry soggy.

To Freeze:
You can freeze baked bites for up to 1 month. Reheat directly from frozen for 10–12 minutes at 350°F until hot and crisp.

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Nutritional Information (per serving)

Approximate values; may vary based on ingredients used.

• Calories: 110

• Fat: 7g

• Carbohydrates: 9g

• Protein: 3g

• Sugars: 3g

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Why Cranberry and Brie Are a Perfect Match

Cranberry’s tangy brightness cuts through the rich, buttery texture of brie, creating a perfect balance. The contrast of flavors — sweet, creamy, tart, and savory — captures the essence of the holiday season. When paired with puff pastry, the result is a melt-in-your-mouth experience that feels gourmet yet comforting.

This pairing also symbolizes classic holiday flavors — cranberries for festive color and brie for indulgent luxury. Together, they create a timeless appetizer that always impresses.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these without a mini muffin pan?
Yes! Simply lay puff pastry squares on a parchment-lined baking sheet, add brie and cranberry sauce, and fold the corners slightly inward before baking.

Can I use crescent roll dough instead of puff pastry?
You can, though the texture will be softer and less flaky. Puff pastry gives a more elegant, bakery-style finish.

What’s the best type of brie for baking?
Use a double-cream brie that’s mild and creamy. Avoid bries with strong ammonia aromas or overly soft centers.

Can I use a different cheese?
Yes, camembert or goat cheese also work beautifully with cranberry sauce.

How long do they stay fresh?
They taste best fresh from the oven but can be stored refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated before serving.

Can I make a large batch for a party?
Absolutely! This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled for large gatherings. Each puff pastry sheet makes about 24 bites.

Do I need to remove the brie rind?
No, it’s edible and melts smoothly, adding flavor and texture.

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How to Serve at a Christmas Party

• Serve on a wooden cheese board with sprigs of fresh herbs.

• Pair with sparkling water or cider for a festive non-alcoholic drink.

• Place on a tiered platter for an elegant buffet display.

• Add a garnish of fresh cranberries for a pop of red color.

These little bites bring a gourmet touch to your spread without the stress of complicated recipes.

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Bringing It All Together

Cranberry Brie Bites are the definition of effortless elegance. With just a few ingredients and a short baking time, you can create an appetizer that wows your guests with its festive colors, rich flavors, and flaky texture. Whether you’re preparing for Christmas Eve, a holiday brunch, or a winter dinner party, this easy puff pastry recipe will earn a permanent spot in your seasonal rotation.

Make them once, and they’ll become a cherished part of your holiday tradition — simple, beautiful, and absolutely delicious.