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Your kitchen smells like butter and bright citrus while you pull a golden tray from the oven—Cranberry Brie Bites that make you the host everyone texts for recipes. You want a crowd-pleasing holiday appetizer that’s fast, elegant, and foolproof. These flaky, jammy, creamy bites check every box, and you can make them ahead so you can actually enjoy your own party.
What Are Cranberry Brie Bites?
Cranberry Brie Bites are mini puff pastry cups filled with creamy brie, tangy-sweet cranberry sauce, and a touch of citrus and herbs. They’re baked until the pastry shatters into delicate layers and the brie turns molten and lush—perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s, or any cozy gathering.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Holiday Appetizer
- 30 minutes from fridge to table
- Uses store-bought puff pastry for low-effort, bakery-level results
- Scales effortlessly for a crowd
- Freezer-friendly and reheat beautifully
- Flexible flavor swaps (sweet, savory, or spicy)
Ingredients for Cranberry Brie Bites
Exact quantities (for 24 mini bites)
- 1 sheet puff pastry (about 10 x 10 inches), thawed but still cold
- 8 ounces brie, cut into 24 small cubes (rind on is fine)
- 1/2 cup whole-berry cranberry sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 teaspoon orange zest (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional, for finishing)
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped pecans or pistachios (optional)
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary or thyme, minced (optional)
- 1 egg beaten with 1 teaspoon water (egg wash)
- Pinch of flaky salt and black pepper
- Nonstick spray or softened butter for the pan
Ingredient guide (no quantities in table)
| Ingredient | What it does | Easy swaps |
| — | — | — |
| Puff pastry | Buttery, flaky base | Phyllo sheets; gluten-free puff pastry |
| Brie | Creamy, melty center | Camembert, creamy goat cheese |
| Cranberry sauce | Tart-sweet contrast | Fig jam, cherry preserves, pepper jelly |
| Orange zest | Bright citrus lift | Lemon zest, a splash of orange liqueur |
| Nuts | Crunch and nuttiness | Walnuts, almonds, or omit |
| Herbs | Savory aroma | Thyme, sage, or omit |
| Honey/Maple | Glossy finish, sweet balance | Hot honey for heat |
| Egg wash | Deep golden color | Milk or cream brush |
Tools You’ll Need
- 24-cup mini muffin pan
- Rolling pin and sharp knife or pastry wheel
- Small spoon or teaspoon measure
- Cooling rack and small brush for egg wash
Step-by-Step: How to Make Cranberry Brie Bites
1) Prep and Cut
- Heat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 24-cup mini muffin pan.
- Unfold the chilled puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Roll gently to even thickness.
- Cut into 24 squares. Tip: Aim for roughly 2 x 2 inches for snug cups.
- Press each square into the muffin cups, tucking the corners down to create a well. Dock (prick) the bottoms with a fork to minimize puffing.
2) Fill and Flavor
- Drop a cube of brie into each pastry cup.
- Add about 1 teaspoon cranberry sauce on top.
- Sprinkle a whisper of orange zest, nuts, and herbs if using.
- Brush pastry edges lightly with egg wash. Finish with a tiny pinch of salt and pepper.
3) Bake and Finish
- Bake 14–16 minutes, until puffed and deeply golden.
- Cool 5 minutes in the pan, then loosen edges with a knife and move to a rack.
- Drizzle with honey or maple, add extra zest, and a leaf or two of rosemary for a festive look.
- Serve warm.
Pro Tip: Keep Your Pastry Ultra-Flaky
- Chill the assembled bites in the freezer for 10 minutes before baking.
- Don’t overfill—too much jam can bubble over and soften the pastry.
- If your oven runs hot, bake on the middle rack to prevent scorched edges.
Quick Homemade Cranberry Sauce Option
- Simmer 1 cup fresh cranberries with 1/3 cup sugar, 2 tablespoons orange juice, and a pinch of salt for 8–10 minutes until jammy. Cool completely before using.
Flavor Variations and Add-Ins
- Spicy Cranberry: Stir in 1–2 teaspoons minced jalapeño or use hot pepper jelly.
- Fig and Brie Bites: Swap cranberry for fig jam; top with crushed pistachios.
- Savory Onion: Caramelized onions + thyme in place of cranberry for a brie-tart bite.
- Apple Butter + Cheddar: For a fall twist, swap brie for sharp white cheddar and use apple butter.
- Nut-Free: Omit nuts; add extra herbs for texture and aroma.
Make-Ahead, Freezing, and Reheating
- Make Ahead (Fridge): Assemble up to 1 day ahead; cover and refrigerate. Bake straight from cold (add 1–2 minutes).
- Freeze Unbaked: Freeze assembled bites on a tray until firm, then store in a bag up to 2 months. Bake from frozen at 400°F for 18–20 minutes.
- Freeze Baked: Cool fully, freeze on a tray, then bag. Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes.
- Keep Them Crisp: Reheat on a sheet pan with a wire rack to preserve flake.
Health and Nutrition Insights
- Brie brings protein and calcium; choose a double-cream brie for a silkier melt at smaller portions.
- Cranberries supply polyphenols and vitamin C; using whole-berry sauce gives you more fiber.
- Puff pastry is rich in fat; mini portions help you enjoy the experience without overdoing it.
- Per bite (estimate): 110 calories, 7g fat, 9g carbs, 3g protein, 2g sugar, 150mg sodium. Values vary by brand and add-ins.
Expert Tips for Perfect Puff Pastry Bites
- Keep it cold: Work quickly so butter stays solid for maximum layers.
- Score or dock: Prick the base to prevent ballooning.
- Right size brie: Small cubes melt evenly without leaking.
- Shine factor: A light egg wash delivers that bakery glow.
- Finishing salt: A few flaky crystals sharpen flavors and balance sweetness.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
- Drinks: Pour Prosecco, pinot noir, or a cranberry spritz. For zero-proof, mix sparkling water with pomegranate juice and a rosemary sprig or homemade smoothie.
- Board Ready: Serve with seed crackers, grapes, and candied nuts on a rustic board.
- Timing: Bring to the table warm; refresh in the oven for 3–5 minutes if needed.
FAQ: Cranberry Brie Bites
Can you make Cranberry Brie Bites ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours, or freeze unbaked for up to 2 months. Bake from cold or frozen, adding a couple of minutes.
Do you remove the rind on brie for Cranberry Brie Bites?
You don’t have to. The rind is edible and helps the cheese hold its shape. If you prefer rind-free, trim lightly and keep cubes small.
Can you use canned cranberry sauce?
Yes. Whole-berry works best for texture. If using jellied sauce, mash it with a fork and add orange zest for brightness.
How do you keep Cranberry Brie Bites from sticking?
Lightly grease the pan, don’t overfill, and let the bites rest 5 minutes before removing. A small offset spatula or butter knife helps lift cleanly.
Can you make Cranberry Brie Bites without puff pastry?
Use layered phyllo: stack 3–4 buttered sheets, cut into squares, press into the pan, and bake 10–12 minutes. Or use crescent dough for a softer, breadier bite.
Save this page, pin it for later, and share it with a friend who loves an easy win in the kitchen. Your next celebration just got delicious.
Conclusion: Your New Signature Appetizer
With one pan and a handful of pantry staples, you elevate your gathering—and give your guests that “just one more” moment. Save this recipe, share it with your favorite hosts, and bake a batch of Cranberry Brie Bites tonight. Your future self (and your party guests) will thank you.
Cranberry Brie Bites
Ingredients
Method
- Heat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 24-cup mini muffin pan.
- Unfold the chilled puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Roll gently to even thickness.
- Cut into 24 squares, roughly 2 x 2 inches.
- Press each square into the muffin cups, tucking the corners down to create a well. Dock (prick) the bottoms with a fork.
- Drop a cube of brie into each pastry cup.
- Add about 1 teaspoon cranberry sauce on top.
- Sprinkle with orange zest, nuts, and herbs if using.
- Brush pastry edges lightly with egg wash and finish with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Bake for 14–16 minutes, until puffed and deeply golden.
- Cool for 5 minutes in the pan, then loosen edges with a knife and transfer to a cooling rack.
- Drizzle with honey or maple, add extra zest, and garnish with a leaf of rosemary if desired.
- Serve warm.