Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Cranberry Brie Bites are the perfect blend of savory and sweet, combining creamy brie cheese with tangy cranberry sauce all nestled in a flaky puff pastry shell. Ideal as an appetizer for holidays or gatherings, they’re bite-sized, elegant, and incredibly easy to prepare. The contrast of textures and flavors makes them irresistible for guests and family alike.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
puff pastry sheet
brie cheese
cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
chopped pecans (optional)
fresh rosemary (optional, for garnish)
egg (for egg wash)
directions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a mini muffin tin.
Unroll the puff pastry and cut it into 24 squares.
Press each square gently into the muffin tin cups.
Cut the brie into small pieces and place one piece into each pastry cup.
Spoon a small amount of cranberry sauce over the brie.
Top with chopped pecans if using.
Brush the exposed pastry edges with egg wash for a golden finish.
Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden.
Remove from oven and let them cool for a few minutes.
Garnish with a small sprig of rosemary if desired.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields approximately 24 bites.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Baking time: 15-18 minutes
Cooling time: 5 minutes
Total time: 30-35 minutes
Variations
Use fig jam or apricot preserves instead of cranberry sauce for a different flavor profile.
Add a sprinkle of brown sugar and cinnamon for a sweet twist.
Swap pecans for walnuts or omit nuts for a nut-free version.
Try using phyllo dough for a crispier, lighter base.
storage/reheating
Store leftover bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes to restore crispness.
Avoid microwaving as it may make the pastry soggy.
FAQs
Can I make Cranberry Brie Bites ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble them a few hours in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Can I freeze them?
Yes, freeze unbaked bites on a tray, then transfer to a container. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.
What type of brie works best?
A wheel of brie is best; remove the rind if you prefer a smoother texture.
Can I make this in a regular muffin tin?
Yes, but adjust the pastry size and add slightly more filling.
What other cheeses can I use?
Camembert or goat cheese are good alternatives.
Conclusion
Cranberry Brie Bites are a festive, crowd-pleasing appetizer that combine rich cheese, tangy fruit, and flaky pastry into one delicious morsel. Easy to make and always elegant, they’re sure to become a go-to for any celebration or cozy evening snack.
PrintCranberry Brie Bites
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 bites 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious mini pastry cups filled with melted Brie and tart cranberry sauce, topped with chopped walnuts and rosemary—perfect as a festive appetizer or cocktail party snack.
Ingredients
- 1 sheet (8 oz) refrigerated puff pastry, thawed
- 4 oz Brie cheese, rind removed and cut into small cubes
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 2 tablespoons chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Optional: zest of 1/2 orange for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a mini muffin tin.
- Unfold puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and roll into a 10×10-inch square. Cut into 24 equal squares.
- Press each square into a mini muffin well, forming a cup.
- Place a small cube of Brie in the bottom of each pastry cup.
- Add about 1 teaspoon of cranberry sauce atop the Brie in each cup.
- Sprinkle chopped walnuts and rosemary over each bite.
- Brush the edges of pastry cups with beaten egg for a golden finish.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, until pastry is puffed and lightly golden and cheese is melted.
- Let cool for 2–3 minutes in the pan, then gently remove and transfer to a serving platter.
- Garnish with additional rosemary sprigs and optional orange zest before serving warm.
Notes
- Use reduced-sugar cranberry sauce if preferred to control sweetness.
- Swap walnuts for pecans or sliced almonds for variation.
- Make ahead: assemble bites and store covered in refrigerator for up to 4 hours before baking.
- Go nut-free by skipping the nuts or using toasted pumpkin seeds.
- For extra flavor, drizzle with honey or a balsamic reduction just before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 bites (approx.)
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
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