Cranberry Brie Bites are a delightful, bite-sized appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings, parties, or any special occasion. These mini treats combine the rich creaminess of Brie cheese with the tangy sweetness of cranberry sauce, all nestled in a golden, flaky pastry cup.
The contrasting flavors and textures create a harmonious balance — the buttery crunch of the pastry, the smooth, mild Brie, and the slightly tart cranberry make every bite irresistible.
They are visually appealing, with their jewel-toned topping, and they require minimal effort to prepare, making them a favorite for both hosts and guests.
Why You’ll Love Cranberry Brie Bites
These Cranberry Brie Bites are mini flavor bombs—sweet, savory, creamy, and buttery all in one bite. Made with just a few ingredients, they’re a go-to holiday appetizer that looks elegant but takes almost no time to put together. The rich brie melts perfectly with tart cranberry sauce, all wrapped in flaky crescent dough or puff pastry. They’re bite-sized, beautiful, and absolutely irresistible!
Cranberry Brie Bites
Description
Melted brie, tangy cranberry sauce, and golden, flaky dough come together in this festive finger food perfect for any party or gathering.
Typically, pre-made puff pastry or phyllo cups are used, saving time while still delivering a gourmet presentation.
Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme can be added for a fragrant touch, and a drizzle of honey can lend a hint of extra sweetness.
Cranberry Brie Bites are best served warm so the cheese stays soft and melty, though they are equally delicious at room temperature.
Whether as part of a festive appetizer spread or a casual get-together, these little bites will quickly disappear from the plate, earning rave reviews.
Their simple yet elegant nature makes them a go-to recipe for effortless entertaining with maximum flavor.
Ingredients
1 sheet puff pastry (or 1 tube of crescent roll dough)
Instructions
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Prep the Pastry:
Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a mini muffin tin. Cut puff pastry or dough into 24 squares and press each into a muffin cup.
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Add the Brie:
Place a cube of brie into each dough-lined cup.
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Top with Cranberry:
Spoon about ½ tsp of cranberry sauce over the brie in each cup.
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Optional Garnish:
Top with a sprinkle of chopped rosemary or a pecan piece if desired.
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Bake:
Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
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Cool & Serve:
Let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Best served warm.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 24
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 90kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 6g10%
- Total Carbohydrate 7g3%
- Sugars 2g
- Protein 2g4%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Tips & Serving Tricks:
- Use a mini muffin pan for the perfect shape and size.
- Don’t overfill – a small cube of brie and a small dollop of cranberry go a long way.
- Freeze ahead – assemble and freeze unbaked bites, then bake straight from frozen.
- Make it your own – swap cranberry for fig jam, apricot preserves, or hot pepper jelly.
- Serve warm for the best gooey cheese texture and flavor.
Variations and Storage:
Variations:
- Nutty Crunch – Add a sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts on top before baking for extra texture.
- Savory Twist – Use caramelized onions instead of cranberry sauce for a rich, savory option.
- Seasonal Fruit – Replace cranberry with fig jam, apricot preserves, or raspberry sauce for different flavor profiles.
- Herb Infusion – Sprinkle fresh rosemary, thyme, or sage over the top to add an aromatic touch.
- Spicy-Sweet – Mix cranberry sauce with a little jalapeño jelly for a sweet-heat combination.
Storage:
Cranberry Brie Bites are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, but they can be stored and reheated with great results. If you have leftovers, allow them to cool completely before placing them in an airtight container.
Store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm the bites on a baking sheet for about 8–10 minutes until the Brie is melty again and the pastry is crisp. Avoid microwaving as it can make the pastry soggy.
For make-ahead preparation, assemble the bites (without baking) and freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag and store for up to 1 month.
When ready to serve, bake directly from frozen, adding an extra 4–5 minutes to the baking time. This makes them a convenient, ready-to-go appetizer for last-minute entertaining.
Conclution:
In conclusion, Cranberry Brie Bites are the perfect blend of sweet, savory, and creamy flavors wrapped up in a bite-sized, flaky pastry. These little appetizers offer an elegant yet simple solution for any gathering, whether it’s a holiday party, a special occasion, or a casual get-together with friends.
The combination of tangy cranberry sauce and smooth, melty Brie cheese creates a harmonious balance of flavors that’s hard to resist. The puff pastry adds a satisfying crunch while providing a delicate, buttery base for the filling.
What makes these Cranberry Brie Bites truly stand out is their versatility and ease of preparation. Using store-bought puff pastry cuts down on prep time while still delivering a visually impressive and tasty appetizer.
The tangy sweetness of the cranberry sauce contrasts beautifully with the rich, creamy Brie, making each bite a burst of flavor. Plus, they can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge, making them an excellent choice for meal prepping or preparing a large batch for a party.
The addition of fresh rosemary or a sprinkle of chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts can elevate the dish even further, adding a pop of color and texture.
Cranberry Brie Bites are not only visually stunning but also a crowd-pleaser. They’re the kind of appetizer that disappears quickly, with guests returning for seconds or even thirds. Whether served as an appetizer, a party snack, or a holiday treat, they’re guaranteed to impress.
The rich Brie and sweet cranberry sauce perfectly complement the light, flaky pastry, and the balance of flavors makes these bites irresistible.
Easy to make, delightful to eat, and endlessly adaptable, Cranberry Brie Bites are destined to become a go-to recipe for entertaining and casual dining alike.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use crescent dough instead of puff pastry?
Yes! Crescent dough gives a softer texture but works beautifully.
Can I make them ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble them and refrigerate (or freeze) until ready to bake.
What other cheeses can I use?
Camembert or goat cheese can be great substitutes for brie.
