golden cranberry brie bites on white plate in modern kitchen setting

Irresistible Cranberry Brie Bites – The Perfect Holiday Appetizer

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If you’ve ever searched for a holiday appetizer that disappears faster than you can set it down, these cranberry brie bites might just become your new signature dish. I still remember the first time I served them—fresh out of the oven, buttery puff pastry crisp on the edges, gooey melted brie at the center, and a ruby-red cranberry topping glistening like jewels. Within minutes, the entire tray was gone, and everyone was asking for the recipe.

These cranberry brie bites are everything a festive party needs: quick to make, elegant on the table, and bursting with that perfect mix of creamy, sweet, and savory flavors. Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a cozy weekend dinner party, this bite-sized treat guarantees you’ll impress your guests without breaking a sweat.

What Are Cranberry Brie Bites?

At their core, cranberry brie bites are mini puff pastry cups filled with creamy brie cheese and topped with tangy cranberry sauce. They’re baked until golden brown, turning the pastry into flaky perfection and the cheese into a warm, melty delight. Think of them as the fancy cousin of a grilled cheese sandwich — elegant, compact, and full of contrast.

What makes them so special is how simple they are to prepare. You don’t need culinary training or expensive tools. All you need is a mini muffin tin, a sheet of puff pastry, some brie, and a spoonful of cranberry sauce. Add a few chopped nuts or fresh herbs if you want to elevate the flavor, and you’ve got a dish that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.

They’re also incredibly versatile. Serve them warm right out of the oven, or let them cool slightly for an easy, mess-free addition to any cheese board. Their balance of flavors — buttery, creamy, tart, and sweet — hits every note your guests crave during the holidays.

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golden cranberry brie bites on white plate in modern kitchen setting

Irresistible Cranberry Brie Bites


  • Author: Maha Al-Sayed
  • Total Time: PT25M
  • Yield: 24 bites 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Cranberry Brie Bites are the ultimate holiday appetizer—flaky puff pastry filled with creamy brie and tangy cranberry sauce, baked until golden and irresistible. Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any festive gathering.


Ingredients

Scale

1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed

8 ounces brie cheese, chilled for easy slicing

½ cup whole-berry cranberry sauce

¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped

1 tablespoon honey (optional drizzle)

Nonstick spray or butter for greasing mini muffin tin


Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F and lightly grease a mini muffin tin.

2. Unfold thawed puff pastry on a floured surface and roll slightly to smooth creases.

3. Cut pastry into 24 even squares and press each into the muffin cups.

4. Slice brie into 24 cubes and place one cube into each pastry cup.

5. Top each with about one teaspoon of cranberry sauce.

6. Sprinkle chopped nuts and rosemary over the top.

7. Bake for 13–15 minutes, until the pastry is golden brown and the brie is melted.

8. Cool for 5 minutes before serving, then drizzle with honey if desired.

Notes

Serve warm or at room temperature for best flavor.

You can assemble the bites ahead of time and refrigerate before baking.

For a nut-free version, replace nuts with toasted pumpkin seeds.

Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in the oven or air fryer for best texture.

  • Prep Time: PT10M
  • Cook Time: PT15M
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bite
  • Calories: 95
  • Sugar: 3
  • Sodium: 85
  • Fat: 6
  • Saturated Fat: 3
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2
  • Trans Fat: 0
  • Carbohydrates: 8
  • Fiber: 0
  • Protein: 3
  • Cholesterol: 10

Ingredients & Shopping List

You can find everything for these cranberry brie bites at your local grocery store. Here’s exactly what you’ll need:

Core Ingredients

  • 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
  • 8 ounces brie cheese, chilled for easy slicing
  • ½ cup whole-berry cranberry sauce (homemade or canned)
  • ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional, for crunch)
  • 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon honey (optional drizzle)

Equipment

  • Mini muffin tin (24-count preferred)
  • Sharp knife or cheese cutter
  • Pastry brush (optional for adding butter or egg wash)

When you’re shopping, go for brie that feels soft but not too runny — the rind helps it hold its shape as it melts. If puff pastry isn’t available, refrigerated crescent roll dough makes a great substitute and gives a softer, more pillowy texture.

overhead view of ingredients for cranberry brie bites on marble surface
Puff pastry, brie, cranberry sauce, pecans, and rosemary prepared for baking.

Step-by-Step Preparation

Prep the Pastry

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Lightly grease your mini muffin pan. Unfold the puff pastry on a floured surface, and gently roll it out to smooth any creases. Cut it into 24 even squares. Press each square into a muffin cup, creating small pastry baskets.

step-by-step process of filling puff pastry cups with brie and cranberry sauce
Assembling cranberry brie bites in a mini muffin tin before baking.

Fill and Bake

Slice the brie into 24 cubes — chilling it beforehand makes this step much easier. Place one piece of brie into each pastry cup. Add about a teaspoon of cranberry sauce over the top, then sprinkle with nuts and rosemary.

Slide the tray into the oven and bake for 13–15 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden. You’ll know they’re ready when the brie looks slightly melted and glossy.

Serve Warm

Let the bites cool for five minutes before serving. A quick drizzle of honey right before serving adds an extra layer of sweetness and shine that makes them irresistible.

These mini brie bites taste best warm, but they’re just as delicious at room temperature — perfect for serving during long holiday gatherings.

freshly baked cranberry brie bites cooling on wire rack in modern kitchen
Cranberry brie bites cooling after baking, showing crisp pastry and melted brie.

Dietary Variations & Substitutions

One of the best things about cranberry brie bites is how easy they are to adapt for different diets and preferences.

Vegan Version
Swap the brie for a plant-based cheese alternative like cashew brie or creamy almond cheese. Use vegan puff pastry (most store brands like Pepperidge Farm are vegan-friendly) and ensure your cranberry sauce doesn’t contain gelatin or honey.

Gluten-Free Option
Use gluten-free puff pastry or pre-made phyllo cups labeled gluten-free. Always double-check that your cranberry sauce and nuts are certified gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.

Low-Calorie Variation
Cut calories by using light brie or reduced-fat cream cheese. You can also reduce the puff pastry thickness by rolling it thinner before cutting. Opt for sugar-free cranberry sauce or make your own using fresh cranberries and a sugar substitute.

Halal-Friendly Adaptation
Choose halal-certified brie, which uses vegetarian rennet, and make sure your puff pastry brand is free from animal-derived shortening. These simple swaps keep the bites perfectly flavorful and inclusive.

Nut-Free Swap
If you’re serving guests with allergies, leave out the nuts entirely. A sprinkle of toasted pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds adds crunch without the risk.

By making small tweaks, you can turn this appetizer into a crowd-pleaser for every diet at your table.

Serving, Pairing & Presentation Tips

Presentation can turn this simple recipe into the star of your appetizer spread. Arrange your cranberry brie bites on a white platter and garnish with extra rosemary sprigs or a light honey drizzle. If you’re aiming for a cozy vibe, serve them on a wooden board alongside grapes, crackers, and sliced apples for a full holiday cheese board look.

cranberry brie bites served on slate board with rosemary and honey
Elegant presentation of cranberry brie bites on a serving board with festive garnishes.

These bites pair beautifully with drinks — think sparkling wine, cranberry mocktails, or even a glass of apple cider. For a brunch setting, they complement mimosas or coffee with cinnamon syrup.

Timing is everything during the holidays, so make these ahead if needed. You can assemble the bites up to 24 hours in advance, cover them tightly, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. That way, you can pop them in the oven while your guests arrive and serve them warm without stress.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat them in the oven or air fryer to bring back that perfect flaky texture. Avoid microwaving — it softens the pastry and takes away the magic.

These cranberry brie bites prove that holiday appetizers don’t have to be complicated to feel luxurious. They combine the elegance of a French cheese plate with the ease of a weeknight recipe, all wrapped up in a golden, buttery shell. Whether you’re setting them out for Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, or a cozy dinner at home, they never fail to impress. Once you make them, don’t be surprised if your guests start requesting them year after year — that’s how a holiday tradition begins.

FAQ

Can you make cranberry brie bites ahead of time?

Yes, you can! Assemble your cranberry brie bites up to a day before baking. Keep them covered in the fridge, then bake just before serving. This way, you get fresh, golden bites without rushing at party time.

Do you remove the rind from the brie before baking?

No need to! The rind on brie is completely edible and actually helps the cheese hold its shape while melting. If you prefer a smoother texture, you can trim it slightly, but it’s not required.

Can you freeze cranberry brie bites?

Absolutely. You can freeze them before or after baking. If freezing unbaked, store them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a container or freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the time.

What kind of cranberry sauce works best?

Whole-berry cranberry sauce gives the best texture and flavor balance. It adds a little tartness and visual appeal. If you like a smoother bite, jellied cranberry sauce also works.

How do you reheat leftover cranberry brie bites?

Reheat leftovers in the oven or air fryer for about 5 minutes at 350°F. This keeps the pastry crisp and the cheese gooey. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the pastry soggy.

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