If you are searching for an irresistible crowd-pleaser that combines flaky, buttery pastry with creamy cheese and a burst of festive sweetness, this Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe is exactly what you need. These delightful mini treats offer a perfect balance of textures and flavors, making them a standout appetizer at any gathering. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or simply want to impress friends with something elegant yet easy, these bites will quickly become your go-to recipe.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started on these Cranberry Brie Bites is a breeze with just a handful of ingredients that each play a special role. From the flaky puff pastry that serves as a sturdy, golden shell, to the luscious Brie that melts into every bite, and the tart cranberry sauce that adds a festive pop of color and flavor—each component makes this recipe truly shine.
- Puff pastry sheet: Use thawed puff pastry for that perfectly flaky, buttery base that holds everything together.
- Brie cheese (4 ounces): Cut into small cubes, its creamy richness is the heart of each bite.
- Cranberry sauce (½ cup): Whole berry or homemade works beautifully to brighten up the flavors and add a sweet-tart note.
- Chopped fresh rosemary (1 tablespoon, optional): Adds a fragrant herbaceous touch that complements the cheese and cranberries gorgeously.
- Egg (1, beaten): Brushed on the pastry edges to create that irresistible golden shine and inviting crispness.
- Nonstick cooking spray: Ensures your mini muffin tin is ready to release those delicate bites without a hitch.
How to Make Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Tools and Puff Pastry
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly spraying a 24-cup mini muffin tin with nonstick spray. This preparation is key so your bites come out perfectly formed and don’t stick to the pan. Then, roll out your thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface—this helps prevent any sticking and makes it easy to cut into 24 evenly sized squares.
Step 2: Form the Pastry Cups
Carefully press each pastry square into the wells of your muffin tin, gently shaping little cups that will cradle the filling. This step is fun and satisfying; you’re creating the perfect vessel for all the deliciousness about to come.
Step 3: Add Brie and Cranberry Sauce
Place a small cube of Brie into each puff pastry cup—that creamy, melt-in-your-mouth cheese is the star here. Top each cheese cube with about a teaspoon of cranberry sauce. Choosing whole berry cranberry sauce adds lovely texture and bursts of tart flavor that pairs so well with the milky Brie.
Step 4: Optional Rosemary and Egg Wash
For an extra layer of flavor, sprinkle a bit of freshly chopped rosemary over each bite. Then, using a pastry brush, coat the exposed edges of the puff pastry with the beaten egg. This step ensures a golden, glossy finish that’s as pretty as it is tasty.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pop the filled muffin tin into your preheated oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes. You’ll know they are ready once the puff pastry is gloriously golden and puffed up. Allow the bites to cool slightly in the tin before gently removing them to avoid breaking their delicate shape.
How to Serve Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe
Garnishes
These little beauties are stunning on their own, but a sprinkling of fresh rosemary or a small pecan on top adds an inviting aroma and a bit of crunch. A drizzle of honey or a tiny sprig of thyme can also elevate their presentation and flavor profile, making guests feel like you went the extra mile.
Side Dishes
While Cranberry Brie Bites are perfect appetizers by themselves, pairing them with a fresh green salad, roasted nuts, or a light charcuterie board makes for a full, elegant snack spread. The versatility of this recipe means it complements many flavors without overpowering them.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, serve your Cranberry Brie Bites on a beautifully arranged wooden platter lined with fresh rosemary sprigs and cranberries. Alternatively, place them in small decorative cupcake liners to add color and make serving a breeze at parties. These small details turn simple bites into stunning party fare.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to two days, though they are always best enjoyed fresh for that perfect flaky texture and melty cheese experience.
Freezing
You can prepare these Cranberry Brie Bites ahead of time by assembling them but skipping the baking step. Freeze the filled muffin tin or individual bites on a tray, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. When ready to serve, bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time for flawless results.
Reheating
To reheat, place the bites on a baking sheet and warm them in a 350°F oven for about 8 to 10 minutes or until heated through and crisp again. Avoid microwaving, as it may soften the pastry and make them soggy.
FAQs
Can I use crescent roll dough instead of puff pastry?
Absolutely! Crescent roll dough is a great substitute if puff pastry isn’t on hand. It will still provide a flaky and delicious base, though the texture might be slightly different—still incredibly tasty.
Is it okay to use store-bought cranberry sauce?
Yes, store-bought cranberry sauce works wonderfully and saves time. However, homemade cranberry sauce can add a fresher, more vibrant flavor if you prefer making it from scratch.
Can I make these bites vegan or dairy-free?
For a vegan or dairy-free version, you can substitute the Brie with a plant-based cheese alternative and ensure the puff pastry is vegan-friendly. The cranberry sauce is typically naturally vegan.
How far in advance can I prepare Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe?
You can assemble these bites up to a day before baking. Keep them covered in the refrigerator until you are ready to bake, and they will taste just as fresh and delicious.
Can I add nuts to the Cranberry Brie Bites?
Yes! Adding a pecan or walnut half on top before baking not only adds a wonderful crunch but also brings another layer of flavor that complements the cheese and cranberry perfectly.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about serving a bite-sized treat that feels both indulgent and festive, and this Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe delivers on that promise every time. Whether you’re dazzling guests at a holiday party or craving a cozy snack with a cup of tea, these miniature morsels are sure to bring smiles and compliments. Give this recipe a try—you’ll find it’s every bit as joyful to make as it is to savor.
Print
Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 24 bites
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cranberry Brie Bites are delightful mini appetizers featuring flaky puff pastry filled with rich Brie cheese and tangy cranberry sauce. Perfect for holiday gatherings or any festive occasion, these bite-sized treats combine creamy, sweet, and savory flavors with a touch of fresh rosemary for an elegant finish.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed)
- 4 ounces Brie cheese (cut into 24 small cubes)
- ½ cup cranberry sauce (whole berry or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary (optional)
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
- Nonstick cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly spray a 24-cup mini muffin tin with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cut and shape pastry: Roll out the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Cut into 24 equal squares, then gently press each square into the wells of the prepared muffin tin, forming small pastry cups.
- Fill pastry cups: Place a cube of Brie cheese into each pastry cup. Top each with approximately 1 teaspoon of cranberry sauce. If desired, sprinkle a small amount of chopped fresh rosemary over the top to add an herby flavor.
- Apply egg wash: Brush the exposed edges of the puff pastry cups with the beaten egg. This will give the pastry a beautiful golden color when baked.
- Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed up and golden brown.
- Cool and serve: Allow the bites to cool slightly before carefully removing them from the muffin tin. Serve warm or at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can substitute crescent roll dough for the puff pastry if desired.
- These bites are ideal as holiday appetizers and can be made ahead of time, then baked just before serving for freshness.
- Adding a pecan on top before baking adds extra crunch and a complementary flavor.
