Why You’ll Love These Cranberry Brie Bites
If you’re looking for the perfect holiday appetizer that combines elegance with ease, these Cranberry Brie Bites are about to become your new go-to recipe. I’m obsessed with them for so many reasons.
First, they’re incredibly simple to prepare—puff pastry does all the heavy lifting. The sweet-tart cranberry sauce pairs perfectly with creamy, melty brie, creating that magical flavor combination we all crave during the holidays.
Plus, they look absolutely gorgeous on a serving platter.
Need something you can prep ahead? These little beauties can be assembled earlier in the day, then popped into the oven just before guests arrive.
What Ingredients are in Cranberry Brie Bites?
These festive Cranberry Brie Bites require just a handful of ingredients that come together to create the perfect sweet and savory holiday appetizer.
What I love about this recipe is how simple the ingredient list is—just three main components that transform into something so elegant. The combination of flaky pastry, creamy cheese, and tangy fruit creates that perfect holiday bite that’ll have your guests reaching for seconds, maybe even thirds.
- 2 sheets puff pastry
- 1½ cups cranberry sauce
- 1 (10-ounce) triangle of brie cheese
- Non-stick cooking spray (optional, for greasing muffin tins)
When shopping for these ingredients, quality makes a difference, though you don’t need to break the bank.
Store-bought puff pastry works perfectly fine—no need to make it from scratch unless you’re feeling ambitious. For the cranberry sauce, you can absolutely use homemade if you have it, but the canned variety works wonderfully too.
As for the brie, look for one that’s ripe but not overly runny, as it’ll melt beautifully without making a mess in your muffin tin. And remember, room temperature brie is much easier to cut into those perfect little squares for your bites.
How to Make These Cranberry Brie Bites
Making these adorable cranberry brie bites couldn’t be simpler, and they look so impressive on a holiday platter! Start by preheating your oven to 375°F, which gives you the perfect temperature to create that golden-brown pastry while melting the cheese to creamy perfection.
Take your 2 sheets of puff pastry and cut each one into 12 even squares. This will give you 24 bites total—perfect for a small gathering or as part of a larger spread. Press each pastry square gently into the cups of a mini muffin tin, trying to guarantee the dough covers the entire cup. A little non-stick spray beforehand can be a lifesaver here, preventing any sticky situations when it’s time to remove your bites.
Now for the star ingredients! Cut your 10-ounce triangle of brie cheese into 1-inch squares. Don’t worry about removing the rind—it’s completely edible and softens beautifully when baked. Place one square of brie into each pastry cup, then top each with about 1 tablespoon of your 1½ cups cranberry sauce. The vibrant red against the creamy white cheese creates that perfect holiday color contrast that makes these bites so festive.
Pop the filled muffin tin into your preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, keeping an eye on them toward the end. You’re looking for those pastry edges to turn a light golden brown, which signals they’re done to perfection.
Once baked, let these little treasures cool for just a few minutes—not completely, mind you, because they’re absolutely divine when the cheese is still warm and melty. Just long enough that you can handle them without burning your fingers.
Gently remove each bite from the muffin tin (this is where that non-stick spray really proves its worth), and arrange them on your serving platter. The contrast between the flaky, buttery pastry, the rich, creamy brie, and the sweet-tart cranberry sauce creates a flavor combination that’s simply irresistible.
And the best part? They look like you spent hours in the kitchen, when really, they come together in less than 30 minutes.
Cranberry Brie Bites Substitutions and Variations
While the classic recipe for cranberry brie bites is already a crowd-pleaser, you can easily customize these festive appetizers to match your taste preferences or what’s available in your pantry.
Don’t have brie? I’ve used camembert, goat cheese, and even cream cheese with delicious results. The cranberry sauce can be swapped for fig jam, raspberry preserves, or even a savory option like caramelized onions.
Feeling fancy? Add a sprinkle of chopped nuts or herbs before baking—walnuts and thyme are my personal favorites. And for those who love a sweet-savory combo, a tiny drizzle of honey and some cracked black pepper takes these bites to another level.
What to Serve with Cranberry Brie Bites
Now that you’ve mastered the basic recipe and its variations, let’s talk about what to serve alongside these gorgeous cranberry brie bites.
I love pairing these with a crisp green salad dressed simply with vinaigrette. The acidity cuts through the richness of the brie perfectly.
A charcuterie board with some salty cured meats offers a nice contrast, too.
For drinks, try a sparkling wine or champagne—the bubbles cleanse your palate between bites.
Apple cider, either hot or cold depending on the season, works wonderfully as a non-alcoholic option.
These bites shine at holiday gatherings, but honestly, why wait?
Final Thoughts
After preparing these cranberry brie bites countless times for holiday gatherings, I’ve come to appreciate their magical ability to disappear faster than any other appetizer on the table.
The combination of flaky pastry, creamy brie, and tangy cranberry creates an irresistible bite that guests can’t seem to get enough of.
What I love most about this recipe is its versatility. You can make them ahead, customize the flavors, or even go with store-bought cranberry sauce when time is tight.
Who needs complicated appetizers when these three-ingredient wonders consistently steal the show? These little gems have earned their permanent spot in my holiday recipe collection.
Festive Cranberry Brie Bites
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
-
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
-
Lightly spray a mini muffin tin with non-stick cooking spray if desired.
-
Cut each sheet of puff pastry into 12 even squares, making 24 squares total.
-
Gently press each pastry square into a cup of the mini muffin tin, ensuring the dough covers the entire cup.
-
Cut the brie cheese into 24 small 1-inch squares. No need to remove the rind.
-
Place one square of brie into each pastry cup.
-
Top each with approximately 1 tablespoon of cranberry sauce.
-
Bake for 10-15 minutes, until the pastry edges turn light golden brown.
-
Allow to cool for a few minutes before gently removing from the muffin tin.
-
Arrange on a serving platter and serve while still warm.
Nutrition
Notes
You can assemble these earlier in the day and refrigerate until ready to bake, making them perfect for entertaining. For an extra special touch, add a sprinkle of chopped walnuts or fresh thyme before baking.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes to restore the crispy texture.
Tried this recipe?
Festive Cranberry Brie Bites
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly spray a mini muffin tin with non-stick cooking spray if desired.
- Cut each sheet of puff pastry into 12 even squares, making 24 squares total.
- Gently press each pastry square into a cup of the mini muffin tin, ensuring the dough covers the entire cup.
- Cut the brie cheese into 24 small 1-inch squares. No need to remove the rind.
- Place one square of brie into each pastry cup.
- Top each with approximately 1 tablespoon of cranberry sauce.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes, until the pastry edges turn light golden brown.
- Allow to cool for a few minutes before gently removing from the muffin tin.
- Arrange on a serving platter and serve while still warm.
