Buttery, flaky, and bursting with creamy brie and tart cranberry sauce—these bites are a holiday favorite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
These Cranberry Brie Bites are the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer. With only a handful of ingredients, they come together quickly but look and taste like you’ve spent hours in the kitchen. The creamy brie pairs perfectly with the sweet-tart cranberry sauce, while the crisp puff pastry or buttery phyllo cups add an irresistible crunch. They’re festive, easy to make, and perfect for parties, holiday dinners, or even a fancy snack!
Ingredients
Here’s a sneak peek at what you’ll need to make these delightful bites:
- Puff pastry or phyllo cups
- Brie cheese (cut into small cubes)
- Cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- Chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts) for garnish
- Optional: a drizzle of honey or balsamic glaze
The full list of ingredients and exact amounts is available in the recipe card below.
Directions
- Prep the puff pastry: If using puff pastry, cut it into small squares and press each piece into a mini muffin tin. Alternatively, place pre-made phyllo cups onto a baking sheet.
- Assemble the bites: Add a cube of brie into each pastry cup, followed by a spoonful of cranberry sauce. Sprinkle with chopped nuts for extra crunch.
- Bake to golden perfection: Bake at 375°F for 12–15 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and the brie is melted.
- Add the finishing touch: Drizzle with honey or balsamic glaze if desired, then serve warm.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Keep the puff pastry cold: Cold pastry puffs up better in the oven, so work quickly or refrigerate the cut squares until you’re ready to assemble.
- Use homemade cranberry sauce: If you have leftover cranberry sauce from Thanksgiving, this is the perfect recipe to use it up!
- Make ahead: Assemble the bites in the muffin tin, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake just before serving.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Savory twist: Add a small piece of cooked bacon or prosciutto under the brie for a smoky flavor.
- Herby touch: Sprinkle fresh rosemary or thyme on top before baking for a fragrant, festive garnish.
- Fruit swaps: Try fig jam, apricot preserves, or raspberry jam in place of cranberry sauce.
- Cheese alternatives: Camembert or goat cheese are excellent substitutes for brie.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
These bites are a versatile appetizer that pairs beautifully with:
- A charcuterie board with crackers, meats, and fresh fruits.
- A crisp green salad with a balsamic vinaigrette.
- Drinks like champagne, sparkling cider, or a light white wine (think Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc).
For a full appetizer spread, serve alongside stuffed mushrooms, deviled eggs, or spinach-artichoke dip.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Refrigerator: Store leftover bites in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Reheat: Warm them in a 350°F oven for about 5 minutes to regain their crispness. Avoid microwaving as it may make the pastry soggy.
- Freezer: Assemble the bites without baking and freeze in the muffin tin. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
FAQs
1. Can I use crescent roll dough instead of puff pastry?
Yes! Crescent roll dough works well and adds a slightly softer texture to the bites.
2. Can I make these without nuts?
Of course! Simply omit the nuts or substitute them with something else, like pomegranate seeds, for a nut-free crunch.
3. How do I prevent the cranberry sauce from spilling over?
Don’t overfill the cups. A small spoonful of cranberry sauce is enough to add flavor without overflowing.
4. Can I serve these bites at room temperature?
While they’re best served warm, they’re still delicious at room temperature, making them perfect for parties.
Conclusion
These Cranberry Brie Bites are the epitome of a simple yet elegant appetizer. Whether you’re celebrating the holidays or hosting a casual gathering, these bites are guaranteed to impress your guests with their rich flavors and festive look. Plus, with endless variations, you can customize them to fit any occasion. Ready to bake these irresistible bites? Let’s get started—you’ll be the star of the party!
Print
Cranberry Brie Bites
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 bites 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cranberry Brie Bites are the perfect holiday appetizer—flaky, buttery puff pastry cups filled with creamy Brie cheese and sweet-tart cranberry sauce. With just a few ingredients, they’re easy to make and irresistibly delicious.
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 8 oz Brie cheese, cut into small cubes
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)
- 1–2 tsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a mini muffin tin.
- Prepare the Puff Pastry:
- Roll out the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Cut into 24 equal squares.
- Assemble the Bites:
- Press each puff pastry square into a mini muffin tin cup.
- Place a cube of Brie into each cup, followed by about 1 teaspoon of cranberry sauce.
- Sprinkle with chopped pecans if using.
- Bake:
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh rosemary if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- For extra sweetness, drizzle with a touch of honey before serving.
- Substitute cranberry sauce with raspberry jam or fig preserves for a twist.
- These bites are best served fresh but can be reheated in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bite
- Calories: ~90
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 10mg