Cranberry brie bites are the holiday appetizer that disappears the moment it hits the table. Flaky puff pastry cups cradle creamy, melty brie and a spoonful of tart cranberry sauce, then get finished with crunchy pecans and fresh herbs.
These easy cranberry brie bites with puff pastry bake in a mini muffin tin and are perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s parties. This make ahead cranberry brie appetizer looks fancy but needs only five ingredients.
Recipe at a Glance
| Prep Time | 20 minutes |
| Cook Time | 17 minutes |
| Total Time | 40 minutes |
| Servings | 24 bites |
| Category | Appetizer / Holiday |
Why You’ll Love These Cranberry Brie Bites
- Just 5 ingredients and 40 minutes
- Flaky, buttery, creamy, and tangy in one bite
- Easy to assemble ahead for parties
- Festive red and green for the holidays
- Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry (about 10 ounces), thawed
- 8 ounces brie, cut into 24 small cubes (rind on)
- ½ cup cranberry sauce (homemade or canned whole berry)
- 1 egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon water, for egg wash
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped pecans
- Fresh rosemary or thyme and a drizzle of honey, for garnish (optional)
How to Make Cranberry Brie Bites with Puff Pastry
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a 24-cup mini muffin tin.
- Unfold the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and cut it into 24 squares, about 2 inches each.
- Gently press each square into a muffin cup, letting the corners stick up.
- Place one cube of brie in each pastry cup and top with about 1 teaspoon of cranberry sauce.
- Brush the exposed pastry edges with egg wash and sprinkle with chopped pecans.
- Bake for 15 to 17 minutes until the pastry is puffed and golden. Cool for 5 minutes, then garnish with herbs and honey and serve warm.
Tips for the Best Make-Ahead Cranberry Brie Appetizers
- Keep the puff pastry cold; it puffs best when it goes into the oven chilled.
- Do not overfill the cups or the cheese will bubble over.
- Use the brie rind for the best melt and the cleanest bites.
- Press the pastry into the cups gently so it stays flaky.
- Cool the bites for a few minutes so the filling sets.
Variations to Try: Brie Bite Ideas
- Swap cranberry sauce for fig jam or apricot preserves.
- Add a pinch of orange zest to the cranberry sauce.
- Top with candied pecans or a sprinkle of thyme.
- Use camembert in place of brie.
How to Store It
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheat in a 350°F oven for 5 to 7 minutes. To make ahead, assemble up to 1 day in advance, cover, and refrigerate unbaked, then bake just before serving, adding a minute or two.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make cranberry brie bites ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble them up to a day ahead without the egg wash, refrigerate, then brush and bake before serving.
Do you remove the rind from brie for appetizers?
No. The rind is edible and helps the cheese hold its shape as it melts.
Can I freeze cranberry brie bites?
Yes. Freeze unbaked assembled bites on a tray, then store in a bag and bake from frozen, adding 3 to 5 minutes.
What can I use instead of puff pastry?
Crescent dough or phyllo cups also work, though puff pastry gives the flakiest result.
Cranberry Brie Bites
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F and grease a mini muffin tin.
- Step 2: Cut the puff pastry into 24 squares.
- Step 3: Press each square into a muffin cup.
- Tip: Keep the pastry cold.
- Step 4: Add a cube of brie and a teaspoon of cranberry sauce to each cup.
- Tip: Do not overfill.
- Step 5: Brush the edges with egg wash and sprinkle with pecans.
- Step 6: Bake 15 to 17 minutes until golden and garnish with herbs and honey.
Notes
Assemble ahead and bake just before serving.