If you are looking for a delightful appetizer that bursts with festive flavor and elegance, then this Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe is an absolute must-try. These little pillows of buttery puff pastry filled with creamy brie and tangy cranberry sauce offer a perfect balance of sweet and savory, making them the ideal crowd-pleaser for any gathering. With just a handful of simple ingredients, this recipe transforms into bite-sized treats that are as beautiful as they are delicious—guaranteed to bring warmth and joy to your table in every single bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Nothing complicated here—just a handful of essential ingredients that work in perfect harmony. Each one plays a special role: the flaky puff pastry provides crisp texture, the brie adds luscious creaminess, and the cranberry sauce lends that signature fruity zing. Finish it off with some crunchy pecans and fresh rosemary to add color, aroma, and a subtle crunch that rounds out every bite.
- 16 oz. puff pastry dough (2 sheets): Choose quality pastry for maximum flakiness and golden color.
- 1 lb. brie cheese: Remove the rind for an even melt and creamy texture.
- 1 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or canned): Use your favorite one for that perfect balance of sweetness and tartness.
- 1 tsp. salt (to taste): Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness.
- ½ cup pecans (finely chopped): Toast them for a toasty crunch and nuttiness.
- 2 sprigs rosemary (fresh): Adds aromatic freshness and a hint of piney flavor.
How to Make Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Cheese
Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees, so it’s nice and ready to transform your little bites into golden perfection. Meanwhile, gently remove the rind from the brie and cut it into 48 equal pieces. This ensures each bite has just the right amount of creamy cheese that melts beautifully inside the pastry shell.
Step 2: Cut and Shape the Puff Pastry
Lightly flour a cutting board and lay out one sheet of puff pastry dough. Depending on whether your dough is square or rectangular, cut it into 24 or 25 equal-sized squares. This step is key because these squares form the delicate, crispy containers that will hold your brie and cranberry filling.
Step 3: Prep the Mini Muffin Pan
Spray your mini muffin pan liberally with non-stick cooking spray. This simple action helps ensure your Cranberry Brie Bites come out flawlessly shaped and don’t stick to the pan, keeping both your presentation and cleanup hassle-free.
Step 4: Assemble the Bites
Gently press one pastry square into each cavity of the muffin pan, making sure the pastry covers the sides up to at least half the height of the cavity. Next, add a piece of brie and top it with about a teaspoon of cranberry sauce. Repeat this with all the remaining pastry squares, brie pieces, and cranberry sauce until each well is perfectly filled.
Step 5: Season and Bake
Sprinkle a little salt evenly over all the filled cups. This simple seasoning lifts the flavors without overpowering them. Then pop the tray into the oven, baking for 15 to 18 minutes until the edges of the pastry turn a gorgeous golden brown, signaling that these bites are ready to wow.
Step 6: Toast Pecans and Garnish
While the bites bake, spread your chopped pecans on a baking sheet and roast them for the last 5 minutes of the cooking time to bring out their flavor and crunch. Once done, sprinkle these toasted pecans along with bits of fresh rosemary over the warm Cranberry Brie Bites for an aromatic and textural finish.
How to Serve Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe
Garnishes
The charming addition of fresh rosemary not only adds a splash of color but also infuses the bites with a subtle herbal aroma that awakens the senses. Toasted pecans offer a satisfying crunch and a nutty contrast to the creamy brie and tart cranberry sauce.
Side Dishes
Pair these bites with light, crisp salads or a refreshing citrus-infused punch to complement their richness. A side of mixed greens dressed with a simple vinaigrette or even a sparkling wine can elevate the entire experience, turning your appetizer into a memorable start to any meal or party.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive gathering, arrange the Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe on a rustic wooden board with sprigs of rosemary scattered around for a natural look. Alternatively, try serving them in decorative mini muffin liners matching your holiday colors or on a tiered serving platter to add height and elegance to your appetizer spread.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, don’t worry—they keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just be sure to cool them completely before storing to maintain the pastry’s texture and prevent sogginess.
Freezing
To enjoy these bites later, you can freeze them before baking. Assemble the bites as usual, place the muffin pan in the freezer until they’re firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months and can be baked directly from frozen with a few extra minutes added to cooking time.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers or frozen bites in a preheated oven at 350 degrees for 8 to 10 minutes or until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving to preserve that irresistibly flaky crust and melty brie center.
FAQs
Can I use a different cheese instead of brie?
Absolutely! While brie’s creamy texture and mild flavor are perfect, you can experiment with camembert or a mild goat cheese for a different twist. Just keep the cheese soft enough to melt nicely inside the pastry.
Is homemade cranberry sauce better than canned for this recipe?
Both work wonderfully! Homemade cranberry sauce offers a fresh, vibrant flavor that really shines, but canned cranberry sauce is a great shortcut and still provides that classic sweet and tart punch.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
If gluten isn’t your friend, look for gluten-free puff pastry options at specialty stores. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this a fairly easy dish to adapt.
How far ahead can I prepare the bites?
You can assemble the bites a day ahead and keep them refrigerated. Just cover the muffin pan tightly with plastic wrap and bake right before serving to maintain freshness.
What if I don’t have mini muffin pans?
You can try using small tart pans or even mini cupcake liners on a baking sheet, but the traditional mini muffin pan helps the pastry hold its shape the best for these delicate bites.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe that makes every occasion feel a bit more festive and fun. With its irresistibly flaky crust, gooey brie, and bright cranberry topping, it’s one of those appetizers that disappears fast and leaves everyone asking for the recipe. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this warm, savory-sweet treat as much as I do!
Print
Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 48 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Cranberry Brie Bites are a delightful appetizer featuring flaky puff pastry filled with creamy brie cheese and sweet cranberry sauce, topped with toasted pecans and fresh rosemary. Perfect for holiday gatherings or special occasions, they bake up golden and delicious in under 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Puff Pastry
- 16 oz. puff pastry dough (2 sheets)
Filling
- 1 lb. brie cheese
- 1 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or canned)
- 1 tsp. salt (to taste)
Topping
- ½ cup pecans (finely chopped)
- 2 sprigs rosemary (fresh)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking the puff pastry evenly.
- Prepare Brie: Remove the rind from the brie cheese carefully, then cut the brie into 48 equal-sized pieces to fit into the mini muffin pan cavities.
- Cut Puff Pastry: Lightly flour a cutting board and lay one 8-ounce sheet of puff pastry dough flat. Cut the dough into either 25 or 24 equal-sized squares depending on the shape (square or rectangle) to yield 48 squares total across two sheets.
- Prepare Muffin Pan: Spray a mini muffin pan liberally with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking and make removal easier.
- Line Muffin Cavities: Place one square of puff pastry dough into each cavity, pressing it down so that the dough covers the sides at least halfway up to prevent filling spills during baking.
- Add Filling: Place one piece of brie and about 1 teaspoon of cranberry sauce into each dough-lined cavity. Repeat the process until all 48 cavities are filled.
- Season: Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of salt evenly over all the bite-sized pieces to enhance the overall flavor.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the edges of the puff pastry turn golden brown and crisp.
- Toast Pecans: During the last 5 minutes of baking, place the finely chopped pecans on a baking sheet and roast them in the oven until they are lightly toasted and fragrant.
- Garnish and Serve: Just before serving, sprinkle the toasted pecans over the cranberry brie bites and garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs. Serve warm and enjoy the burst of flavors.
Notes
- Removing the rind from brie creates a creamier texture and prevents a bitter taste.
- Use either homemade or canned cranberry sauce based on preference and availability.
- To easily remove puff pastry from the pan, make sure the muffin tin is well greased.
- Fresh rosemary adds a lovely aroma and flavor; you can substitute with thyme if preferred.
- These bites are best enjoyed warm but can be served at room temperature.
