Cranberry Brie Bites are the perfect combination of sweet, tart, and creamy flavors wrapped in flaky, buttery pastry that makes them irresistible at any gathering. These elegant little appetizers feature rich, creamy brie cheese paired with tangy-sweet cranberry sauce, all nestled in delicate puff pastry cups that turn golden and crispy in the oven. The contrast between the smooth, mild brie and the bright acidity of cranberries creates a harmonious flavor balance that’s both sophisticated and approachable. Each bite delivers a burst of seasonal flavors with the buttery pastry providing the perfect vessel for the melted cheese and fruit. These bites are especially popular during the holiday season when cranberries are at their peak, but they’re delicious year-round and perfect for cocktail parties, holiday entertaining, or whenever you want to serve something that looks impressive but requires minimal effort to create.
Serves: 24 bites (serves 8-10 people as appetizers)
Ingredients
For the bites:
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed according to package directions
- 8 oz wheel of brie cheese, rind removed and cut into small cubes
- 1/2 cup whole berry cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 2 tablespoons honey for drizzling (optional)
For homemade cranberry sauce (optional):
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1 tablespoon orange juice
Preparation Time
Total time: 35 minutes
- Prep: 15 minutes
- Baking: 15-18 minutes
- Cooling: 5 minutes
Instructions
Prepare the Pastry
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 24-cup mini muffin tin. Remove the puff pastry from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature for about 10 minutes – it should be pliable but still cold. On a lightly floured surface, roll the pastry slightly to smooth any creases, then cut it into 24 equal squares using a sharp knife or pizza cutter.
Form the Pastry Cups
Gently press each pastry square into the cups of your mini muffin tin, allowing the corners to stick up slightly above the rim. The pastry should form small cups that will hold the filling. Don’t worry if they look a bit rustic – this adds to their homemade charm. The pastry will puff up during baking, creating perfect little containers.
Prepare the Brie
Remove the rind from the brie cheese using a sharp knife – the rind is edible but can be tough when baked. Cut the brie into small cubes that will fit comfortably in your pastry cups. Room temperature brie is easier to cut and will melt more evenly during baking. If the cheese is too soft, chill it briefly to make cutting easier.
Make Homemade Cranberry Sauce (Optional)
If making your own cranberry sauce, combine fresh cranberries, sugar, water, orange zest, and orange juice in a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries pop and the mixture thickens. Let cool completely before using. Homemade sauce has a fresher flavor and you can control the sweetness level.
Assemble the Bites
Place 2-3 cubes of brie in each pastry cup, then top with about 1 teaspoon of cranberry sauce. Don’t overfill, as the mixture will bubble up during baking. If using nuts, sprinkle a few pieces over each bite for extra crunch and flavor. Add a few fresh thyme leaves to each cup for an aromatic herb note that complements both the cheese and cranberries.
Apply Egg Wash
Brush the exposed pastry edges with beaten egg using a pastry brush. This will give the pastry a beautiful golden color when baked and create an attractive, professional-looking finish. Be careful not to get egg wash on the filling, as this can prevent proper browning.
Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown and the brie is melted and bubbly. The cranberry sauce should be heated through and the pastry should sound hollow when tapped gently. If the tops are browning too quickly, cover loosely with foil for the last few minutes.
Cool and Serve
Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for 5 minutes before carefully removing each bite. The cheese will be very hot, so this cooling time is important for both safety and easier handling. Use a small spoon or knife to gently lift each bite from the muffin tin.
Final Touches
Arrange the warm bites on a serving platter and drizzle lightly with honey if desired – this adds an extra layer of sweetness that complements the tart cranberries beautifully. Garnish with additional fresh thyme sprigs for an elegant presentation that highlights the fresh herbs used in the recipe.
Make-Ahead Tips
These bites can be assembled several hours ahead and refrigerated before baking. Cover the muffin tin with plastic wrap and bake just before serving, adding 2-3 extra minutes to the cooking time if baking from cold. The pastry cups can even be pre-baked for 8-10 minutes, then filled and finished baking when ready to serve.
Ingredient Variations
Try different combinations to suit your taste or seasonal availability. Dried cranberries rehydrated in warm water work when fresh cranberry sauce isn’t available. Other soft cheeses like camembert or goat cheese can substitute for brie. Chopped dried figs, apricot preserves, or even caramelized onions make delicious alternatives to cranberry sauce.
Storage and Reheating
These bites are best served warm from the oven, but leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore the pastry’s crispness. Avoid microwaving as this will make the pastry soggy.
Serving Suggestions
Cranberry Brie Bites pair beautifully with champagne, prosecco, or white wine for elegant entertaining. They’re also delicious with apple cider or sparkling cider during fall and winter months. Serve alongside other appetizers like cheese and charcuterie boards, or as part of a holiday buffet spread.
Tips for Success
Keep the puff pastry cold while working with it to ensure maximum puffiness. Don’t overfill the cups, as the filling will expand during baking. If your cranberry sauce is very chunky, chop it slightly for easier eating. Fresh thyme makes a big difference in flavor, but dried herbs work in a pinch.
