Picture this: buttery, flaky pie crust cups filled with creamy brie cheese and topped with sweet-tart cranberry sauce. These Cranberry-Brie Pie Crust Bites are the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer that combines the richness of melted brie with the bright pop of cranberries, all nestled in crispy pastry shells. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, attending a potluck, or simply want an elegant snack, these bite-sized treats deliver restaurant-quality flavor with surprisingly simple preparation. Each bite offers a perfect balance of textures and flavors that will have your guests reaching for seconds.
Serves: 24 bites
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Total Time: 33 minutes
Ingredients
For the pie crust bites:
- 2 refrigerated pie crusts (from a 14.1 oz package)
- 8 oz wheel of brie cheese, rind removed and cut into small cubes
- 1/2 cup whole berry cranberry sauce
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Cooking spray
Equipment Needed
- 24-cup mini muffin tin
- Rolling pin
- 3-inch round cookie cutter or glass
- Small mixing bowl
- Pastry brush
Preparation Steps
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and lightly spray a 24-cup mini muffin tin with cooking spray. Remove the pie crusts from the refrigerator and let them sit at room temperature for about 5 minutes to make them easier to work with.
Unroll the first pie crust onto a clean surface. Using a rolling pin, gently roll the crust to smooth out any creases and make it slightly thinner. Use a 3-inch round cookie cutter or the rim of a glass to cut out 12 circles from the dough. Gather the scraps and re-roll if needed to get all 12 circles. Repeat this process with the second pie crust.
Assembling the Bites
Gently press each pastry circle into the cups of your mini muffin tin, making sure the dough comes up the sides to form small cups. The pastry should sit snugly in each cup without any air bubbles underneath.
In a small bowl, mix the cranberry sauce with the honey and chopped thyme. This mixture will be your topping, so make sure everything is evenly combined.
Place 2-3 small cubes of brie cheese into each pastry cup. The cheese should fill about half of each cup, leaving room for the cranberry mixture on top.
Spoon about 1 teaspoon of the cranberry mixture over the brie in each cup. If you’re using walnuts, sprinkle a few pieces on top of each bite for added crunch.
Baking Instructions
Brush the exposed edges of the pastry with the beaten egg to help them turn golden brown during baking. This step gives the finished bites a beautiful, professional appearance.
Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and the brie is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes to prevent over-browning.
Serving and Storage
Allow the bites to cool in the muffin tin for about 5 minutes before carefully removing them. The cheese will be very hot, so this cooling time is important for both safety and easier removal.
Serve the Cranberry-Brie Pie Crust Bites warm while the cheese is still slightly melted. They can be garnished with additional fresh thyme leaves or a light drizzle of honey if desired.
Tips for Success
These bites are best enjoyed fresh from the oven, but they can be made ahead of time. Prepare them completely, then reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes before serving. The pastry will crisp up again, and the cheese will warm through perfectly.
If you can’t find whole berry cranberry sauce, regular cranberry sauce works just as well. You can also substitute dried cranberries soaked in warm water for 10 minutes, then drained and mixed with a tablespoon of honey.
For the best flavor, use a good quality brie cheese and remove all the rind before cubing. The rind won’t melt as smoothly and can create an uneven texture in the finished bites.
Variations to Try
Transform these bites by swapping the cranberry sauce for fig jam or apricot preserves. You can also experiment with different herbs like rosemary or sage instead of thyme. For a savory twist, try caramelized onions in place of the cranberry mixture, or add a few drops of balsamic glaze on top before serving.
These Cranberry-Brie Pie Crust Bites prove that impressive appetizers don’t have to be complicated. With just a few quality ingredients and minimal prep time, you’ll create an elegant treat that looks and tastes like it came from an upscale bakery.
