Sweet and Easy Cranberry Brie Bites Appetizer

Whenever the holiday season rolls around, I find myself reaching for one specific recipe that never fails. These cranberry brie bites are the absolute crown jewel of my appetizer spread. I remember the first time I served them at a frantic Christmas Eve party. They disappeared in under ten minutes.

This recipe fits perfectly into the category of festive comfort food that looks high-end but requires minimal effort. Whether you need a quick snack for a weeknight wine pairing or a show-stopping starter for a formal dinner, these bites deliver. The contrast between the tart cranberry and the buttery, melted brie is simply unmatched. You will love how the flaky crust shatters with every bite. Let’s get into how you can master these cranberry brie bites in your own kitchen.

Prep Ahead Magic: Stay Stress-Free

Getting ahead of the game is the secret to being a relaxed host. Preparing your cranberry brie bites components in advance ensures you spend more time with guests and less time hovering over the oven.

• Slice the cheese early: Cut your brie into small cubes and keep them chilled in the fridge. Cold cheese is much easier to handle.
• Prepare the pastry squares: You can cut your puff pastry into squares a few hours ahead. Lay them on a baking sheet lined with parchment and cover with plastic wrap to prevent drying.
• The sauce secret: If you are using homemade cranberry sauce, make it up to three days in advance to let the flavors deepen.
• Nut Prep: Toast your pecans or walnuts beforehand to bring out their earthy aroma.

Essential Ingredients for Success

To make these cranberry brie bites, you only need a few high-quality items. Quality matters when the ingredient list is short.

• 1.0 package of frozen puff pastry (thawed)
• 8.0 ounces of high-quality Brie cheese
• 0.5 cups of whole berry cranberry sauce
• 0.25 cups of chopped pecans or walnuts
• 1.0 tablespoon of fresh rosemary needles
• 0.5 teaspoons of flaky sea salt for finishing

Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe Card

Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe

Recipe by Soukayna

0.0 from 0 votes

Course: AppetizersCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

24

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

12

minutes

Calories

95

kcal

These cranberry brie bites are the perfect blend of creamy, tart, and crunchy. This easy appetizer takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish.

Cook Mode

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Ingredients

• 1.0 package frozen puff pastry (thawed)

• 8.0 ounces high-quality Brie cheese

• 0.5 cups whole berry cranberry sauce

• 0.25 cups chopped pecans or walnuts

• 1.0 tablespoon fresh rosemary needles

• 0.5 teaspoons flaky sea salt for finishing

Directions

• First, you will want to get your oven nice and hot. I usually set mine to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
• While that is heating up, take your thawed puff pastry and roll it out slightly on a floured surface. You want to cut it into twenty-four even squares. Place each small square into the slots of a mini muffin tin.
• Next, take your brie and cut it into small chunks, roughly one inch in size. Place one chunk into each pastry cup. On top of the cheese, add a small dollop of your cranberry sauce. I like to sprinkle a few chopped pecans and some fresh rosemary on top for that extra festive look.
• Finally, slide them into the oven and bake until the pastry is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly. Let them cool for just a minute before serving so nobody burns their tongue!

Notes

• Pastry Tip: If the pastry gets too soft while you are working, pop it in the freezer for 5.0 minutes to firm up.
• Nut-Free Option: You can easily swap the pecans for pumpkin seeds or omit them entirely for those with allergies.
• Sauce Swap: If you do not have cranberry sauce, a high-quality apricot jam or fig spread works beautifully with the brie.

Nutrition Facts

• Fat: 6.5g
• Sodium: 110mg
• Carbohydrates: 7g
• Protein: 2.5g

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Insider Tips for the Perfect Crunch

To ensure your cranberry brie bites turn out perfectly every single time, follow these professional kitchen secrets:

1. Do not overfill: It is tempting to pile on the sauce, but too much will cause the pastry to become soggy.
2. Use a non-stick mini muffin tin: This helps the pastry edges crisp up uniformly without sticking.
3. Keep the dough cold: If the puff pastry gets too warm, it won’t rise into those beautiful, flaky layers.
4. The rind is fine: You do not need to remove the rind from the brie. It is edible and helps the cheese hold its shape while melting.
5. Add a herbal touch: A tiny sprig of fresh rosemary adds a woody aroma that complements the cranberry perfectly.

Variations to Elevate Your Cranberry Brie Bites

If you want to spice things up, consider adding a drizzle of hot honey over the finished cranberry brie bites. The heat pairs exceptionally well with the cool creaminess of the brie. Another great variation is adding a small slice of jalapeño on top before baking for a “sweet and heat” experience. For a more savory profile, a drop of balsamic glaze after baking adds a sophisticated acidity that balances the sugar in the cranberries.

Common Questions About Brie Bites

Final Thoughts on This Festive Favorite

I truly hope these cranberry brie bites become a staple in your home like they have in mine. They represent everything a great appetizer should be: simple, beautiful, and incredibly delicious. There is something so satisfying about watching your guests enjoy a homemade treat that didn’t require hours of kitchen labor.

If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also want to try my savory Jalapeno Poppers or my cheese ball. Both are excellent companions to these bites. Now, go grab your muffin tin and start baking!