The Coziest Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe for Holiday Snacking

Crispy pastry shells cradle a delightful cranberry brie bite that promises pure appetizer magic.

Buttery puff pastry creates the perfect golden landscape for creamy cheese and tart berries.

Seasonal ingredients dance together in these miniature party pleasers.

Elegant yet simple, these bite-sized treats bring sophisticated flavor to any gathering.

Cold winter evenings call for warm, cheesy indulgence that sparks conversation.

Small enough to pop in one bite, these delicate morsels will have you reaching for seconds.

You’ll want to make a double batch to satisfy everyone’s cravings.

Cranberry Brie Bites Holiday Steps

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375°F.

Grab your mini muffin tin and give it a quick spray of cooking oil to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Roll and Shape the Pastry

Dust your countertop with a light sprinkle of flour.

Gently unfold the puff pastry and roll it out.

Slice the pastry into 24 perfectly even little squares that will become your bite-sized treats.

Step 3: Create Flavor Pockets

Tenderly press each pastry square into the muffin tin cups, creating cozy little nests.

Drop a small chunk of creamy Brie into each cup.

Dollop a bit of tangy cranberry sauce right on top.

For extra crunch, sprinkle some chopped pecans if you’re feeling adventurous.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the muffin tin into the hot oven.

Let the bites bake for 12-15 minutes until the pastry turns a gorgeous golden brown and the cheese starts to bubble and dance.

Step 5: Finish with Flair

Carefully pull the bites from the oven.

Let them cool for a moment.

If you want to add a touch of elegance, scatter some fresh rosemary on top.

Serve these little flavor bombs warm or at room temperature for maximum enjoyment.

Quick Serving Tips for Cranberry Brie Bites

• Ensure puff pastry is completely thawed but still cold for the flakiest, most delicate texture when baking.
• Choose a creamy, soft Brie that melts beautifully and complements the tangy cranberry sauce for maximum flavor impact.
• Lightly spray or grease the mini muffin tin to guarantee easy removal of the delicate bites without tearing.
• Toast pecans briefly before adding to enhance their nutty flavor and create a deeper, more complex taste profile.
• Prepare these bites up to 24 hours in advance and reheat at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to maintain their crisp pastry and gooey cheese.

Reheating Cranberry Brie Bites Later

• Store leftover Cranberry Brie Bites in an airtight container for up to 3 days, keeping them fresh and preventing moisture buildup.
• Warm bites at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore crispy pastry and melt cheese, ensuring they taste almost freshly baked.
• Reheat briefly on medium power for 15-20 seconds, checking to avoid overcooking and maintaining pastry texture.
• Freeze cooled bites in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 1 month, perfect for make-ahead entertaining.

Sweets to Serve With Brie Bites

• Pair with Sparkling Wines: Select crisp champagne or prosecco to complement the rich Brie and tart cranberry, creating a delightful balance of flavors that dance on your palate.
• Match with Herbal Cocktails: Create a rosemary gin fizz or thyme-infused cocktail that echoes the herb's freshness and cuts through the creamy cheese's richness.
• Enhance with Nutty Appetizers: Serve alongside candied pecans or almond-based small bites that mirror the nutty crunch and provide textural contrast to the soft pastry and melted cheese.
• Complement with Light Salads: Prepare a mixed green salad with citrus vinaigrette to provide a crisp, tangy counterpoint that refreshes the palate between these decadent bites.

Cranberry Brie Bites Perfect to Personalize

• Gluten-Free Option: Replace puff pastry with gluten-free pastry dough or use almond flour-based wrappers for a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegan Alternative: Swap Brie with dairy-free cheese made from nuts, and use plant-based cranberry sauce without gelatin.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Substitute puff pastry with thin slices of zucchini or large endive leaves as mini cups, keeping the cranberry and cheese filling.
• Spicy Herb Variation: Add a small slice of jalapeño or sprinkle red pepper flakes before baking for a warm, zesty kick to the original recipe.

FAQs

• What are the key ingredients for Cranberry Brie Bites?

The key ingredients are puff pastry, Brie cheese, cranberry sauce, and optional pecans and rosemary for garnish.

• Do I need any special equipment to make these bites?

You’ll need a mini muffin tin and a basic rolling pin for preparing the puff pastry. A light touch and clean workspace are helpful.

• How difficult is this recipe for a home cook?

This recipe is beginner-friendly and requires minimal cooking skills. The most important steps are cutting even pastry squares and not overfilling the muffin cups.

• Can I prepare these bites ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the bites beforehand and refrigerate them for a few hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they’re cold from the refrigerator.

Why Cranberry Brie Bites Are the Star of Every Gathering

• Quick Holiday Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for effortless entertaining with minimal prep time and maximum flavor impact.
• Beginner-Friendly Elegance: Requires basic kitchen skills, making these bites accessible for novice cooks wanting to impress guests with minimal technical expertise.
• Versatile Party Starter: Adaptable for multiple occasions like cocktail parties, holiday gatherings, game nights, and potluck events with simple, sophisticated presentation.
• No-Stress Preparation: Takes just 25 minutes total, with only 10 minutes of active cooking time, allowing hosts to spend more time socializing and less time in the kitchen.

Cranberry Brie Bite Ingredients

• Puff Pastry: Light, flaky dough that creates a crispy and golden base for the bites. Store-bought works perfectly; ensure it's fully thawed before use.
• Brie Cheese: Creamy, rich French cheese that melts beautifully. Choose a soft, room-temperature wheel for easy cutting.

• Cranberry Sauce, Pecans: Sweet-tart sauce and crunchy nuts that add complexity and texture. Homemade or store-bought cranberry sauce works well; toasted pecans provide extra flavor.
• Fresh Rosemary: Aromatic herb that brings a subtle, woodsy note to the appetizer. Optional garnish with bright green color.

• Flour: Used for light dusting during pastry rolling to prevent sticking. All-purpose flour recommended.
• Cooking Spray or Butter: Helps prevent bites from sticking to the mini muffin tin. Non-stick spray is convenient and quick.

Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe

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4.6 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Cranberry brie bites offer a perfect blend of creamy cheese and tangy fruit nestled in flaky pastry. Guests will savor these elegant appetizers that combine rich flavors and festive charm for memorable holiday gatherings.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
• 8 ounces (226 grams) brie cheese, cut into small cubes
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) cranberry sauce, homemade or store-bought

Optional Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup (30 grams) chopped pecans
• 12 teaspoons (3 tablespoons) fresh rosemary, finely chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and coat a mini muffin tin with a light layer of cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
2. Unfold the thawed puff pastry sheet on a lightly dusted surface, ensuring it’s smooth and relaxed at room temperature.
3. Use a sharp knife or pastry cutter to slice the pastry into precise 24 small, uniform squares, maintaining equal sizes for consistent baking.
4. Gently press each pastry square into the muffin tin wells, allowing the edges to slightly overhang and create delicate ruffled borders.
5. Nestle a small, creamy cube of Brie cheese into the center of each pastry-lined cup, allowing it to melt beautifully during baking.
6. Dollop a small spoonful of vibrant cranberry sauce atop the Brie, creating a sweet and tangy flavor profile.
7. Sprinkle a handful of finely chopped pecans over each bite for a delightful crunch and nutty undertone.
8. Transfer the muffin tin to the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, watching for golden, puffy pastry and bubbling cheese.
9. Once baked, remove from the oven and let the bites rest for a few minutes to set and cool slightly.
10. Optional: Garnish with delicate fresh rosemary sprigs for an aromatic herbal touch before serving warm or at room temperature.

Notes

• Swap puff pastry for gluten-free alternatives like almond flour pastry for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Experiment with different cheese variations like goat cheese or camembert for unique flavor profiles.
• Add a drizzle of honey or balsamic glaze just before serving to enhance the sweet-savory balance.
• Prepare bites ahead of time and refrigerate unbaked, then bake directly before guests arrive for maximum freshness and convenience.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 16 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg