When you need a quick holiday appetizer that looks elegant but takes just minutes, Cranberry Brie Bites are the answer. I remember the first time I made them—it was a Thanksgiving where I wanted something festive but easy. With golden puff pastry, creamy brie, and tangy cranberry sauce, each bite was the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and buttery. They’re bite-sized, crowd-pleasing, and so simple that they’ve become my go-to holiday starter.
Ingredients
1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
1 small wheel of brie cheese
1/2 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
1 tsp fresh rosemary, chopped (optional garnish)
Optional: drizzle of honey for sweetness
Instructions & Video
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a mini muffin pan. Cut puff pastry into 2-inch squares and press each into the muffin cups. Cut brie into small cubes and place one piece in each pastry cup. Top with a spoonful of cranberry sauce. Brush pastry edges with egg wash. Bake 15–18 minutes until pastry is golden and puffed. Garnish with fresh rosemary or a drizzle of honey. Serve warm as a festive holiday appetizer.
Watch the full video tutorial in our video section.
Substitutions
If you don’t have puff pastry, crescent roll dough works well. Replace cranberry sauce with raspberry jam, fig spread, or apricot preserves. For a savory twist, add caramelized onions under the brie. Dairy-free brie alternatives can be used for a vegan option.
Equipment
Mini muffin tin
Sharp knife
Cutting board
Small spoon
Pastry brush
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze unbaked bites and bake from frozen, adding 3–4 minutes to cook time.
Reheating: Warm in oven at 325°F for 10 minutes until crisp again.
Top Tips
Keep puff pastry cold before baking for the best rise. Don’t overfill with sauce—it will bubble over. Garnish just before serving for freshness. Serve warm for maximum gooey brie deliciousness.
FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time? Yes, assemble them and refrigerate, then bake just before serving.
Can I use homemade cranberry sauce? Absolutely—it adds extra flavor.
Do they need to be served warm? They’re best warm but can be enjoyed at room temperature.
Can I use a large muffin pan instead? Yes, but adjust baking time slightly longer.