Cranberry Brie Bites: Your New Favorite Festive Appetizer!

Oh, friends, get ready to discover an appetizer that will steal the show at any gathering! These incredible Cranberry Brie Bites are pure magic in miniature form. Imagine flaky, golden puff pastry cradling creamy, melted Brie cheese, all crowned with a jewel-toned dollop of sweet-tart cranberry sauce. It’s a symphony of textures and flavors that screams “holiday season” but is so ridiculously easy, you’ll want to make them all year round! Whether you’re hosting a lavish party or simply want a delightful snack, these bites are guaranteed to impress with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Fall Head Over Heels for These Bites

• Effortlessly Elegant: They look incredibly gourmet, but come together in minutes.
• Irresistibly Delicious: The combination of buttery pastry, gooey Brie, and vibrant cranberry is simply divine.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Holidays, parties, potlucks, or even a cozy night in – they fit every vibe!
• Crowd-Pleaser Guaranteed: Prepare for compliments and requests for the recipe!
• Customizable: So many ways to make them your own (more on that later!).

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.8 from 2,500 fans)

📸 1100+ photo shares | ☀️ Updated December 2025

What You’ll Need

Ingredients:

• 1 sheet (10 oz) frozen puff pastry, thawed
• 4 oz wheel of Brie cheese, rind removed and cut into 12-16 small pieces
• 1/4 cup whole berry cranberry sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped (optional, for garnish)
• 1 tablespoon chopped pecans or walnuts (optional, for added crunch)
• Cooking spray or parchment paper

How to Make Cranberry Brie Bites

These Cranberry Brie Bites are so simple, you’ll be amazed! Follow these easy steps to appetizer perfection:

1. Prepare Your Workspace: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 12-cup mini muffin tin with cooking spray or line with parchment paper cups.
2. Roll and Cut the Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, gently unroll the thawed puff pastry sheet. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the pastry into 12 to 16 equal squares (approximately 2×2 inches each).
3. Assemble the Bites: Carefully press each pastry square into a cavity of the prepared muffin tin, allowing the edges to slightly overhang. Place one small piece of the rind-removed Brie cheese into the center of each pastry cup.
4. Add Cranberry Goodness: Spoon about 1/2 teaspoon of cranberry sauce over the top of the Brie in each cup. If using, sprinkle a few chopped pecans or walnuts over the cranberry sauce.
5. Bake to Golden Perfection: Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the puff pastry is puffed, golden brown, and the Brie is melted and bubbly.
6. Cool and Garnish: Remove the muffin tin from the oven. Let the bites cool in the tin for 5 minutes before carefully transferring them to a serving platter. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped rosemary, if desired. Serve warm and watch them disappear!

Chef’s Tips for Perfection

• Thaw Smartly: Thaw your puff pastry in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for about 30-40 minutes. Don’t let it get too warm, or it will be hard to handle.
• Don’t Overfill: A little cranberry sauce goes a long way. Overfilling can make them messy.
• Rind On or Off? I prefer to remove the rind for a smoother melt, but it’s edible, so feel free to leave it on if you prefer!
• Serve Warm: While they’re still delicious at room temperature, these Cranberry Brie Bites are truly at their best when the Brie is warm and gooey.

Fun Twists & Serving Ideas

• Sweet & Spicy: Add a tiny pinch of red pepper flakes to the cranberry sauce for a subtle kick.
• Fruity Variations: Swap cranberry sauce for fig jam, apricot preserves, or raspberry jam.
• Honey Drizzle: A light drizzle of honey or maple syrup after baking takes them to another level of sweetness.
• Herbaceous Twist: Experiment with other fresh herbs like thyme or sage for a different aromatic profile.
• Make it Savory: Omit the cranberry and use caramelized onions or a sun-dried tomato pesto instead.

Reader Reviews

Sarah L. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“These were an absolute hit at my Christmas party! So easy to make and everyone raved about them. The flaky pastry with the warm brie and tart cranberry is just perfect. Will definitely be making these again and again!”

Mark T. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“I’m usually intimidated by puff pastry, but this recipe was foolproof. They looked professionally made and tasted even better. My wife asks for them every weekend now!”

Jessica R. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“Loved these! I added a tiny sprinkle of chopped walnuts on top before baking for extra crunch, and it was fantastic. My only note is they disappear too quickly!”

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make Cranberry Brie Bites ahead of time?
A: You can assemble them in the muffin tin up to a few hours ahead of time and keep them refrigerated. Bake just before serving for the best results. Leftovers can be reheated gently in the oven.

Q: What kind of Brie cheese should I use?
A: Any good quality soft-ripened Brie will work beautifully. Choose a wheel that’s not too firm or too runny.

Q: Can I use homemade cranberry sauce?
A: Absolutely! Homemade cranberry sauce works wonderfully and can add an extra layer of flavor. Just make sure it’s not too watery.

Q: What if I don’t have a mini muffin tin?
A: You can also place the pastry squares on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, form them into little cups, and then fill. They might not hold their shape as perfectly, but they will still be delicious!

Recipe Note: There you have it, folks! A simple yet sensational appetizer that will elevate any occasion. These Cranberry Brie Bites are a testament to how incredible food doesn’t have to be complicated. Happy baking, and happy feasting!

Ingredients

• 1 (8 ounce) can refrigerated crescent rolls
• 4 ounces brie cheese, rind removed and cut into 12 small pieces
• 1/4 cup whole berry cranberry sauce
• 2 tablespoons chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary or thyme, chopped (optional, for garnish)
• 1 egg, beaten (optional, for egg wash)

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a mini muffin pan.

• Cut puff pastry or crescent dough into 12 squares.

• Press each square into the muffin cups.

• Add one cube of Brie to each cup.

• Spoon cranberry sauce over the Brie.

• Drizzle lightly with honey or maple syrup if desired.

• Bake 12–15 minutes, until golden and bubbly.

• Garnish with fresh herbs and serve warm.

Chef’s Notes: These festive bites are perfect for holiday entertaining and can be customized with different jams or nuts. For best results, serve them warm and fresh from the oven. Ensure brie rind is removed for a smoother texture.