Go Back
Olivia

Cranberry Brie Bites

Cranberry Brie Bites are your go-to holiday appetizer — golden puff pastry cups filled with melty brie and sweet-tart cranberry sauce. Whether you’re throwing a party or need a quick bite before dinner, this 3-ingredient wonder brings the WOW factor with minimal effort.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 24 bites
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 110
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Core Ingredients
  • 1 sheet puff pastry thawed
  • 1/2 cup cranberry sauce whole berry or homemade
  • 1 wheel brie cheese cut into small cubes
  • 1 sprig fresh rosemary chopped
  • 1 egg beaten (for egg wash)
Optional Add-ins
  • Chopped pecans or walnuts – for crunch
  • Maple syrup or honey drizzle – for a touch of sweetness
  • Orange zest – to brighten the cranberry flavor
  • Chili flakes – for a hint of heat

Equipment

  • Mini muffin tin
  • Sharp knife (or dental floss!)
  • Small spoon
  • Pastry brush
  • Oven

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a mini muffin tin.
  2. Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and cut into 24 small squares.
  3. Press each square into a mini muffin cup, making little pastry nests.
  4. Add a cube of brie to each pastry, followed by a small spoonful of cranberry sauce.
  5. Sprinkle rosemary on top and brush the exposed pastry edges with egg wash.
  6. Bake for 13–15 minutes, or until golden and bubbly.
  7. Cool slightly before removing from the tin. Serve warm or at room temp!

Notes

Cranberry Brie Bites – Helpful Tips

Cooking Tips & Techniques
  • Use cold puff pastry: Keep the dough chilled until ready to use—it puffs better and handles easier.
  • Cut evenly: Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to get uniform squares for even baking.
  • Don’t overfill: A small cube of brie and a teaspoon of cranberry sauce is perfect—too much and they’ll overflow.
  • Add a touch of thyme: A tiny pinch of fresh thyme or rosemary balances the sweetness with earthy flavor.
  • Grease or line your muffin tin: This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
Serving Suggestions
  • Serve warm as an appetizer with champagne, prosecco, or a light white wine.
  • Pair with savory charcuterie for a sweet-salty combo.
  • Garnish with a fresh cranberry or thyme sprig for holiday flair.
  • Try as a side for a festive brunch or light lunch board.
Make-Ahead & Storage
  • Make-ahead: Assemble them in the muffin tin and refrigerate (covered) up to 24 hours before baking.
  • Storage: Store cooled bites in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days.
  • Reheat: Warm them in a 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes until the brie is gooey again.
  • Freezing tip: Freeze unbaked bites in the muffin tin until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding 2–3 minutes to the cook time.
Tasty Variations to Try
  • Spicy cranberry: Mix cranberry sauce with a bit of chili jam or sriracha for a sweet heat version.
  • Savory twist: Add caramelized onions or chopped crispy bacon under the brie.
  • Nutty crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the top before baking.
  • Fruit fusion: Use fig jam, apricot preserves, or raspberry compote instead of cranberry sauce.
  • Herbaceous flair: Add a hint of rosemary or a sage leaf for a rustic flavor twist.