I can’t wait to share these Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Bites with you!
They’ve been a go-to holiday appetizer for years, and they disappear faster than you can say “seconds, please!”
The combo of gooey brie with tangy cranberry sauce wrapped in flaky pastry is simply irresistible.
This recipe has been perfected through countless holiday gatherings.
There are some game-changing tips that’ll make your version the talk of the party.
Want to know the secret ingredient?
Ingredients
- Frozen puff pastry
- Brie cheese
- Cranberry sauce
- Pistachios or Walnuts
- Nonstick cooking spray
- Flaky sea salt (optional)
- Black pepper (optional)
- Fresh rosemary (optional)
Recommended Tools
Having the right kitchen tools on hand makes assembling these Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Bites so much easier and more enjoyable. These little appetizers require some specific equipment to get those perfect little bites that look as good as they taste.
- Mini Muffin Pan
Essential for creating the perfect bite-sized pastry cups that hold all the delicious fillings.
- Rolling Pin
Helps you roll the puff pastry to the perfect 10×14 inch rectangle for even-sized squares.
- Sharp Knife
Needed for cutting the puff pastry into squares and slicing the semi-frozen brie cheese.
- Measuring Spoons
Perfect for portioning out the cranberry sauce without overfilling your pastry cups.
- Cutting Board
Provides a clean surface for rolling pastry and cutting both the dough and cheese.
- Nonstick Cooking Spray
Ensures your delicate pastry bites release easily from the pan without sticking.
- Kitchen Timer
Helps you keep track of both the freezing time for the brie and the baking time for perfect results.
Instructions
Let’s whip up these irresistible Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Bites in no time! They’re perfect for holiday gatherings or anytime you want to impress your guests with minimal effort.
First, grab 1 sheet of frozen puff pastry and let it thaw according to package directions. While that’s happening, preheat your oven to somewhere between 375-400°F. Trust me, your kitchen is about to smell amazing!
Spray your mini muffin pan with nonstick cooking spray – this step is crucial unless you enjoy the frustration of stuck pastries (and nobody wants that drama)!
Roll out your thawed puff pastry to about 10×14 inches. Don’t worry about perfection here! Cut it into 24 equal squares and gently press each square into the wells of your mini muffin pan.
Here’s a game-changing tip: Pop your 4 oz of brie cheese in the freezer for about 20 minutes before slicing. This makes cutting it into 24 pieces WAY easier and less messy. Your fingers will thank you!
Place a slice of semi-frozen brie in each pastry cup. Then top each with about 1 teaspoon of cranberry sauce (½ cup total) – but don’t go overboard or you’ll have a bubbly cranberry volcano on your hands!
Sprinkle your 3 tablespoons of shelled pistachios or chopped walnuts on top for that perfect crunch factor.
Slide these beauties into your preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes until they’re gloriously golden and the cheese is all melty and bubbly. Your patience will be seriously tested by the amazing aroma!
Let them cool for 5 minutes before removing from the pan. This cooling time feels like forever, but it’s necessary – nobody wants a burnt tongue ruining the experience!
For the finishing touch, sprinkle with optional flaky sea salt, black pepper, or fresh rosemary if you’re feeling fancy. These little garnishes take your bites from “yum” to “WOW” territory!
Now dig in and watch them disappear faster than you can say “cranberry brie”!
Pro Tips
Freeze the brie cheese for about 20 minutes before cutting it into small pieces to prevent it from sticking to your knife and create cleaner slices for more professional-looking appetizers.
Substitutions & Variations
These bite-sized puff pastry treats can be customized with different ingredients to create new flavor profiles while maintaining their elegant appeal.
- Fig and Goat Cheese: Replace cranberry sauce with fig jam and swap brie for tangy goat cheese for a sophisticated alternative.
- Apple Cheddar: Substitute thin apple slices and sharp cheddar for the brie and cranberry sauce, then sprinkle with cinnamon.
- Mediterranean Style: Use sun-dried tomato pesto instead of cranberry sauce, feta cheese instead of brie and top with chopped olives and pine nuts.
- Savory Mushroom: Fill pastry cups with sautéed mushrooms, gruyère cheese and fresh thyme for an earthy appetizer option.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use store-bought gluten-free puff pastry and follow the same preparation method for those with dietary restrictions.
- Vegan Adaptation: Substitute plant-based cream cheese and vegan cheese for the brie along with the cranberry sauce and nuts.
Leftovers & Storage Tips
Although these cranberry brie bites are best enjoyed warm from the oven, you’ll be thrilled to know they can be stored properly for later snacking.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, pop them in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore that delightful crispness.
Trust me—they’ll taste almost fresh-made!
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Cranberry Brie <strong>Puff Pastry</strong> Bites
Elegant puff pastry bites filled with creamy brie cheese and tangy cranberry sauce, topped with crunchy nuts.
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry
- 4 oz brie cheese
- ½ cup cranberry sauce (homemade or canned)
- 3 tbsp shelled pistachios or chopped walnuts
- Nonstick cooking spray
- Optional: flaky sea salt, black pepper, fresh rosemary
- Thaw puff pastry; preheat oven to 375–400°F; spray mini muffin pan.
- Roll pastry to 10x14 inches; cut into 24 squares; press into muffin wells.
- Freeze brie 20 minutes; cut into 24 slices.
- Place brie in each pastry cup; top with 1 tsp cranberry sauce and nuts.
- Bake 15–18 minutes until golden and bubbly; cool 5 minutes.
- Garnish with sea salt, pepper, or rosemary if desired.
