Festive Cranberry Brie Bites With Puff Pastry

I’m obsessed with these cranberry brie bites. They’ve been my holiday party secret weapon for years!

There’s something magical about that first bite: flaky puff pastry, creamy melted brie and that sweet-tart cranberry pop.

The best part? They look super fancy but take just minutes to make.

Friends always think hours were spent in the kitchen, but all the shortcuts and tricks will be shared.

Wait until you see how quickly these disappear from your appetizer table!

Contents show

Ingredients

Recommended Tools

Having the right kitchen tools makes preparing these Cranberry Brie Bites a breeze. The perfect tools not only speed up your prep time but also ensure your appetizers look as good as they taste.

These simple but effective essentials will help you create these festive treats with minimal fuss.

Mini Muffin Tin:Essential for creating the perfect cup shape to hold your brie and cranberry filling.
Pastry Cutter:Makes quick and even work of cutting your puff pastry sheet into perfect squares.
Small Knife:Helps you cut the brie into small pieces that fit perfectly in your pastry cups.
Pastry Brush:Perfect for applying the egg wash to the edges of your pastry for that golden finish.
Small Measuring Spoon:Ensures you add just the right amount of cranberry sauce to each bite without overflowing.
Cutting Board:Provides a clean surface for prepping all your ingredients and cutting the puff pastry.

Instructions

Let’s get those amazing appetizers ready! Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) – this perfect temperature will make your bites golden and bubbly.

Take 1 sheet of thawed puff pastry and cut it into 12 equal squares. Press each square gently into the cups of a mini muffin tin, creating little pastry cups that will hold all that deliciousness!

Now for the star ingredients! Place a piece from your 8 oz of brie cheese into each pastry cup. Don’t worry about being too precise – these bites are supposed to look homemade and charming!

Grab your 1/2 cup of cranberry sauce and drop a spoonful on top of each brie piece. The tangy-sweet cranberry perfectly balances the creamy cheese below it.

Before popping them in the oven, brush the visible pastry edges with your beaten egg. This egg wash will give your bites that magazine-worthy golden glow!

Bake these little beauties for 15-20 minutes until they’re puffed up and golden brown. Your kitchen will smell amazing, and you’ll be counting down the seconds until you can try one!

Once they’re out of the oven, sprinkle some fresh thyme on top if you’re feeling fancy. It adds a gorgeous pop of color and a hint of herby flavor that takes these bites to the next level!

Serve them while they’re still warm – that’s when the brie is perfectly melty and the cranberry sauce becomes even more flavorful. Your guests will definitely be coming back for seconds!

Pro Tips

For perfectly crisp pastry bottoms, freeze the assembled bites for 10 minutes before baking to prevent the cranberry sauce from making the pastry soggy.

Substitutions & Variations

While the classic cranberry brie bites are delicious on their own, trying different flavor combinations can elevate this appetizer for any occasion or dietary preference.

Sweet Preserves Swap: Replace cranberry sauce with fig jam, apricot preserves or raspberry jam for a different fruity twist that still complements the creamy brie.
Cheese Alternatives: Substitute brie with camembert, goat cheese or dairy-free cream cheese to accommodate different taste preferences or dietary needs.
Savory Version: Top with caramelized onions and a sprinkle of fresh rosemary instead of cranberry sauce for a rich savory bite.
Nut Addition: Add a small piece of candied pecan or walnut on top of the cranberry and brie for extra crunch and flavor dimension.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free puff pastry sheets and follow the same preparation method for guests with gluten sensitivities.
Mini Tart Shell Variation: Replace puff pastry with pre-made phyllo cups or mini tart shells for a quicker preparation with different texture.

Leftovers & Storage Tips

Now that you’ve explored all the delicious variations, you’ll want to know how to properly store any leftover Cranberry Brie Bites.

Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just pop them in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes to reheat.

Trust me—they’ll crisp right back up!

Don’t freeze them though; the texture isn’t the same afterward.

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