Cranberry Brie Bites with Puff Pastry Recipe

If you’re looking for a party appetizer that’s as elegant as it is easy, you’re going to love this Cranberry Brie Bites with Puff Pastry Recipe. These little bites are the perfect balance of flaky puff pastry, creamy brie, and sweet-tart cranberry sauce with a satisfying crunch from pecans. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll want to make them for every gathering — they’re just that fan-freaking-tastic!

this …

Ingredients & Why They Work

The key to your Cranberry Brie Bites with Puff Pastry Recipe shining is using fresh, quality ingredients that harmonize beautifully — creamy brie, buttery puff pastry, and that burst of cranberry sauce sweetness. Here’s a quick guide to picking them out:

• Brie cheese: Choose a creamy, ripe but firm wheel for easy cutting and melting.
• Frozen puff pastry: Thaw it properly in the fridge for flakier, more manageable dough.
• Cranberry sauce: Homemade or store-bought both work, but avoid ones with huge chunks for easy spooning.
• Pecans: Finely chop for just the right crunch without overpowering the soft cheese.
• Rosemary sprigs: Fresh and fragrant, they add a lovely herbal touch if you want to dress up your bites.
• Sea salt: A tiny sprinkle helps tie all the flavors together — don’t skip!

Make It Your Way

I love tweaking this Cranberry Brie Bites with Puff Pastry Recipe for different occasions. You can easily swap out pecans for walnuts or even pistachios if you want a splash of color. And if you like a little heat, a pinch of cayenne or a drizzle of honey-chili sauce on top works wonders!

• Variation: One time, I added a dab of fig jam under the brie for extra sweetness — it was a hit at our holiday party!
• Dietary tweaks: Try a dairy-free cheese alternative if you want to accommodate allergies, and gluten-free puff pastry works well here too.
• Seasonal changes: In spring, you could swap cranberries with raspberries or a berry compote to keep this fresh year-round.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cranberry Brie Bites with Puff Pastry Recipe

Step 1: Chill and prep your brie

First things first: cutting brie can get messy if it’s too soft. I slice off the rind, then pop the cheese on a parchment-lined plate in the freezer for about 20 minutes. This simple trick firms it up just enough for neat little cubes without squashing the cheese. It makes assembly so much easier.

Step 2: Shape your puff pastry cups

Preheat your oven to 375℉ and grease a 24-cup mini muffin pan generously — don’t be shy here, this prevents sticking later. Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to about a 10 by 14-inch rectangle, then cut into 24 squares. Press each square gently into the muffin cups and prick the bottoms with a fork to avoid puffy bubbles. This gives you the perfect flaky little crusts for your Brie bites.

Step 3: Assemble your bites

Now the fun part! Spoon about 1 teaspoon of cranberry sauce into each puff pastry cup. Then, place a piece of your chilled brie right on top, followed by a teaspoon of finely chopped pecans. For a little extra punch, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on each. It sounds simple, but these layers make the flavor pop!

Step 4: Bake and serve

Bake your bites in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes or until the puff pastry is golden and crisp. I’ve learned it’s best to take them out of the pan while they’re still warm — it avoids breakage and makes plating easier. These are fantastic served warm, but room temperature works just as well for your guests to nibble on throughout the party.

How to Serve Cranberry Brie Bites with Puff Pastry Recipe

Garnishes

I often top mine with a small sprig of fresh rosemary—it adds a fragrant, festive look and complements the flavors beautifully. A light drizzle of honey can also elevate these if you want that extra sweet touch.

Side Dishes

These bites pair wonderfully with simple green salads or a charcuterie board loaded with nuts, cured meats, and dried fruits. For larger meals, I like serving them alongside butternut squash soup or a crisp apple slaw—both balance out the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, try arranging your Cranberry Brie Bites with Puff Pastry Recipe on a wooden platter lined with fresh rosemary sprigs and cranberries scattered around. They look incredible paired with little toothpicks or festive cocktail picks for easy grabbing. It instantly ups the wow factor!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. I usually cover them lightly with a paper towel so they don’t get soggy. Just bring them out at room temp before serving to let the flavors settle.

Freezing

I love making a double batch and freezing the extras! Once the bites have cooled completely, I freeze them on a parchment-lined tray for an hour until firm, then transfer them to an airtight container for up to two months. It’s a great time-saver for unexpected guests.

Reheating

When ready to enjoy frozen bites, pop them in a 350℉ oven straight from the freezer for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through and crisp again. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the puff pastry flaky and the brie nice and melty.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Cranberry Brie Bites with Puff Pastry Recipe is one of my absolute go-tos when I want to impress without stress. It combines such simple ingredients into a snack that feels fancy but is totally doable for any home cook. Next time you’re hosting, give this one a whirl—you and your guests will be so glad you did!

Print