When I’m hosting a gathering, especially around the holidays, I always want something that feels a little fancy but won’t tie me to the kitchen all night. Cranberry Brie Bites have become my secret weapon. They’re tiny parcels of warm, gooey brie, sweet-tart cranberry, and flaky pastry – absolutely irresistible and surprisingly simple to whip up, even for a crowd of ten. Every time I serve these, they’re the first thing to disappear, and guests always ask for the recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
There’s something magical about these Cranberry Brie Bites. For starters, they strike that perfect balance between savory and sweet, making them universally appealing. They’re also incredibly quick to assemble, which is a major win when you’re juggling multiple dishes or just want to spend more time with your guests. Plus, let’s be honest, warm, melting brie in a flaky crust just screams “special occasion,” even if the occasion is just a cozy night in. They’re elegant enough for a formal dinner party but approachable enough for a casual get-together, making them truly versatile.
> “These Cranberry Brie Bites were the star of our appetizer spread! So easy to make and absolutely delicious. My guests raved about them.” – A happy host
The Cooking Process Explained
Making Cranberry Brie Bites is a straightforward affair. You’ll begin by preparing a simple, flaky base, typically using puff pastry or crescent roll dough. Next, you’ll portion out your brie cheese and a dollop of cranberry sauce (or fresh cranberries with a touch of sweetness). These fillings are then nestled into the pastry, folded up, and baked until golden brown and the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbly. A light brush with an egg wash often provides that desirable golden sheen, and a sprinkle of fresh herbs can add a lovely finishing touch.
Gather These Items
Here’s what you’ll need to create these crowd-pleasing bites:
- Puff Pastry: One sheet (or a can of crescent roll dough if you prefer a slightly different texture). Make sure it’s thawed according to package directions if frozen.
- Brie Cheese: A small wheel (4-6 oz), cut into small cubes. No need to remove the rind; it gets deliciously soft when baked.
- Cranberry Sauce: About 1/4 cup of whole berry cranberry sauce (homemade or canned). You can also use fresh cranberries mixed with a spoonful of sugar and a tiny splash of orange juice.
- Pecan Halves (optional): For a delightful crunch and nutty flavor, about 1/4 cup, roughly chopped.
- Egg: One large egg, lightly beaten for an egg wash (optional, but recommended for golden crust).
- Fresh Rosemary or Thyme (optional): A few sprigs for garnish and added aroma.
Directions to Follow
Here’s how to bring these delicious bites to life:
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a mini muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease it. If using puff pastry, gently unfold it onto a lightly floured surface.
- Cut the Pastry: Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the puff pastry into 24 small squares (approximately 2×2 inches each). If using crescent roll dough, separate the triangles and cut each triangle in half to make smaller triangles.
- Assemble the Bites: Press one pastry square into each well of your prepared mini muffin tin, letting the corners extend slightly over the edges.
- Fill ‘Em Up: Place a small cube of brie into the center of each pastry square. Top the brie with about 1/2 teaspoon of cranberry sauce. If using, add a few chopped pecans over the cranberry.
- Fold & Seal: Gently fold the corners of the pastry over the filling, pinching them together slightly to partially enclose the brie and cranberry. It doesn’t need to be perfectly sealed; a rustic look is charming.
- Egg Wash (Optional): In a small bowl, whisk the egg with a tablespoon of water to create an egg wash. Lightly brush the tops of the pastry with the egg wash for a golden finish.
- Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed, and the brie is melted and bubbly.
- Cool & Garnish: Carefully remove the bites from the muffin tin and let them cool for a few minutes on a wire rack. Garnish with fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs, if desired, before serving.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
Cranberry Brie Bites are best served warm, straight out of the oven when the brie is at its melty, gooey peak. Arrange them artfully on a platter for an impressive display. They’re perfect on their own as a finger food appetizer at a cocktail party or part of a larger holiday spread. For a little extra flair, you could offer a side of honey or a balsamic glaze for drizzling, allowing guests to customize their bite.
How to Store & Freeze
Leftover Cranberry Brie Bites, while rarely a problem, can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet and warm them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5-7 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is soft again. You can also microwave them, but the pastry might lose some of its crispness.
Freezing is also an option! You can freeze the baked bites in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 1 month. Reheat from frozen in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through and golden.
Pro Chef Tips
- Don’t Overfill: Resist the urge to add too much cranberry or brie. Overfilling can make them difficult to close and might cause the filling to spill out during baking.
- Room Temp Pastry: If using frozen puff pastry, ensure it’s properly thawed but still cold. Too warm, and it becomes sticky and hard to work with. Too cold, and it will crack when unfolded.
- Brie Rind: Don’t worry about cutting off the brie rind. It softens beautifully in the oven and adds to the flavor and texture.
- Mini Muffin Tin is Key: Using a mini muffin tin helps shape the bites and prevents the filling from spreading too much, ensuring a neat, individual portion.
- Sweetness Dial: If your cranberry sauce is very sweet, you might opt for less sugar if using fresh cranberries, or choose a tart cranberry sauce for balance.
Creative Twists
Want to put your own spin on these delightful bites? Here are a few ideas:
- Sweet & Spicy: Add a tiny pinch of red pepper flakes to your cranberry sauce or a sliver of jalapeño with the brie for a kick.
- Fruity Affairs: Instead of cranberry, try apricot jam, fig jam, or a thin slice of apple paired with a cinnamon sugar sprinkle.
- Nutty Variations: Beyond pecans, try walnuts, slivered almonds, or even pistachios for different textures and flavors.
- Herbaceous Notes: Experiment with different fresh herbs like a tiny sprig of thyme or a sprinkle of chopped chives instead of rosemary.
- Caramelized Onions: For a savory twist, swap the cranberry for a spoonful of sweet, rich caramelized onions.
Common Questions
Can I make Cranberry Brie Bites ahead of time?
A: You can assemble the bites up to a few hours in advance and keep them covered in the refrigerator. Brush with the egg wash just before baking. This makes entertaining much easier!
What kind of brie cheese works best?
A: Any good quality brie cheese will work. Choose a wheel that isn’t overly ripe, as it can become very runny. A firm, young brie is often easier to cut into cubes.
Can I use homemade cranberry sauce?
A: Absolutely! Homemade cranberry sauce will add an extra layer of flavor and freshness. Just make sure it’s not too watery, or it might make the pastry soggy. If it’s very thin, you can thicken it slightly on the stovetop.
Classic Cranberry Brie Bites
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Mini muffin tin
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry or crescent roll dough thawed if frozen
- 4-8 ounces Brie cheese
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce canned or homemade, whole berry or jellied
For Egg Wash (Optional)
- 1 egg yolk beaten with 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Unroll the puff pastry onto a lightly floured surface, pressing seams together if using crescent roll dough.
- Cut the pastry into 12-24 equal 2-inch squares and press each square into the cups of a mini muffin tin.
Assembly
- Place 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of cranberry sauce into the bottom of each pastry cup, then top with a small 1/2-inch piece of Brie cheese.
- Optionally, bring the pastry corners up and pinch them over the Brie, or leave them open-faced.
- If desired, brush the exposed pastry edges with the egg wash for a golden finish.
Baking
- Bake for 12-18 minutes until the pastry is golden brown and puffed, and the Brie is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and cool in the pan for 5-10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.