Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Bites

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Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Bites are the kind of appetizer that instantly elevates a party spread. Each bite-sized piece is golden, flaky, creamy, and sweet—perfectly balancing richness with tartness. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering, a cozy wine night, or a festive brunch, these little gems will be the first to disappear.

The combination of buttery puff pastry, melty brie, and tangy cranberry sauce feels indulgent without being over-the-top. And they look absolutely beautiful, with ruby red centers and golden edges that crisp up beautifully in the oven. The best part? They come together in no time with just a handful of ingredients.

Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Bites

These bites are incredibly easy to make but look like they came straight from a gourmet bakery. The flavors are elegant and festive, making them a top choice for holiday appetizers. Plus, they’re easy to customize with additions like chopped nuts, a touch of honey, or even a sprinkle of fresh thyme.

Perfect for when you need something quick yet crowd-pleasing, these bites hit that sweet spot of being both sophisticated and satisfying.

What Kind of Puff Pastry Should I Use?

For the best texture and rise, go for all-butter puff pastry if you can find it. The quality of puff pastry really makes a difference here since it serves as the crisp and buttery foundation. Make sure it’s fully thawed but still cold when you work with it—that’s the key to getting those gorgeous flaky layers.

Store-bought puff pastry works wonderfully for this recipe. Just remember to cut it evenly and work on a lightly floured surface to prevent sticking. If you’re making a large batch, consider using pre-cut puff pastry squares to save even more time.

Ingredients for the Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Bites

These little appetizers may be simple, but each ingredient is essential in creating the perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and flaky. It’s a combination that sings with flavor and texture, giving you that bite-sized indulgence.

  • Puff pastry
  • Brie cheese
  • Cranberry sauce
  • Fresh rosemary (optional)
  • Chopped pecans (optional)
  • Honey (optional)

Puff pastry gives you those irresistible buttery layers that puff up into golden perfection. Brie cheese melts beautifully and adds a creamy richness that pairs so well with the cranberry sauce, which brings a tart-sweet contrast. If you choose to use fresh rosemary, it adds a pop of herbal fragrance that feels festive. Chopped pecans lend crunch and nuttiness, while a drizzle of honey can deepen the sweetness and make each bite even more luxurious.

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How To Make the Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Bites

Step 1: Prep the Pastry

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly greasing a mini muffin tin. Roll out your puff pastry on a floured surface and cut it into 24 small squares. Press each square into the wells of the muffin tin.

Step 2: Add the Brie

Cut the brie into small cubes, roughly 1-inch each, and place a cube into the center of each puff pastry square.

Step 3: Spoon in the Cranberry Sauce

Add about a teaspoon of cranberry sauce on top of the brie in each cup. Don’t overfill, or it may bubble over while baking.

Step 4: Optional Flavor Boosts

If you’re using rosemary, place a small sprig on top. For a crunch, sprinkle in some chopped pecans. You can also drizzle a little honey over the filling for added sweetness.

Step 5: Bake and Serve

Bake for 15 to 18 minutes or until the puff pastry is golden brown and puffed. Let them cool slightly before removing from the tin. Serve warm or at room temperature.

How to Serve and Store Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Bites

These Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Bites are best served warm, right out of the oven when the cheese is gooey and the pastry is crisp. But even at room temperature, they hold their charm beautifully, making them ideal for party trays or potlucks.

This recipe makes about 24 bites, which can easily serve 8 to 10 people as an appetizer. If you’re expecting a hungry crowd, doubling the batch is highly recommended—they go fast!

To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F for 5 to 8 minutes to restore the crispiness. Microwaving works in a pinch but won’t give you that same flaky texture.

What to Serve With Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Bites?

Sparkling Wine or Champagne

The light bubbles complement the buttery pastry and tart cranberry, making it a classy pairing.

Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus

These savory, salty bites contrast beautifully with the sweet and creamy flavor of the puff pastry bites.

Holiday Cheese Board

Round out your appetizer spread with nuts, fruits, and cheeses that mirror the flavors in these bites.

Butternut Squash Soup

The warm, velvety texture of the soup makes a great balance to the crisp pastry.

Mixed Greens Salad with Balsamic Glaze

A light and fresh option that cuts through the richness of the cheese.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Adds a savory, caramelized vegetable option to your spread that’s hearty yet healthy.

Fig Jam and Crackers

Echo the sweet-savory theme and give your guests even more to nibble on.

Want More Appetizer Ideas?

If you love these Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Bites, you’ll probably enjoy these other irresistible appetizers and party bites:

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest appetizer board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add honey or go savory with herbs and pecans? Did you make your own cranberry sauce?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other host with flavor and style.

Explore beautifully curated seasonal recipes and party-perfect dishes on Janet Dishes on Pinterest and discover your next favorite party bite!

Conclusion

Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Bites are the kind of treat that feels indulgent but takes hardly any effort. They look festive, taste amazing, and disappear quickly from any appetizer tray. Whether you stick to the classic trio or customize with toppings, you’re going to love the simplicity and flavor packed into each bite. These little stars deserve a spot at every celebration.

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Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Bites


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  • Author: Janet Reynolds
  • Total Time: 28 minutes
  • Yield: 24 bites
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

These Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Bites are a quick and elegant appetizer made with buttery puff pastry, creamy brie, and tangy cranberry sauce. Perfect for the holidays, party trays, or casual entertaining, these bites come together in minutes and deliver incredible flavor. Great for festive gatherings, Thanksgiving, or Christmas parties.


Ingredients

1 sheet puff pastry

6 oz brie cheese

1/2 cup cranberry sauce

1 tablespoon fresh rosemary (optional)

1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)

2 teaspoons honey (optional)


Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a mini muffin tin.

2. Roll out the puff pastry on a floured surface and cut into 24 equal squares. Press each square into the muffin tin.

3. Cut brie into 1-inch cubes and place one cube into the center of each puff pastry square.

4. Top each with 1 teaspoon of cranberry sauce. Be careful not to overfill.

5. Optionally add a small sprig of rosemary, some chopped pecans, or a light drizzle of honey.

6. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes or until golden and puffed.

7. Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.

Notes

Use all-butter puff pastry for the flakiest texture.

Don’t overfill with cranberry sauce to avoid spillage.

These can be served warm or room temp—perfect for parties!

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 18 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bite
  • Calories: 95
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 105mg
  • Fat: 6g
  • Saturated Fat: 3.5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 7g
  • Fiber: 0.3g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 15mg

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