These Cranberry Brie Bites are a tiny, festive snack that feels special but is truly simple. Using puff pastry, a wheel of brie, and whole-berry cranberry sauce, you’ll have two dozen flaky, gooey bites that are perfect for Christmas morning, holiday brunch, or a quick party appetizer.
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Ingredients for Cranberry Brie Bites
– 2 sheets puff pastry, thawed
– 1 small wheel brie cheese (about 8 oz)
– ½ cup whole berry cranberry sauce (store-bought or homemade)
– 1–2 sprigs fresh rosemary (optional, for garnish or flavor)
– Nonstick spray or butter (for greasing the mini muffin tin)
How to Make Cranberry Brie Bites
1. Prep the pan: Lightly grease a mini muffin tin with nonstick spray or butter. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the pastry: Unfold the thawed puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface and cut into 24 equal squares. A pizza cutter or sharp knife works great for this.
3. Form the cups: Press each pastry square gently into a mini muffin tin cavity to create a little cup shape.
4. Add the brie: Cut the brie into small cubes about 3/4 inch. You can leave the rind on. Place one cube into each pastry cup.
5. Add cranberry sauce: Spoon about 1/2 teaspoon cranberry sauce over each brie cube.
6. Bake: Bake for 13–16 minutes, until the pastry is puffed and golden and the brie is melty.
7. Cool slightly: Let the bites cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before carefully removing them. The brie will be molten, so a short cooling time helps them set.
Pro Tips
- Keep the puff pastry cold (but not frozen!) until you’re ready to cut it. Cold pastry makes cleaner cuts and puffier cups.
- If your brie is very soft, you can chill it for 10 minutes before cutting so the cubes hold their shape.
- For extra sparkle, brush the pastry edges lightly with a beaten egg before baking for a deeper golden color.
- For an extra savory flavor, add a few fresh rosemary leaves to each bite.
- Make ahead: Assemble the bites in the muffin tin, cover tightly, and refrigerate up to 4 hours. Bake straight from chilled, adding 1–2 minutes to the baking time if needed.
- Storage and reheating: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat at 350°F for 5–8 minutes until warmed through.
FAQs
Can I use a different jam or fruit spread?
For sure! Fig jam, apricot preserves, or a spoonful of cherry jam all pair nicely with brie if you want a different flavor profile.
Do I need to remove the brie rind?
No, you definitely don’t need to. The rind is edible and helps the brie hold together while melting. If you prefer, you can trim it off.
Can I make these ahead?
You can bake them a day or two ahead and store in an airtight container in the fridge. Then, reheat at 350°F for 5–8 minutes until warmed through. I do find them better fresh, but they still taste delicious reheated.
How long can these be stored?
These can be safely stored for 2-3 days. Definitely store them in an airtight container in the fridge and then reheat in the oven.
These Cranberry Brie Bites are an easy, pretty addition to any holiday spread. They come together quickly with just a few ingredients, so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the morning with family and friends.
Cranberry Brie Bites
Equipment
- 1 mini muffin tin with 24 wells
Ingredients
- 2 sheets puff pastry thawed
- 1 small wheel of brie cheese about 8 oz. should be enough
- 1/2 cup whole berry cranberry sauce store-bought or homemade works
- 1-2 sprigs fresh rosemary optional, for garnish or flavor
- Nonstick spray or butter for greasing the mini muffin tin
Instructions
- Prep the pan: Lightly grease a mini muffin tin with nonstick spray or butter. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut the pastry: Unfold the thawed puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface and cut into 24 equal squares. A pizza cutter or sharp knife works great for this.
- Form the cups: Press each pastry square gently into a mini muffin tin cavity to create a little cup shape.
- Add the brie: Cut the brie into small cubes about 3/4 inch. You can leave the rind on. Place one cube into each pastry cup.
- Add cranberry sauce: Spoon about 1/2 teaspoon cranberry sauce over each brie cube.
- Bake: Bake for 13–16 minutes, until the pastry is puffed and golden and the brie is melty.
- Cool slightly: Let the bites cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before carefully removing them. The brie will be molten, so a short cooling time helps them set.
