Introduction
When the holidays roll around, I’m all about easy, elegant appetizers. That’s where these Cranberry Brie Bites come in! They hit all the right notes—flaky puff pastry, creamy brie, and a pop of sweet-tart cranberry sauce. Whether you’re entertaining friends or need something special for a family get-together, these bites take very little effort but look and taste like you’ve been prepping all day. Did I mention they only take 20 minutes to make?
If you’re on the hunt for a crowd-pleasing party app, these Cranberry Brie Bites are here to save the day!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- 🌟 Quick & Easy: With pre-made puff pastry, this recipe comes together in a snap. Perfect for last-minute gatherings.
- 🧀 Minimal Ingredients: You only need 3 main ingredients, plus a couple of optional extras.
- 🍴 Show-Stopping: These bites look and taste super fancy, without any fuss. Great for impressing guests!
- 🍂 Perfect for Fall & Holidays: The cranberry sauce adds a seasonal flavor that’s perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or really any festive occasion!
Ingredients Breakdown
Essentials
- Puff Pastry – You can use store-bought frozen puff pastry for ultimate convenience. Just make sure to thaw it in the fridge a few hours before making the recipe.
- Brie Cheese – Choose a good, creamy brie. The rind is edible, so you don’t need to remove it unless you prefer to. Soft, fresh brie works best.
- Cranberry Sauce – Homemade or store-bought works here. The tart, sweet flavor balances the rich brie perfectly. You can use cranberry jam, too!
Optional Extras
- Chopped Pecans – For a bit of nutty crunch, sprinkle some toasted pecans on top of each bite.
- Fresh Herbs – A little sprig of fresh thyme or rosemary on top gives a festive touch and lovely herbal aroma.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Puff Pastry
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface until it’s about ¼ inch thick. Cut the pastry into 2-inch squares and gently press each square into a mini muffin tin, creating little cups.
Step 2: Add the Brie
Cut the brie into small ¾-inch cubes and place a piece in each puff pastry cup.
Step 3: Add the Cranberry Sauce
Spoon about 1 teaspoon of cranberry sauce over the brie in each cup. If you’re fancying it up, this is where you can sprinkle a few chopped pecans or add a tiny sprig of herb on top.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden
Bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and the brie is melted and bubbly. Don’t worry if the brie spills out a little—it’s going to be delicious!
Chef’s Tips and Tricks
- Work quickly with puff pastry: Puff pastry gets sticky as it warms up, so keep it cool while you’re working with it. If it becomes too soft, just pop it in the fridge for a few minutes.
- Brie cubes: Don’t worry about being exact with the brie. Whether your pieces are a bit bigger or smaller won’t make a big difference—the gooier, the better, I say!
- Watch closely toward the end of baking: Puff pastry can go from golden to too-brown rather quickly, so keep an eye on your bites as they bake.
Recipe Variations and Serving Suggestions
- If you don’t like brie (is that a thing!?), swap in goat cheese or even a sharp cheddar!
- Don’t have cranberry sauce? Try a raspberry or red pepper jelly for a different twist.
- Elevate the presentation by drizzling a little honey over the top when serving for a sweet-salty flavor combo.
- Pair these with a chilled sparkling wine or a light Pinot Noir to really get the party started!
FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the puff pastry cups with brie and cranberry sauce a few hours ahead of time, then cover the muffin tin and refrigerate. Just bake them right before serving!
How do I store leftovers?
These bites are best served fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes to re-crisp the puff pastry.
Can I freeze them?
You can freeze the unbaked bites! Assemble them in the muffin tin, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to bake, no need to thaw—just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
Recipe Card
Cranberry Brie Bites (Puff Pastry Cups)
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 24 bites
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the puff pastry and cut into 2-inch squares. Press squares into mini muffin tin cups.
- Place a small cube of brie into each puff pastry cup. Top with about 1 teaspoon of cranberry sauce.
- If desired, add a sprinkle of chopped pecans or a fresh herb sprig.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, until puff pastry is golden and brie is melted.
- Serve warm, optionally drizzled with honey.
And there you have it! These Cranberry Brie Bites are ridiculously easy to make, but they bring so much elegance to your appetizer table. I can’t wait to see how they turn out for you! If you try the recipe, drop a comment below or snap a pic and tag me on Instagram @thekitchensaid! I’d love to see your creations!
