Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Bites
These elegant appetizers wrap creamy brie and tangy cranberry sauce in flaky puff pastry for a three-bite appetizer that looks far more impressive than its effort level.
They bake in 15 minutes and can be assembled ahead of time.
Why You’ll Love It
Only four main ingredients required.
Uses store-bought puff pastry for effortless flaky layers.
Can be assembled hours ahead and refrigerated until baking.
The sweet-savory combination appeals to almost everyone.
Perfect finger food size – no plates or utensils needed.
Makes 24 bites, enough to feed a crowd without doubling recipes.
Ingredients
1 sheet frozen puff pastry – thawed according to package directions
8 oz brie cheese
1/2 cup whole berry cranberry sauce – canned or homemade
1 egg, beaten – for egg wash
Fresh rosemary or thyme leaves – optional garnish
Chopped pecans or walnuts – optional
Honey for drizzling – optional
Steps
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Thaw the puff pastry according to package directions – typically 30-40 minutes at room temperature.
3. Cut the rind off the brie if desired, though leaving it on is perfectly fine and edible.
4. Cut the brie into 24 small cubes, approximately 1/2-inch each.
5. Unfold the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and roll it out slightly to smooth any creases.
6. Cut the pastry into 24 equal squares – the easiest method is to cut it into a 6×4 grid.
7. Place each pastry square into the cup of a mini muffin tin, pressing gently to form a cup shape.
8. Add about 1 teaspoon of cranberry sauce to the bottom of each pastry cup.
9. Place one cube of brie on top of the cranberry sauce in each cup.
10. If using, add a small piece of rosemary, a few thyme leaves, or a piece of chopped pecan on top.
11. Brush the exposed pastry edges with beaten egg using a pastry brush.
12. Bake for 12-15 minutes until the pastry is golden brown and puffed and the cheese is melted.
13. Let cool in the pan for 2-3 minutes before carefully removing.
14. Drizzle with honey if desired and serve warm.
Helpful Tips & Substitutions
Keep puff pastry cold while working – if it gets too warm, pop it in the refrigerator for 10 minutes.
Camembert works as a direct substitute for brie with a similar texture and flavor profile.
Goat cheese creates a tangier variation if you prefer sharper flavors.
Fig jam, apricot preserves, or pepper jelly can replace cranberry sauce for different flavor combinations.
Don’t overfill the cups or the filling will bubble over during baking.
Work quickly once the pastry is unfolded to prevent it from becoming sticky.
If you don’t have a mini muffin tin, form free-form cups on a silicone baking mat by folding the pastry edges up around the filling.
Serving Ideas
Arrange on a platter garnished with fresh rosemary sprigs for holiday appetizer spreads.
Serve immediately while warm – the melted brie is the star of the show.
Pair with sparkling wine, champagne, or a crisp white wine.
Include on a grazing board alongside cured meats, nuts, and fresh fruit.
Serve as a passed appetizer at cocktail parties using small napkins.
Make-Ahead & Storage
Assemble the bites in the muffin tin, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 8 hours before baking.
Add 2-3 minutes to the bake time if baking directly from the refrigerator.
Leftover baked bites can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes – the microwave will make the pastry soggy.
These do not freeze well once assembled due to the delicate pastry and creamy cheese.
For make-ahead convenience, cut the pastry and cube the brie separately, storing each in the refrigerator until ready to assemble.
Effortless Elegance
These bites deliver that perfect combination of flaky, creamy, sweet, and savory in one small package.
Guests will assume you spent far more time than the 20 minutes these actually require.
They’re the kind of appetizer that makes you look like you know what you’re doing in the kitchen.
