Get ready to impress your guests with these delightful Cranberry Brie Bites with Puff Pastry Recipe, a perfect appetizer that combines the creamy richness of Brie with the sweet tartness of cranberry sauce wrapped in a golden, flaky puff pastry. This bite-sized treat is not only elegant but packed with textures and flavors that burst in your mouth, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any festive occasion or cozy gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
These few but thoughtfully chosen ingredients come together beautifully in this Cranberry Brie Bites with Puff Pastry Recipe to create a harmony of flavors and a fantastic texture contrast that’s both crunchy and creamy.
- 8 ounce round Brie cheese: Choose a quality Brie for that smooth, buttery center that melts perfectly.
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry (thawed): This provides the signature light, flaky shell hosting all those delicious fillings.
- Flour (for dusting work surface): Prevents sticky dough and helps achieve an even, thin puff pastry crust.
- 3/4 cup cranberry sauce: Adds a bright, tangy contrast with a hint of sweetness to balance the cheese.
- 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans: Offers a wonderful nutty crunch that complements the smooth Brie.
- Sprigs of rosemary for garnish: Adds fresh, aromatic notes and a festive touch.
- Sea salt to taste: A pinch enhances all the flavors and adds a subtle savory depth.
You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.
How to Make Cranberry Brie Bites with Puff Pastry Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Brie Cheese
Start by freezing the Brie cheese after removing its rind. This chilling trick is a game-changer because it firms up the cheese, making it far easier to cut into neat, bite-sized pieces without it getting all squishy or melting too soon when baked.
Step 2: Preheat and Prepare Your Muffin Pan
While the Brie chills, preheat your oven to 375℉ and generously grease a 24-cup mini muffin pan. Greasing is essential to prevent those flaky bites from sticking and to ensure you can effortlessly pop each one out when they’re done.
Step 3: Cut and Shape the Puff Pastry
Lightly flour your surface then roll out the thawed puff pastry into a 10×14-inch rectangle. This size creates the perfect thickness—flaky yet sturdy. Cut it into 24 squares, then gently press each into the muffin cups, making sure to prick the bottom with a fork. This step avoids puffing up too much and provides a perfect crisp shell.
Step 4: Cut the Brie and Assemble the Bites
Take the chilled Brie from the freezer and cut into 24 pieces about 3/4-inch each. Spoon a teaspoon of cranberry sauce into each puff pastry cup, then add a piece of Brie on top. Finally, sprinkle with chopped pecans and a pinch of sea salt for that extra burst of flavor.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake your assembled bites for 18 to 20 minutes until the puff pastry is gorgeously golden brown. Let them cool briefly before removing from the pan to keep their shape intact. These bites can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature for maximum flavor impact.
How to Serve Cranberry Brie Bites with Puff Pastry Recipe
Garnishes
Sprigs of fresh rosemary not only bring a pop of color but also add a fresh, piney aroma that complements the rich Brie and tangy cranberry perfectly. A light drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes can also elevate these bites for your guests.
Side Dishes
This Cranberry Brie Bites with Puff Pastry Recipe pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed with vinaigrette or a cozy bowl of butternut squash soup. Both sides provide refreshing and warm contrasts that balance the richness of the bites.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange these little beauties on a wooden board dotted with clusters of fresh cranberries, or serve them alongside a variety of cheeses and nuts on a festive charcuterie board for a show-stopping appetizer display. Consider placing them in cupcake liners for an easy, stylish grab-and-go presentation at your next party.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover cranberry brie bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They’re still delicious when served cold or warmed up slightly, making them a fantastic next-day snack or addition to a lunch spread.
Freezing
You can freeze the baked bites by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. To enjoy later, simply thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently to preserve their flaky texture and gooey cheese.
Reheating
Reheat your bites in a preheated oven at 350℉ for about 8-10 minutes until the pastry is crisp and the Brie is melted again. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep the puff pastry flaky rather than soggy.
FAQs
Can I use different nuts instead of pecans?
Absolutely! Walnuts, almonds, or even pistachios make fantastic substitutes, each adding their own unique crunch and flavor to this Cranberry Brie Bites with Puff Pastry Recipe.
Do I have to remove the rind from the Brie?
Removing the rind is recommended because it can be tough and bitter when baked. Without the rind, the cheese melts much more smoothly and enhances the creamy center of the bites.
Can these bites be made vegan or dairy-free?
For a vegan version, try using a plant-based Brie alternative and make sure the puff pastry is dairy-free. You can also swap out the pecans for seeds if preferred.
What’s the best type of cranberry sauce to use?
Homemade cranberry sauce offers a fresh, vibrant flavor, but store-bought works just as well—just opt for one that’s not overly sweet for the best balance.
Can I prepare these bites ahead and bake later?
Yes! Assemble the bites and refrigerate them uncovered for a few hours before baking. This helps the pastry stay crisp and the flavors meld wonderfully when baked fresh.
Final Thoughts
This Cranberry Brie Bites with Puff Pastry Recipe has become a go-to favorite among my guests, thanks to how effortlessly it combines luxe flavors and beautiful presentation. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or simply craving an elegant snack, these bites never fail to impress and satisfy. Give it a try—you’ll love the warm smiles and second requests that come with every batch!
PrintCranberry Brie Bites with Puff Pastry Recipe
These Cranberry Brie Bites with Puff Pastry are a delightful appetizer perfect for parties and gatherings. Featuring creamy Brie cheese, tangy cranberry sauce, and crunchy pecans wrapped in flaky puff pastry, these bite-sized treats are easy to assemble and bake to golden perfection. Garnished with rosemary and a sprinkle of sea salt, they offer a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and nutty flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Cheese
- 1 8 ounce round Brie cheese
Pastry
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry (thawed in the refrigerator)
- Flour (for dusting work surface)
Toppings
- 3/4 cup cranberry sauce
- 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans
- Sprigs of rosemary for garnish
- Sea salt to taste
Instructions
- Freeze Brie Cheese: Cut off and discard the rind from the Brie cheese. Place the cheese on a parchment-lined plate and freeze for 20 minutes. This step firms up the cheese, making it easier to cut into neat pieces.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Generously grease a 24-cup mini muffin pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking and set it aside.
- Cut Puff Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll the thawed puff pastry sheet into a 10×14-inch rectangle. Cut the sheet lengthwise into 4 even strips, then crosswise into 6 even squares, yielding 24 squares. Gently press each square into a muffin cup and prick the bottom of each pastry with a fork to prevent bubbling.
- Cut Brie: Remove the chilled Brie from the freezer and cut into 24 pieces, approximately 3/4-inch in size, to fit each pastry cup.
- Assemble Bites: Spoon 1 teaspoon of cranberry sauce into each pastry-lined muffin cup. Press a piece of Brie cheese on top of the sauce, then sprinkle each with 1 teaspoon of finely chopped pecans. Add a light sprinkle of sea salt if desired for extra flavor.
- Bake: Place the muffin pan in the preheated oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes until the puff pastry is golden brown and puffed. After baking, allow the bites to cool slightly so they can firm up a bit.
- Serve: Carefully remove the cranberry Brie bites from the muffin pan and garnish with small sprigs of rosemary. Serve warm or at room temperature for best taste.
Notes
- Freezing the Brie cheese briefly makes it easier to cut without squishing.
- Use fresh, thawed puff pastry and keep it cold to ensure the pastries rise nicely in the oven.
- Adding sea salt enhances the flavors but is optional to suit your taste preferences.
- These bites can be made a few hours ahead and warmed before serving.
- Substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds if desired.
- For a sweeter touch, drizzle a light honey glaze just before serving.
