Brie Bites with Cranberry Recipe

If you’re searching for a dazzling, crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s both elegant and incredibly easy to make, look no further than this Brie Bites with Cranberry Recipe. Imagine buttery puff pastry cups holding warm, melted Brie cheese topped with a bright burst of cranberry sauce and a delightful crunch of pecans. Each bite is a perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and savory flavors that will have your guests coming back for more. These little bites are more than just an appetizer; they’re a festive tradition waiting to happen at your next gathering.

Ingredients You’ll Need

It’s amazing how just a handful of simple ingredients can come together to create such a sophisticated flavor explosion. Each component plays a key role — from the flaky, golden puff pastry providing that irresistible crunch, to the creamy Brie that melts just right under the oven’s warmth, rounded out perfectly by the tart sweetness of cranberry sauce and the earthy crunch of pecans.

• Frozen puff pastry (2 sheets): The flaky, buttery base that makes these bites truly irresistible.
• Brie cheese (8 ounces): Use a mild, creamy Brie for that smooth melt and rich flavor.
• Cranberry sauce (1 cup): Adds a lively tartness that brightens up every bite — homemade or store-bought works beautifully.
• Flaky sea salt (1 teaspoon): Sprinkled on top, it enhances all the flavors while adding a subtle crunch.
• Raw pecans (½ cup, finely chopped): Provide a nutty crunch that contrasts perfectly with the creamy cheese.
• Fresh rosemary (4 springs, cut into pieces): A fragrant garnish that adds a touch of herbal elegance.

How to Make Brie Bites with Cranberry Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Brie

Start by positioning your oven racks in the upper and lower thirds and preheat to 375°F. Pop the Brie cheese in the freezer for 15 minutes to firm it up — this helps when cutting into neat little pieces for the puff pastry cups.

Step 2: Shape the Puff Pastry Cups

Unroll one sheet of puff pastry on a lightly floured surface, then gently roll it out to about a 10×14-inch rectangle. Cut it into 24 squares by slicing lengthwise into 4 strips and crosswise into 6 strips. Gently press each square into the wells of well-greased 24-cup mini muffin pans to form little cups. Don’t forget to prick the bottom of each pastry with a fork a few times to prevent puffing up too much during baking.

Step 3: Add Cheese and Toppings

Cut the Brie in half, returning one half to the freezer while you dice the other into approximately 24 small pieces. Place one piece of Brie in each pastry cup. Next, top each with a generous teaspoon of cranberry sauce, sprinkle with flaky sea salt, and then half of the chopped pecans. Repeat this process for the second sheet of puff pastry and the remaining ingredients.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Place your muffin pans on rimmed baking sheets to catch any escaping cheese or cranberry sauce. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, switching pan positions halfway through to ensure even cooking. The puff pastry should puff up beautifully and turn a golden brown at the corners. Let the bites cool for a few minutes before transferring them carefully to a serving plate.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Finally, adorn each Brie bite with a small piece of fresh rosemary for that divine touch of color and aroma that elevates your appetizer to a whole new level of festive delight.

How to Serve Brie Bites with Cranberry Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh rosemary sprigs are classic, but a tiny drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of crushed pistachios can add an exciting twist. The visual appeal of these garnishes makes your Brie Bites with Cranberry Recipe feel extra special and inviting.

Side Dishes

Serve these bites alongside a crisp green salad with a citrus vinaigrette or some roasted winter vegetables for a balanced offering. They also pair beautifully with a glass of sparkling wine or a fruity red for occasions that call for a bit of celebration.

Creative Ways to Present

Try arranging these Brie Bites with Cranberry Recipe on a wooden serving board surrounded by fresh herbs and seasonal berries. Another charming idea is to serve them in decorative mini muffin liners matched to your party theme, making your guests feel like they’re truly indulging in something crafted with care.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any uneaten Brie Bites with Cranberry Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days, keeping their flavors fresh for a quick snack or second serving.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy these special bites another time, bake them fully, let them cool completely, freeze on a baking sheet until solid, then store in a sealed container for up to two months. This makes holiday entertaining stress-free and allows you to prepare weeks in advance.

Reheating

To bring back that just-out-of-the-oven magic, reheat the bites at 350°F in a mini muffin tin until warm throughout. You can also serve them at room temperature if that’s more convenient — they taste delightful either way.

FAQs

Can I use raspberry jam instead of cranberry sauce?

Absolutely! Raspberry jam offers a similar tart-sweet flavor that pairs beautifully with Brie and pecans, making it a delicious alternative to cranberry sauce in this recipe.

What type of Brie is best for this recipe?

A mild, creamy Brie with a soft rind works best. Avoid overly aged varieties with a strong pungent flavor unless you prefer that boldness. The cheese should melt well and complement the sweetness of the cranberry.

Do I need to thaw the puff pastry before making the bites?

Yes, thawing puff pastry overnight in the refrigerator is ideal for easy handling and shaping. If you try to work with it frozen, it’s too stiff and prone to cracking.

Can I make these bite-sized appetizers gluten-free?

Traditional puff pastry contains gluten, but you can find gluten-free puff pastry brands nowadays. Just ensure to verify the label and bake as directed. The Brie Bites with Cranberry Recipe is easily adaptable!

How long does it take to assemble these Brie bites?

With a bit of practice, the assembly takes about 15 minutes, making these a fantastic last-minute appetizer that still looks like you spent hours in the kitchen.

Final Thoughts

This Brie Bites with Cranberry Recipe is truly a shining star for any gathering. It’s quick to assemble, bakes beautifully, and offers the perfect combo of textures and flavors that your guests will rave about long after the last bite. Don’t hesitate—grab those ingredients and let the magic of buttery puff pastry, melted Brie, and zesty cranberries bring an unforgettable touch to your table.

Brie Bites with Cranberry Recipe

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

3.9 from 4 reviews

These Baked Brie Bites are a delightful and easy holiday appetizer that combines flaky puff pastry, creamy Brie cheese, tangy cranberry sauce, crunchy pecans, and fragrant fresh rosemary. Perfectly portioned in mini muffin pans, these savory-sweet bites are sure to impress your guests and are ideal for festive gatherings.

• Author: Paula
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 48 bites
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Puff Pastry

• 2 sheets frozen puff pastry, thawed overnight in the refrigerator

Cheese

• 8 ounces Brie cheese

Toppings

• 1 cup homemade cranberry sauce or whole berry cranberry sauce or jam of choice
• 1 teaspoon flaky sea salt (such as Maldon or fleur de sel)
• ½ cup finely chopped raw pecans
• 4 sprigs fresh rosemary, cut into 6 pieces

Instructions

1. Prepare Oven and Brie: Position the oven racks in the upper and lower thirds of the oven and preheat to 375°F (190°C). Place the Brie cheese in the freezer for 15 minutes to firm it up for easier cutting and handling.
2. Prepare Mini Muffin Pans: Generously coat two 24-cup mini muffin pans with nonstick spray. If you only have 1 pan or two 12-cup pans, plan to bake the Brie bites in batches.
3. Cut Puff Pastry: Unroll one sheet of puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and roll it into a 10 x 14-inch rectangle. Cut lengthwise into 4 equal strips and crosswise into 6 equal squares, totaling 24 squares approximately 2.5 inches each. Gently separate the squares and press each into a mini muffin cup to form a pastry cup. Prick the bottom of each pastry cup in 2 to 3 places using a fork to avoid puffing in the center.
4. Prepare Brie: Cut the Brie in half and return one half to the freezer. Dice the other half into 24 pieces, each about ¾ to ½ inch in size. Place one piece of Brie in the center of each puff pastry cup.
5. Add Toppings: Spoon 1 teaspoon of cranberry sauce on top of each Brie piece. Sprinkle each with about ½ teaspoon of flaky sea salt, then sprinkle half of the chopped pecans evenly across the bites. Place the assembled pans in the refrigerator while preparing the second pastry sheet and remaining Brie.
6. Repeat Assembly: Repeat the cutting and assembly process with the second sheet of puff pastry, the remaining Brie, salt, and pecans to fill the second muffin pan.
7. Bake Brie Bites: Place each muffin pan on a rimmed baking sheet to catch any spills and bake on the upper and lower racks of the oven for 18 to 20 minutes. Halfway through baking, swap the positions of the pans between the upper and lower racks to ensure even cooking. Bake until the puff pastry is puffed and golden brown at the corners.
8. Cool and Garnish: Allow the Brie bites to cool in the pans for 3 minutes. If any Brie or cranberry has bubbled out, gently use a fork to nudge it back into the center of each bite. Carefully transfer the bites to a serving plate using a fork and garnish each bite with a small piece of fresh rosemary. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

• To Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• To Reheat: Warm bites in a mini muffin tin at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or serve at room temperature.
• To Freeze: Bake bites as directed and cool completely. Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then store in airtight freezer-safe containers or ziptop bags for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen at 350°F until hot.
• Make Ahead: Fully assemble bites unbaked in muffin pans and refrigerate for up to 3 days before baking, or bake and freeze prepared bites for up to 2 months following the freezing instructions.