Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Bites

I still remember the first time I made cranberry brie puff pastry bites for a holiday party and I was honestly just trying to use up leftover cranberry sauce. But the moment I pulled those golden little bites from the oven and saw the melted brie bubbling around the edges, I knew I had something special. Friends kept circling the appetizer table for more and I was just thrilled something so simple could bring so much joy.

The beauty of cranberry brie puff pastry bites is how effortlessly they come together while looking incredibly elegant. I love the balance between sweet and savory and the flaky layers that melt in your mouth. These have become my go-to for festive gatherings, brunches, and even cozy nights when I want something warm and comforting yet beautiful enough to serve with pride.

Ingredients

Here’s what I use for this recipe. You can always make substitutions if you prefer!

• Puff pastry sheets – The star base that gives these bites their golden flaky layers
• Brie cheese – Adds a rich, creamy center that melts beautifully inside the pastry
• Cranberry sauce – Offers a sweet-tart topping that pairs perfectly with the brie
• Egg wash – Helps the puff pastry turn shiny and golden as it bakes
• Fresh thyme or rosemary (optional) – Brings a fragrant, herby note that elevates each bite
• Honey (optional) – A light drizzle of honey can enhance the sweetness and flavor depth

Tools You’ll Need

• Baking sheet – To lay out the pastry bites and ensure even baking
• Mini muffin tin (optional) – Helps hold the shape of the bites during baking, especially for smaller versions
• Pastry brush – Perfect for applying egg wash to give that glossy golden finish
• Small spoon or cookie scoop – To neatly fill each puff pastry shell with brie and cranberry
• Sharp knife or pizza cutter – For cutting the puff pastry into even squares
• Cooling rack – To let the pastries rest after baking while keeping the bottoms crisp

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

I start by preheating my oven to 375°F (190°C). It’s important to have it fully heated so the puff pastry rises perfectly.

Step 2: Prepare the Puff Pastry

I unfold the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface and use a knife or pizza cutter to slice it into 12 even squares. If I’m using a mini muffin tin, I gently press each square into the cups.

Step 3: Add the Brie

Next, I cut the brie into small cubes and place one piece into the center of each puff pastry square. I try to use brie without rind if possible, but a little rind is totally fine too.

Step 4: Spoon the Cranberry Sauce

Using a small spoon, I add about a teaspoon of cranberry sauce over the brie. I try not to overfill so the sauce doesn’t overflow too much while baking.

Step 5: Brush with Egg Wash

I whisk an egg in a small bowl and use a pastry brush to lightly coat the edges of the puff pastry. This helps them turn a beautiful golden brown in the oven.

Step 6: Bake the Bites

I bake them in the oven for about 15–18 minutes, or until the puff pastry is puffed and golden and the cheese is nicely melted.

Step 7: Cool Slightly and Garnish

After baking, I let them cool on a rack for a few minutes. If I’m feeling fancy, I sprinkle on a little fresh thyme or rosemary and sometimes drizzle a touch of honey.

Tips

If you want to save time, I recommend using store-bought cranberry sauce but I personally love using homemade when I have leftovers! I also like to partially freeze the brie before cutting it makes it way easier to cube neatly. And if you’re planning ahead, you can assemble the bites a few hours in advance and keep them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.

Ways to Serve

These cranberry brie puff pastry bites are incredibly versatile. I love serving them warm right out of the oven for appetizers at holiday parties, but they’re just as perfect for a casual brunch spread or even as a cozy afternoon snack with a cup of tea. They look gorgeous on a cheese board too, especially surrounded by grapes, nuts, and more crackers. You can even pair them with sparkling wine or mulled cider to elevate the experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make cranberry brie puff pastry bites ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble them a few hours in advance and store them in the fridge until ready to bake. I wouldn’t recommend baking them fully ahead, as puff pastry is best fresh.

Can I use a different cheese instead of brie?

Absolutely! Camembert works well, or even cream cheese in a pinch, though the flavor will change slightly.

Do cranberry brie puff pastry bites need to be served warm?

While they taste best warm, they’re still delicious at room temperature. If needed, you can reheat them in the oven for a few minutes.

Can I freeze these after baking?

Yes, once baked and cooled, they can be frozen. Just reheat in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes before serving.

See You in the Kitchen

I hope you give these cranberry brie puff pastry bites a try! They’re such a fun and easy way to impress your guests and they always disappear fast. Let me know how they turn out and feel free to experiment with your own twists! Save this recipe for your next get-together I promise it’ll be a hit.

Happy Cooking!

Print