These Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Bites are the ultimate holiday or anytime appetizer, combining gooey, rich brie with sweet-tart cranberry sauce, all encased in a flaky, golden puff pastry.
Quick and easy to make, they’re perfect for entertaining or a cozy snack.
Packed with protein from the brie and healthy fats from the cheese, they’re both satisfying and indulgent without being overly heavy.
25-Minute Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Bites
Equipment
- 1 mini muffin pan
- Cooking spray (for greasing pan)
- Rolling pin (for puff pastry)
- Pizza cutter or sharp knife (for cutting pastry)
- Baking sheet or parchment paper
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
Ingredients
- 1 package 13.2 oz puff pastry, thawed
- 4 oz brie cheese cut into bite-size cubes
- ½ cup cranberry sauce
- Fresh rosemary or orange zest for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s fully heated when your pastries are ready to bake. While the oven warms, take a mini muffin pan and lightly coat each cup with cooking spray. This step prevents the puff pastry from sticking and makes removing the bites much easier after baking.
- Prepare Puff Pastry: Unroll your thawed puff pastry on a clean, flat surface or on parchment paper for easy handling. Using a pizza cutter or sharp knife, cut the puff pastry into four long strips. Then, carefully slice each strip into small squares approximately 2.5 x 2.5 inches. You should have about 20 squares, which will serve as the base for your mini bites.
- Shape Puff Pastry in Pan: Take each pastry square and gently press it into the prepared mini muffin cups, shaping it so that it lines the bottom and sides evenly. Press lightly with your fingers to create a “bowl” shape, which will hold the brie and cranberry sauce securely. Make sure the edges are neatly pressed against the pan so the pastry cooks evenly and forms a golden crust.
- Cut and Add Brie Cheese: Using a sharp knife, cut your brie cheese into bite-sized cubes—one cube per puff pastry square. Carefully place a piece of brie into each pastry cup. Be gentle so the pastry maintains its shape and the brie sits neatly inside. Brie is rich and creamy, so it will melt beautifully during baking, creating a luscious, gooey center.
- Top With Cranberry Sauce: Add a small spoonful of cranberry sauce—about 1 teaspoon per bite—on top of each brie cube. The sweet-tart flavor of the cranberries perfectly balances the creamy brie and buttery puff pastry. Take care not to overfill, as too much cranberry sauce may spill over while baking.
- Bake to Golden Perfection: Place the mini muffin pan in the preheated oven on the center rack. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and puffed. Keep an eye on them, as ovens may vary, and you want the pastry to be flaky and crisp without burning. The brie should be melted and slightly bubbly, signaling that the bites are ready.
- Cool Slightly Before Serving: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the bites to cool for about 5 minutes. This makes them easier to remove without breaking. Using a small spatula or spoon, gently lift each pastry from the muffin cup. The brie should still be warm and melty, so handle carefully.
- Garnish and Serve: Finish by garnishing with fresh rosemary sprigs or a light sprinkle of orange zest, which adds a bright, festive flavor and aroma. Serve immediately while the bites are warm and gooey for the best texture and taste. These pastries pair wonderfully with sparkling wine or a light, crisp white wine if serving at a holiday gathering.
Notes
- This recipe makes about 20 bite-sized pastries, which is ideal for serving 10 people, assuming two bites per person.
- Use thawed but cold puff pastry; warm or over-softened pastry can tear and won’t puff properly in the oven.
- For a smoother brie melt, remove the rind if desired, though leaving it adds extra flavor and structure.
- Be careful not to overfill with cranberry sauce—it should complement the brie, not overpower it.
- Mini muffin pans work best, but you can also use regular muffin tins if you want slightly larger bites.
Chef’s Secrets: Elevating Flavor And Texture
To achieve a perfectly golden, flaky pastry, always keep your puff pastry cold until just before baking.
For extra depth of flavor, try lightly toasting the pastry squares on a baking sheet for 3–4 minutes before filling—they will puff even more beautifully.
Experiment with different flavored brie, such as cranberry or herb-infused varieties, to add unique seasonal twists.
Finally, a hint of citrus zest or fresh rosemary on top adds aroma and a festive touch that impresses guests without extra effort.
Serving Suggestions: Delicious Pairing Ideas
These bite-sized pastries are ideal as party appetizers or holiday snacks.
Serve them warm on a platter with sparkling wine, champagne, or a crisp white wine, which complements the rich creaminess of the brie.
For a casual gathering, pair them with mixed nuts or fresh fruit slices, such as apples or pears, to balance sweetness and richness.
They also work beautifully as a starter before a light soup or salad, making them versatile for any menu.
Storage Tips: Keep Bites Fresh Longer
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheat gently in a 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes to restore flakiness and melt the cheese again.
Avoid microwaving, as it can make the pastry soggy and the brie rubbery.
For longer-term storage, you can freeze baked bites in a single layer, then thaw and reheat in the oven for a quick snack later.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the bites and store them unbaked in the fridge for a few hours. Bake just before serving to maintain a flaky, golden pastry.
2. Can I use store-bought cranberry sauce?
Absolutely. Store-bought cranberry sauce works perfectly and saves prep time, but homemade cranberry sauce adds a fresh, tangy flavor that elevates the bites.
3. Can I substitute brie with another cheese?
Yes. Soft cheeses like camembert, goat cheese, or fontina work well, though brie’s creamy melt and mild flavor are ideal for balancing cranberry sweetness.
4. How do I prevent puff pastry from sticking?
Spray your muffin pan with cooking spray or line it with parchment. Additionally, keeping pastry cold and handling it gently prevents sticking or tearing.
5. Can I make these larger or smaller?
You can adjust the size easily. Mini muffin pans make perfect one-bite appetizers, while regular muffin pans create slightly bigger bites for heartier servings. Just adjust bake time slightly if using larger sizes.
