Crispy Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe

Snackable Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe: A Festive Party Delight

Bite-sized appetizers can turn any gathering into a memorable feast, and these cranberry brie bites pack a delightful punch of flavor.

Creamy, soft brie melts perfectly with tart cranberry sauce in these irresistible little pastry parcels.

The combination of buttery puff pastry and rich cheese creates a stunning starter that looks impressive but takes minimal effort.

Each bite delivers a delicate balance of sweet and tangy notes that dance across your palate.

Elegant yet simple, these appetizers work beautifully for holiday parties or casual get-togethers.

Guests will be reaching for seconds before you know it.

Prepare to wow everyone with this crowd-pleasing recipe that transforms ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 150 kcal

Servings: 11

Ingredients Needed For Cranberry Brie Bites

For Pastry Base:
  • Puff Pastry: Delivers a flaky, buttery foundation that creates an irresistible crispy texture perfect for bite-sized appetizers.
  • Flour: Helps prevent pastry from sticking during rolling and ensures smooth preparation.
For Filling and Flavor:
  • Brie Cheese: Provides creamy, rich center that melts beautifully and creates luxurious taste experience.
  • Cranberry Sauce: Adds tangy sweetness and festive color to complement the rich cheese.
  • Pecans or Walnuts: Introduces delightful crunch and nutty depth to enhance overall flavor profile.
For Finishing and Garnish:
  • Egg: Helps create golden, glossy exterior and ensures beautiful browning of pastry.
  • Fresh Rosemary or Thyme: Adds elegant herbal aroma and sophisticated visual presentation to the appetizer.

Tools You’ll Use For Cranberry Brie Bites

  • Mini muffin tin: Essential for creating perfectly shaped, bite-sized pastries.
  • Rolling pin: Helps smooth out puff pastry and create even thickness.
  • Sharp knife or pastry cutter: Perfect for cutting precise pastry squares.
  • Baking sheet: Optional backup surface for preparation.
  • Pastry brush: Used to apply egg wash for golden, shiny crust.
  • Measuring spoons: Helps portion cranberry sauce and nuts accurately.
  • Cutting board: Provides clean surface for pastry preparation.

How To Assemble Cranberry Brie Bites Fast

  • Pastry Preparation

Create a delightful base by softening puff pastry and cutting into delicate squares that will cradle the delicious filling.

  • Cheese and Cranberry Filling

Nestle creamy brie pieces into each pastry pocket, then crown with a vibrant dollop of cranberry sauce. Sprinkle nuts for an unexpected crunch that adds texture and excitement.

  • Golden Transformation

Gently brush pastry edges with a silky egg wash that promises a beautiful golden-brown finish. Send these little treasures into a hot oven where magic happens – watching them puff and transform into irresistible appetizers.

  • Elegant Presentation

Rescue the bites from the oven, allowing them a moment to settle. Add a whisper of fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme, creating a restaurant-worthy garnish that elevates these simple yet sophisticated nibbles. Welcome guests with these warm, inviting morsels perfect for any gathering.

Tips To Add Flair To Cranberry Brie Bites

  • Pastry Perfection Secrets: Use cold puff pastry straight from the refrigerator to ensure maximum flakiness and prevent the dough from becoming too soft while working.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare these bites up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate unbaked. Simply pop them in the oven when ready to serve for fresh, warm appetizers that wow guests.
  • Dietary Flexibility: For gluten-free guests, swap traditional puff pastry with gluten-free puff pastry. Vegans can replace brie with dairy-free cheese alternatives and use plant-based egg wash substitutes like almond milk.
  • Flavor Adventure Variations: Experiment with different flavor combinations like goat cheese with fig jam, blue cheese with caramelized onions, or cheddar with apple chutney to create unique bite-sized treats that keep your guests guessing.
  • Storage Smart Tip: Store leftover bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 180C (350F) for 5-7 minutes to restore their crispy texture and warm, gooey center.

How To Serve Cranberry Brie Bites Warm

  • Party Platter Perfection: Arrange these cranberry brie bites on a beautiful wooden board with fresh rosemary sprigs, creating an elegant appetizer display that's sure to impress guests.
  • Cocktail Companion: Pair these bites with crisp white wine or sparkling champagne to complement the rich brie and tangy cranberry flavors, making them ideal for sophisticated gatherings.
  • Holiday Hosting Hack: Prepare these bite-sized treats ahead of time and reheat gently before serving, perfect for minimizing kitchen stress during festive celebrations or family gatherings.
  • Flavor Variation Station: Experiment with different fruit preserves like fig jam or orange marmalade instead of cranberry sauce to create unique flavor combinations that'll keep guests guessing.

How To Keep Cranberry Brie Bites Fresh Until Serving

  • Quick Cooldown Strategy: Allow bites to rest for 5-7 minutes after baking to stabilize their delicate structure and prevent burning your mouth.
  • Refrigeration Technique: Store leftover bites in an airtight container, layered between parchment paper, for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
  • Reheating Magic: Crisp up cold bites by placing them in a preheated 180C (350F) oven for 5-6 minutes, restoring their original flaky texture.
  • Freezer-Friendly Approach: Prepare unbaked bites and freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for future entertaining – they'll stay fresh for 2 months and can be baked directly from frozen, adding 3-5 minutes to original baking time.
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Crispy Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe

Crispy Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 38 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 11 1x

Description

Cranberry brie bites elevate appetizers with elegant French-inspired flavors. Simple pastry shells cradle warm melted cheese and tangy cranberry sauce, creating perfect party nibbles for holiday gatherings.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 120 g (4 oz) brie cheese, cut into small cubes
  • ½ cup cranberry sauce
  • 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed if frozen
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
  • Fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs

Instructions

  1. Oven Preparation: Elevate the oven temperature to 200C (400F) and meticulously coat a mini muffin tin with non-stick spray or parchment paper.
  2. Pastry Transformation: Unfurl the puff pastry sheet across a flour-dusted surface, smoothing out any wrinkles and slice into 12 precise geometric squares.
  3. Pastry Vessel Creation: Gently press each pastry square into muffin tin compartments, forming delicate cups with smooth, even edges.
  4. Flavor Layering: Center a brie cube in each pastry cup, then crown with a vibrant dollop of cranberry sauce and a sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts.
  5. Finishing Touch: Delicately brush pastry edges with beaten egg to encourage a luxurious golden sheen, then bake for 15-20 minutes until pastry puffs and achieves a rich, bronzed complexion.
  6. Serving Presentation: Allow bites to cool momentarily, garnish with a fragrant herb sprig like rosemary or thyme, and serve either warm or at ambient temperature for a sophisticated appetizer.

Notes

  • Pastry Precision: Roll puff pastry thinly and evenly to ensure crisp, light texture without becoming soggy or thick.
  • Temperature Control: Allow brie to reach room temperature before baking to guarantee smooth melting and optimal flavor distribution.
  • Nutty Variations: Experiment with different nuts like almonds or pistachios for unique flavor profiles and added crunch.
  • Dietary Adaptation: Replace regular puff pastry with gluten-free alternatives for celiac or gluten-sensitive guests, ensuring everyone can enjoy these delightful bites.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 11
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 200 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 15 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 20 mg
Liam O’Sullivan

Liam O’Sullivan

Founder & Culinary Content Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development​, Traditional Irish and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education​

Education

Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) – School of Culinary Arts and Food Technology

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development.​

Ballymaloe Cookery School

  • Program: 12-Week Certificate Course
  • Focus: Intensive, hands-on experience emphasizing farm-to-table cooking and sustainable practices.​

Isabella brings a global spark to the Craft Meats table. Born in Florence and trained at the Apicius International School of Hospitality, she blends classic Italian flavor with modern writing that’s easy to follow and hard to forget. 

Her additional training at the Italian Chef Academy fueled her love for well-crafted dishes, especially ones that spotlight beautiful cuts of meat.

She’s a food writer with heart, and a deep love for storytelling through single recipes. Her goal? To help you cook with more confidence and a little more joy, no matter where you start.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star