These cranberry Brie puff pastry bites are a simple holiday appetizer with crisp golden pastry, creamy melted cheese, and a bright cranberry finish. They look elegant on a party tray but take only a short list of ingredients and a muffin pan.
Ingredients
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed but still cold
- 4 ounces Brie, rind on or trimmed, cut into small cubes
- ⅓ cup cranberry sauce or thick cranberry chutney
- 1 tablespoon chopped pecans, optional
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 egg beaten with 1 teaspoon water
- Pinch of black pepper
How to Make Cranberry Brie Bites
- Heat oven. Preheat to 400°F (205°C). Lightly grease a 24-cup mini muffin pan.
- Cut pastry. Unfold cold puff pastry and cut into 24 small squares. Press one square into each muffin cup, leaving the corners pointing upward.
- Add Brie. Place a small cube of Brie in each pastry cup.
- Add cranberry. Top with about ½ teaspoon cranberry sauce, a little thyme, and pecans if using. Add a tiny pinch of pepper.
- Brush edges. Lightly brush exposed pastry with egg wash.
- Bake. Bake 12–16 minutes until pastry is puffed and deeply golden and the cheese is melted.
- Cool slightly. Let stand in the pan for 5 minutes before lifting out. Serve warm.
Tips for Crisp Pastry
- Keep puff pastry cold while cutting and filling.
- Use thick cranberry sauce so the pastry does not become soggy.
- Do not overfill the cups; cheese expands and melts.
- Let bites rest briefly so the filling sets before serving.
Make-Ahead Notes
Cut the pastry squares and cube the Brie earlier in the day, keeping both chilled separately. Assemble just before baking for the crispest result. Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warm and crisp.
Variations
Try raspberry preserves, fig jam, or apple chutney instead of cranberry sauce. Walnuts or pistachios can replace pecans. A little orange zest makes a bright pairing with cranberry.
Serve These Holiday Appetizers
Arrange on a platter with fresh thyme and extra cranberry sauce. They pair well with cranberry jalapeño cream cheese dip and other Christmas recipes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use crescent dough?
Yes, but the texture will be softer and less flaky than puff pastry. Watch the baking time because it may brown sooner.
Can I make them without nuts?
Absolutely. Simply leave out the pecans.
Can I use homemade cranberry sauce?
Yes, provided it is thick and cooled before filling the pastry.
Save This Christmas Party Appetizer
These cranberry Brie bites are a reliable sweet-savory appetizer for Christmas parties, potlucks, and winter gatherings.
