Name: Cranberry Brie Bites
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 4 oz Brie cheese; 1 cup Cranberry sauce; 1 package Refrigerated pie crusts

What are Cranberry Brie Bites? If it’s a chilly evening, maybe the holidays are just around the corner, and you want something that will make you happy? Is it fancy but requires zero effort? What are the bites? They’re like the classy cousin of pigs in a blanket – elevated, sophisticated, and surprisingly surprising. I’ve brought these to potlucks and watched them disappear faster than you can say. Isn’t it easy to throw together a delicious cranberry and brie sandwich? What are flaky pastry nestled in? Is it just a “chef’s kiss”? Is it the kind of appetizer that makes everyone think you spent hours in the kitchen, when in fact, you’re eating an entire meal? In reality, it took you maybe 20 minutes. What’s the secret weapon of store bought puff pastry?

What is Cranberry Brie Bites?

Can you make Cranberry Brie Bites as mini pastry pockets filled with melted brie cheese? What is cran Is it a bite-sized version of baked brie? If you start with a sheet of puff pastry, cut it into squares, and then top each square with an extra piece of pastry. What is the best way to serve a brie with Cranberry Sauce? Bake until golden brown and bubbly, and voila! The contrast of the crisp, buttery pastry, the smooth, rich brie, and the sweet-tart cranberry is striking. What are some good appetizers for a big gathering? My family is a huge fan, and let me tell you, they’re *very* opinionated about food. If they love it, you know it’s good.

Why you’ll love this recipe?

Where do I start? What I love about these Cranberry Brie Bites is how easy they are to make. If you can spread cranberry sauce on a plate, you could make these. No fancy cooking skills required! What is the magic in flavor combinations?

Flavor:What is the best cranberry sauce for brie? What makes them so irresistible?
Simplicity:I’m all about easy recipes, especially when I am entertaining. How do you make puff pastry?
Cost-I don’t need any expensive ingredients to make these. Can Brie be a bit pricey, but you only need small amount for each bite.
Versatility:What are some of the best holiday party favors? Can you make these ahead of time and bake them just before serving?

I sometimes compare these to my mini quiches, but these are even easier and feel a bit more festive, too. What are the best times of year to visit family and Why do people rave about them? My sister makes a similar baked brie with walnuts, but I think these bites are more fun and less unhealthy. Is it a win-win

How do I make Cranberry Brie Bites?

Quick Overview

How do you make Cranberry Brie Bites? How do you make puff pastry? How do you top each square with a dollop of cranberry sauce? Is it safe to cook brie in the oven until golden brown? How do I stop cranberry sauce from spilling out? What’s the hardest part about waiting for them to eat? I promise, even if you’re not a confident baker, you can nail this recipe.

Ingredients

For the Bites:

1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed (usually found in the freezer section)
4 ounces of brie cheese, cut into small cubes (rind on or off, your preference!). I usually leave it on.)
1/2 cup cranberry sauce (store bought or homemade)
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash – makes them extra golden and shiny)

Optional Garnish

Chopped pecans or walnuts (for a little crunch)?
Fresh rosemary sprigs (for a festive touch)
Honey (for drizzling after baking, if you like things extra sweet)

How do I follow step

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This is essential! Parchment paper prevents the bites from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. I always do this first so the oven is ready to go when I am.

Step 2: Cut the Pastry

Unfold the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. With a sharp knife, cut the pastry into approximately 2-inch squares. How do you get 24 squares out of one sheet of pastry? Don’t worry if they’re not perfectly even; it’s all about the rustic look!

Step 3: Assemble the Bites

Place the pastry squares on the prepared baking sheet. Top each square with a spoonful of cranberry sauce. Repeat with the remaining squares. Do not overfill the pans, or the sauce will bubble over in the oven (trust me, I’ve been there, done that). If you’re adding nuts, sprinkle them on top now.

Step 4: Egg Wash

In a small bowl, whisk the eggs with 1 tablespoon of water to create an egg wash. Brush the edges of each pastry square with egg wash. This will give them a beautiful golden-brown color and sheen.

Step 5: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and the brie is tender. Is melted and bubbly? Keep a close eye on them, as baking times can vary depending on your oven. I usually rotate the baking sheet halfway through to ensure even baking.

Step 6: Cool & Serve

Remove the Cranberry Brie Bites from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. I’ve been trying to make a few different things before transferring them to tin. I like If you want to drizzle them with honey, now is the time to do it. Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs for a festive touch, if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!

What should I serve it with?

What are some great recipes for Cranberry Brie Bites?

For a Holiday Appetizer Spread:Arrange them on a platter with other festive appetizers like cheese and crackers, olives, and nuts. What are some good pairings with sparkling wine?

What is a good cozy brunch?Serve them with scrambled eggs, bacon, and a fresh Fruit Salad. I love pairing these with a mimosa!

As a simple dessert:What are some of the best bites to serve as a light dessert? What is a good dessert to serve with Ice Cream?

For a Casual Get-Together:What are the best ways to serve a plate of ice cream with your guests?

My family loves these with a simple green salad – the lightness of the salad balances out the sweetness of this salad. What is the richness of bites perfectly. Is it possible to go wrong?

How do I make Cranberry Brie Bites?

What are some tips and tricks to make sure your Cranberry Brie Bites are delicious? Are absolutely perfect?

Puff Pastry Perfection: IMake sure your puff pastry is fully thawed before you start working with it. If you let it get too warm, it will be sticky and difficult to handle. I usually take it out of the freezer about 30 minutes before I need it.

Brie Tips:Can you use any kind of brie for this recipe? I usually go for a plain, creamy brie, but you could also use flavored if you want to add an extra flavor. Extra layer of flavor. Just make sure to cut the brie into small, even cubes so they melt evenly in the oven.

Cranberry Sauce Considerations: Store-bought cranberry sauce works great, but if you have homemade cranberry sauce on hand, even better! Just make sure it’s not too runny. If it is, you can thicken it up by simmering it in a saucepan for a few minutes until it reaches your desired consistency.

Egg Wash Alternative: If you don’t have an egg on hand, you can brush the pastry squares with a little milk or melted butter instead. This will still give them a nice golden color.

Doneness Test: The bites are done when the pastry is golden brown and puffed up, and the brie is melted and bubbly. If the pastry is browning too quickly, you can tent the baking sheet with foil to prevent it from burning.

Preventing Overflow: The biggest mistake I made at first was overfilling the bites. A little goes a long way! Too much cranberry sauce will bubble over and make a mess. Stick to a teaspoon or so per bite.

Nutty Addition: If you’re adding nuts, toast them lightly before sprinkling them on top of the bites. This will bring out their flavor and add a nice crunch.

I’ve also experimented with different types of cheese. Goat cheese works well, but it has a stronger flavor than brie. Fontina is another great option – it melts beautifully and has a mild, nutty flavor. But honestly, brie is my go-to because it’s just so creamy and delicious!

Storing and Reheating Tips

If you have any leftover Cranberry Brie Bites (which is rare!), here’s how to store and reheat them:

Room Temperature: These are best served warm, straight from the oven. If you need to keep them at room temperature for a short period (up to 2 hours), cover them loosely with foil to prevent them from drying out.

Refrigerator Storage: Store leftover Cranberry Brie Bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that the pastry will soften slightly in the fridge.

Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze these bites. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 1 month. When ready to bake, you can bake from frozen, but you might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Reheating: To reheat refrigerated Cranberry Brie Bites, bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but the pastry will become soft and lose its crispness. I usually avoid the microwave for this reason!

Glaze Timing Advice: If you’re planning to store the bites, it’s best to add the honey drizzle (if using) just before serving, to prevent them from becoming soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, you can! Just use gluten-free puff pastry. Many brands are available these days. The texture might be slightly different, but the flavor will still be amazing. I’ve tried it with a couple of different brands and honestly, it’s a pretty seamless swap.

Do I need to remove the rind from the brie?

It’s totally up to you! The rind is perfectly edible and adds a bit of extra flavor. I usually leave it on because I’m lazy, but if you prefer a smoother texture, feel free to remove it.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! Goat cheese, Fontina, or even a mild cheddar would work well. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile will be different. The key is to use a cheese that melts well and complements the cranberry sauce.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the bites ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just make sure to cover them tightly to prevent the pastry from drying out. I do this all the time when prepping for parties!

What can I use instead of cranberry sauce?

If you’re not a fan of cranberry sauce, you can use other types of jam or preserves, such as apricot, raspberry, or fig. Just make sure they’re not too runny. You could even use a savory option like caramelized onions!

Final Thoughts

Seriously, these Cranberry Brie Bites are a must-try! They’re easy to make, incredibly delicious, and always a crowd-pleaser. They’re perfect for the holidays, but honestly, I make them year-round whenever I need a quick and impressive appetizer. If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also like my baked brie with walnuts or my mini quiches. They’re all easy and delicious! Happy baking! I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out. Be sure to leave a comment and let me know if you try any fun variations. And don’t forget to rate the recipe if you loved it!