Name: Mini Cranberry Brie Bites with Puff Pastry for Festive Fun
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 1 package Puff Pastry (Ensure it’s thawed for easy handling); 1 Egg (for wash; omit for a vegan option); 8 oz Brie Cheese (Cut into small cubes); 1/2 cup Cranberry Sauce (Can be swapped for fig jam or caramelized onions); 1 tbsp Fresh Thyme (Imparts aromatic notes)

The aroma of baking pastry wafts through the kitchen, instantly transporting me to festive gatherings filled with laughter and joy. One of my go-to holiday appetizers is the irresistible Mini Cranberry Brie Bites with Puff Pastry. These delightful little treats are an absolute crowd-pleaser, featuring warm, creamy brie enveloped in flaky pastry and topped with tangy cranberry sauce. What I love most is that they come together in just 25 minutes, making them perfect for those spontaneous get-togethers. Plus, they can be easily made ahead of time, allowing you to spend more moments enjoying the company of friends and family rather than stressing in the kitchen. Curious about how to elevate your next celebration with these festive bites? Let’s dive into the recipe!

Why Are Mini Cranberry Brie Bites Irresistible?

Simplicity at Its Best: These Mini Cranberry Brie Bites require minimal effort—just a quick 25 minutes from start to finish.

Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: They are the perfect starter for holiday gatherings, loved by both kids and adults alike.

Unique Flavor Combination: The blend of creamy brie and tart cranberry sauce creates a delightful explosion of taste in every bite.

Make Ahead Magic: Assemble these bites a day in advance and pop them in the oven just before serving, so you can focus on enjoying the festivities.

Versatile Options: Feel free to swap out the cranberry sauce for fig jam or caramelized onions to add your own twist!

Elevate your holiday gatherings with these delectable bites. If you’re also looking for something sweet, don’t miss out on my Mini Rolo Cheesecakes for a fabulous dessert option.

Mini Cranberry Brie Bites Ingredients

• Prepare to delight your guests with these irresistible treats!

For the Pastry

Puff Pastry – Ensure it’s thawed for easy handling; frozen pastry works best here.
Egg (for wash) – Use for a beautiful golden finish; omit for a vegan option.

For the Filling

Brie Cheese – Cut into small cubes to encourage easy melting; a vegan brie is a fantastic substitute.
Cranberry Sauce – Adds the perfect sweet and tangy flavor; feel free to swap it with fig jam or caramelized onions for a unique twist.
Fresh Thyme – Imparts aromatic notes that enhance the overall taste; consider chopped pistachios for a crunchy alternative.

Prepare these Mini Cranberry Brie Bites with Puff Pastry and watch them disappear at your next festive gathering!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Mini Cranberry Brie Bites with Puff Pastry

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Muffin Tin
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven warms up, take a mini muffin tin and grease it lightly with cooking spray or line it with paper liners. This will help the pastry release easily after baking and ensure every bite is perfectly crispy and delicious.

Step 2: Roll Out the Puff Pastry
Once your oven is preheated, roll out the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Use a round cookie cutter or a glass to cut out 24 circles, each about 2 inches in diameter. Make sure you aim for uniform circles, as they will shape the cups to hold the rich brie and cranberry filling just right.

Step 3: Form the Pastry Cups
Gently press each puff pastry circle into the wells of the greased muffin tin, making sure to shape them into cups that hug the sides. Be careful not to stretch the dough too thin; it should be snug but still maintain its flakiness. This forms the perfect little harbor for the warm, melty brie and tart cranberry sauce.

Step 4: Add the Brie and Cranberry Sauce
Into each pastry cup, place a single cube of brie cheese, allowing its creamy goodness to shine. Follow this by adding a teaspoon of cranberry sauce on top of the brie. For added flavor, sprinkle a pinch of salt and pepper over each bite, enhancing the delightful contrast of flavors in these Mini Cranberry Brie Bites with Puff Pastry.

Step 5: Brush with Egg Wash
In a small bowl, beat an egg to create an egg wash, which enhances the golden color of your bites. Using a pastry brush, gently brush the edges of the pastry cups with the egg wash, ensuring every nook is covered. This step not only elevates the appearance but also adds a delicious richness to the finished product.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the pastry becomes golden brown and puffs up beautifully. Keep an eye on them as they bake; the visual cue of puffing and a golden hue will tell you when they’re ready.

Step 7: Cool and Garnish
Once baked to perfection, remove the mini muffin tin from the oven and let the bites cool for about 2 minutes. This slight cooling will make them easier to handle. For a finishing touch, garnish with fresh thyme or a sprinkle of chopped nuts, adding a lovely aroma and extra flavor to your festive appetizers.

What to Serve with Mini Cranberry Brie Bites with Puff Pastry

Creating the perfect holiday spread is all about pairing flavors and textures that delight the senses and bring warmth to every gathering.

Crispy Green Salad: A fresh salad with crisp greens and a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the bites, adding a refreshing contrast to every bite.
Savory Meat Platter: Include a selection of cured meats like prosciutto or salami that perfectly complements the creamy brie and sweet cranberry, inviting guests to savor each option.
Roasted Veggies: Roasted Brussels sprouts or carrots drizzled with honey add earthy flavors and enhance the holiday vibe, making your table feel vibrant and full of life.
Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The velvety texture of buttery mashed potatoes complements the crispiness of the bites, creating a comforting and satisfying experience all around.
Sparkling Cider: Pouring a glass or two of bubbly sparkling cider adds a festive touch, balancing the savory with a sweet fizz that’s pleasing to all palates.
Chocolate Fondue: For a sweet ending to your gathering, serve a chocolate fondue with assorted fruits and marshmallows, creating a delightful contrast to the savory flavors earlier in the meal.
Pineapple Salsa: A fruity and spicy pineapple salsa pairs beautifully with the bites, adding a tropical flair that energizes the palate and sparks joy among guests.
Mulled Wine: A warm mulled wine, rich with spices, sets a cozy tone and enhances the savory and sweet elements of the bites perfectly.
Cheese Board: A simple cheese board with an assortment of cheeses can round out the meal, incorporating various flavors and textures for everyone to enjoy.

Expert Tips for Mini Cranberry Brie Bites

Prep Ahead: Assemble the Mini Cranberry Brie Bites a day in advance without the egg wash. Simply bake them just before serving for a stress-free gathering.
Avoid Spillage: Be cautious not to overfill the pastry cups with brie and cranberry sauce—stick to recommended amounts for perfect bites.
Check Oven Temperature: Oven temperatures can vary, so keep an eye on your bites as they bake. Look for a golden color and puffiness for the best results.
Thaw Puff Pastry: Take your puff pastry out ahead of time to ensure it’s fully thawed and easy to work with—this makes all the difference in texture.
Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to swap the cranberry sauce for fig jam or caramelized onions; it’s a simple way to create a new taste with these Mini Cranberry Brie Bites.

Mini Cranberry Brie Bites Variations

Feel free to put your own twist on these delightful bites and discover new flavor sensations!

Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free puff pastry and ensure all other ingredients are also gluten-free for the same amazing taste.
Dairy-Free: Swap out the brie cheese for a creamy vegan brie alternative to satisfy dairy-free guests without sacrificing flavor.
Herb Swap: Switch fresh thyme for aromatic rosemary, offering a different yet equally fragrant experience that complements the cheese well.
Flavor Boost: For a sweeter touch, try using fig jam instead of cranberry sauce; the rich flavors create an exquisite pairing with the brie.
Add Crunch: Mix in some chopped pistachios on top of the cheese before baking for a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
Spicy Kick: Add a hint of heat by sprinkling some crushed red pepper flakes on top of the brie and cranberry for a surprising zing.
Caramelized Onions: Replace cranberry sauce with caramelized onions for a savory-rich bite that offers a whole new depth of flavor.
Mini Quiche Twist: Transform these bites into mini quiches by adding a beaten egg mixture along with the brie and cranberry for a breakfast flair.

Feel free to indulge your creativity while preparing these Mini Cranberry Brie Bites with Puff Pastry. They are sure to impress at any gathering, and if you’re looking for another great appetizer, you might want to check out my Salmon Bites Zesty for a delightful pairing!

Storage Tips for Mini Cranberry Brie Bites

Room Temperature: Enjoy Mini Cranberry Brie Bites fresh out of the oven, but they can be left at room temperature for up to 2 hours before needing refrigeration.

Fridge: Store leftover bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This helps maintain their flavor and texture.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze unbaked assembled bites individually on a baking sheet, then transfer to an airtight container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Reheating: When ready to enjoy, reheat the bites in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes to restore their crispiness, allowing you to savor them as if they were just baked.

Make Ahead Options

These Mini Cranberry Brie Bites are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can assemble the bites up to 24 hours in advance by filling the pastry cups with brie and cranberry sauce, then store them in the refrigerator without the egg wash to maintain their quality. When you’re ready to serve, simply brush the edges with the egg wash and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes. This way, you can have these delicious, crowd-pleasing appetizers ready to impress with minimal effort, allowing you to focus on enjoying the festivities rather than spending time in the kitchen!

Mini Cranberry Brie Bites with Puff Pastry Recipe FAQs

What type of puff pastry should I use?
Absolutely! I recommend opting for frozen puff pastry that’s been fully thawed for easy handling. This dough provides the perfect flaky base for your bites, but if you want a richer flavor, crescent roll dough can also work beautifully as a substitute.

How should I store leftover Mini Cranberry Brie Bites?
Very straightforward! Simply place any leftovers in an airtight container and they’ll last in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes to revive that delicious crispiness.

Can I freeze the Mini Cranberry Brie Bites?
Certainly! If you want to prep ahead, assemble the unbaked bites and place them on a baking sheet in the freezer. Once frozen solid, transfer them to an airtight container. They can remain in the freezer for up to 2 months. For baking, no need to thaw—just pop them in the oven and add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

How can I ensure my bites don’t spill over during baking?
To avoid any spillage, stick to the recommended amounts of brie cheese and cranberry sauce per pastry cup. Be cautious during assembly not to overfill them. It’s all about that perfect balance to achieve beautiful bites without mess, every time!

Are there any dietary considerations for pets or allergies?
Definitely take care! Although brie is mainly safe for humans, remember that dairy can be harmful to pets. If you have guests with dairy or gluten allergies, consider using a vegan brie and gluten-free puff pastry to accommodate everyone’s needs.