Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe for a Quick and Elegant Appetizer

Last Updated on December 24, 2025 by Souhail

I’ll never forget the first time I made cranberry brie bites. It was a chilly December afternoon, the kind where you want the oven on just to warm the kitchen a little. I had friends coming over for a low-key holiday gathering, and I needed something quick but fancy-looking. I spotted some leftover cranberry sauce in the fridge, a wedge of brie in the cheese drawer, and puff pastry in the freezer, and the lightbulb went off. These tiny bites were born, and they disappeared within minutes of hitting the table.

Cranberry brie bites are everything you want in a holiday appetizer. They’re sweet, savory, buttery, cheesy, and just the right size for popping in your mouth while balancing a festive drink. The warm, melty brie pairs beautifully with the tart cranberry sauce, all wrapped in crisp, golden puff pastry. They’re also a total lifesaver for last-minute entertaining because they come together in about 20 minutes with just a few ingredients.

Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving, setting up a New Year’s Eve spread, or just need a reason to bake something cozy and delicious, this recipe has your back.

Why You’ll Want to Make These Cranberry Brie Bites on Repeat

Let me tell you why these cranberry brie bites deserve a permanent spot in your appetizer rotation. They’re more than just cute — they’re incredibly flavorful and come with that magical trifecta of easy, fast, and fancy. Here’s what makes them shine:

• Minimal Ingredients, Maximum Flavor: With just puff pastry, brie, cranberry sauce, and a sprig of rosemary (if you’re feeling extra), you get a bite bursting with creamy, tangy, and buttery goodness.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: These are ideal for holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas, but they’re also great for baby showers, brunches, or even game-day snack tables alongside something hearty like these Beef Sausage Balls.
• Prep Ahead Friendly: You can assemble them in advance and pop them in the fridge until guests arrive. Then just bake them fresh, and boom — warm, melty cheese with no stress.
• Customizable: Not a cranberry fan? Swap the sauce for fig jam, raspberry preserves, or even a savory onion marmalade.
• Diet-Friendly Variations:
  • Vegetarian? You’re all set — this recipe is meat-free.
  • Gluten-free? Use gluten-free puff pastry, which is more widely available now.
  • Vegan? Try a plant-based brie and puff pastry (just check the label — many store-bought versions are accidentally vegan!).

How to Make Cranberry Brie Bites

Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe

Recipe by Kenza

0.0 from 0 votes

Course: Breakfast, BrunchCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

24

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

15

minutes

Calories

98

kcal

These easy cranberry brie bites are the perfect sweet, savory, and cheesy appetizer wrapped in buttery puff pastry. They’re festive, crowd-pleasing, and take just minutes to make.

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Ingredients

• 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed

• 6 oz brie cheese

• 0.5 cup cranberry sauce (whole berry or homemade)

• Fresh rosemary (optional, for garnish)

• All-purpose flour (for dusting)

• Non-stick spray

Directions

• First things first — let’s gather everything we need. Puff pastry, a nice creamy brie, your favorite cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought), and a little something fresh like rosemary if you’re feeling fancy.
• Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it heats, pull out your puff pastry and let it thaw just enough to handle. You want it chilled but not rock solid — too cold and it cracks, too warm and it turns gummy. I usually let it sit for about 15–20 minutes on the counter.
• Now, grab your mini muffin tin and give it a light spritz with non-stick spray. This helps those buttery bites pop right out after baking.
• On a lightly floured surface, roll out your puff pastry just a bit — you don’t need it super thin, just enough to even out the fold lines. Cut it into 24 even squares. If you’re using two sheets of pastry, that usually gives you exactly what you need.
• Tuck each puff pastry square into the mini muffin tin cups, pressing them in gently so they form little pastry baskets.
• Next comes the star: the brie. Cut it into small cubes, about ¾ inch or so, and place a cube into each pastry cup. It doesn’t have to be exact — just make sure there’s enough to get a nice creamy bite.
• Top each piece of brie with about ½ to 1 teaspoon of cranberry sauce. Not too much or it’ll bubble over — but just enough to bring that tart-sweet magic.
• If you’re adding rosemary, now’s the time. A tiny sprig or chopped bit on top gives it that holiday sparkle.
• Pop the tray into the oven and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden and the brie is melted and bubbly. Your kitchen is going to smell amazing.
• Once they’re done, let them cool for 5 minutes in the tin — they set up a bit and become easier to remove. Then, use a spoon to gently lift them out and place them on a serving platter.

Notes

• You can use store-bought or homemade cranberry sauce, but whole berry versions work best.
• Keep the puff pastry cold while working to make cutting and shaping easier.
• Don’t overload the cups — less is more to prevent overflow in the oven.
• These are best served warm but still delicious at room temperature.
• For an elegant twist, try drizzling with a little honey or balsamic glaze before serving.
• You can assemble the bites a few hours ahead and bake them fresh when guests arrive.

Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 98kcal
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Cholesterol: 12mg
• Sodium: 100mg
• Carbohydrates: 7g
• Sugar: 2g
• Protein: 2g

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Pro Tips for Melty, Buttery Cranberry Brie Bite Success

I’ve made these enough times (and occasionally flubbed a batch or two) to know where things can go sideways. Here are some of my favorite tips to get them perfect every time:

• Keep Your Puff Pastry Cold: If it gets too warm while you’re working, it can become sticky and hard to manage. If that happens, just pop it back in the fridge for 10 minutes.
• Don’t Overfill: A little brie and a spoonful of cranberry sauce go a long way. Too much and the filling can overflow.
• Use a Mini Muffin Tin: This keeps the bites contained and helps them puff up evenly. No tin? You can bake them free-form, but be sure to seal the edges.
• Score the Pastry for Extra Fluff: A light crosshatch with a knife helps the pastry puff up more evenly.
• Garnish Smart: A tiny sprig of fresh rosemary or a few chopped pistachios on top adds a pop of color and flavor — but wait until just before serving so they stay fresh.

Fun Twists to Try on Cranberry Brie Bites

Once you’ve made the original, you’re going to want to play around with flavors. Here are a few variations I love:

1. Cranberry Orange Brie Bites

Add a teaspoon of orange zest to the cranberry sauce for a bright citrus pop. It’s inspired by my Cranberry Orange Muffins — and it’s a game changer.

2. Spicy Jalapeño Cranberry Brie Bites

Add a sliver of fresh jalapeño or a touch of hot pepper jelly on top of the cranberry sauce for a sweet-spicy kick. Trust me, this one disappears fast.

3. Apple Fig Brie Bites

Swap out cranberry sauce for fig jam and add a small apple slice before baking. It’s cozy, fruity, and feels like a warm fall hug.

4. Nutty Brie Bites

Add a few chopped candied pecans or walnuts on top of the cranberry sauce before baking for crunch and a little caramel note.

5. Savory Onion Brie Bites

Replace cranberry with caramelized onions or onion jam. This savory version is excellent served alongside something bright and fresh, like Chocolate Covered Strawberries for a sweet-savory contrast at dessert.

What to Serve with Cranberry Brie Bites

These bites are the kind of appetizer that pairs well with just about anything — but here are a few favorite ways to round out your table:

• Add a Creamy Dip: Pair them with something scoopable like this Corn Dip to offer a different texture and flavor.
• Balance with Fresh: A platter with grapes, apple slices, or even cucumber rounds works beautifully with the richness of the brie.
• Serve on a Board: Mix them into a holiday appetizer board with crackers, nuts, dried fruit, and olives.
• Garnish with Herbs: A sprinkle of thyme or a touch of flaky sea salt right after baking adds a gourmet finish.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (which, let’s be honest, is rare), here’s how to keep them delicious:

• To Store: Let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• To Reheat: Bake in a 350°F oven for about 5–7 minutes until warmed through. This keeps the pastry crisp and the cheese gooey — microwave reheating will make them soggy, so avoid it if you can!

Fun Ways to Use Leftover Cranberry Brie Bites

Got extras? Here are a few clever ideas:

• Mini Sandwich Fillings: Cut them in half and tuck into a slider bun with turkey or ham.
• Salad Toppers: Chop them up and toss over a winter salad with arugula, walnuts, and a balsamic glaze.
• Brunch Board Addition: Add the leftovers to a brunch spread with muffins like these Cranberry Muffins and scrambled eggs for a sweet-savory balance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

I hope these cranberry brie bites become your go-to festive appetizer like they have in my home. They’re the perfect combo of cozy, classy, and crave-worthy. Make them for your next gathering and watch them vanish before your eyes!

Looking for more festive snacks? Try pairing them with Beef Sausage Balls, Corn Dip, or sweeten the table with Chocolate Covered Strawberries.

If you make these, tag me in your photos or drop a comment — I love seeing your creations and hearing how they turned out!

Happy baking,