Brie And Cranberry Bites

I spotted a chilled wheel of brie next to a jar of bright cranberry sauce on the counter, and the idea for a festive treat clicked instantly. The late afternoon light made the countertop glow, and I pictured tiny squares of flaky pastry hugging creamy brie, topped with glossy cranberries and a sprinkle of toasted nuts.

Unpacking the puff pastry, I enjoyed the simple rhythm of prepping the bites, cutting brie into neat cubes, portioning the cranberry sauce, and brushing the pastry edges with egg wash. Rolling and slicing the dough into perfect squares added a quiet, satisfying focus to the afternoon.

When the first tray came out of the oven, the aroma of warm pastry, melted brie, and sweet-tart cranberries filled the kitchen. My family eagerly gathered, and the combination of flaky pastry, creamy cheese, and fruity topping made the bites disappear quickly, ideal for sharing or gifting during the holidays.

Short Description

Brie And Cranberry Bites a flaky, buttery puff pastry filled with creamy brie, topped with sweet-tart cranberry sauce and optional toasted nuts. Elegant, easy, and perfect for holiday gatherings or festive snacking.

Key Ingredients

Tools Needed

• Sharp knife
• Mini muffin tin or baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Pastry brush
• Rolling pin
• Small bowl

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Workstation
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place a rack in the middle of the oven and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.

Step 2: Prepare the Brie and Puff Pastry
Cut brie into 24 small, ½-inch cubes, keeping the rind. Return to the fridge if needed. Unfold puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and smooth seams with a rolling pin to form a 10×15-inch rectangle.

Step 3: Cut the Pastry into Squares
Trim edges for a neat rectangle. Cut into 24 equal squares: 4 long strips lengthwise, then 6 squares crosswise.

Step 4: Assemble the Bites
Press each square into mini muffin cups (or leave on the sheet). Place 1 brie cube in each. Top with ½–1 tsp cranberry sauce and optional nuts.

Step 5: Egg Wash and Seal
Whisk egg and water. Lightly brush puff pastry edges. If using a baking sheet, pinch corners over filling to form parcels.

Step 6: Bake
Bake for 15–20 minutes until golden, puffed, and flaky. Brie should be melted and slightly oozing.

Step 7: Cool and Garnish
Cool 5–10 minutes. Transfer to a platter and optionally drizzle honey, sprinkle flaky salt, or add rosemary/thyme.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick, elegant appetizer for any gathering

Perfect balance of creamy brie and tart cranberry

Flaky puff pastry makes every bite feel special

Easy to portion and serve

Customizable with nuts or herbs

Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions

Overfilling
Too much cranberry or brie may leak.
Solution: Use ½–1 tsp cranberry per bite and keep cubes uniform.

Warm Brie
Brie too soft can cause pastry to tear.
Solution: Keep brie chilled until assembly.

Thin Puff Pastry
Rolling too thin prevents puffing.
Solution: Roll lightly; pastry should remain about ⅛–¼ inch thick.

Skipping Egg Wash
Results in dull color.
Solution: Brush edges with egg wash for golden, shiny finish.

Uneven Baking
Using uneven oven heat can brown bites irregularly.
Solution: Center oven rack and rotate tray halfway.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Serve on a holiday dessert or appetizer board

Pair with sparkling wine, white wine, or warm cider

Arrange with fresh rosemary or cranberries for a festive look

Great for buffet, family-style, or plated presentation

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store cooled bites in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days

Reheat gently in a 325°F (160°C) oven for 5–7 minutes to refresh flakiness

Assemble ahead of time and refrigerate before baking; bake right before serving

FAQs

1. Can I use jellied cranberry sauce?
Yes, but whole berry sauce gives better texture.

2. Can these be made vegan?
Substitute vegan puff pastry and a dairy-free brie alternative.

3. Can I freeze assembled bites?
Yes, freeze unbaked bites on a tray, then transfer to a bag; bake directly from frozen with 2 extra minutes.

4. Do I need a muffin tin?
No, but it helps maintain shape. On a sheet, bites may spread slightly.

5. Can I use different cheeses?
Soft cheeses like camembert or goat cheese work well.

Tips & Tricks

Toast nuts beforehand to enhance flavor

Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter for clean pastry cuts

Chill puff pastry lightly if it becomes too soft while handling

Recipe Variations

Fig & Brie: Replace cranberry sauce with fig jam and sprinkle walnuts

Apple Cinnamon Brie: Add finely diced apple with a pinch of cinnamon instead of cranberry

Savory Herb: Skip sweet topping, add thyme and a sprinkle of sea salt for a savory version

Spicy Cranberry: Add a few red pepper flakes to cranberry sauce for a subtle kick

Final Thoughts

Brie and Cranberry Bites always bring a gentle touch of elegance to the holiday table. The contrast between the creamy Brie, the bright cranberry topping, and the crisp pastry makes them feel special, yet they’re wonderfully simple to prepare. As they warm in the oven, the gentle aroma drifting through the kitchen feels like an early invitation to gather and enjoy the season.

These little bites tend to vanish quickly, and that always makes me smile. They have a way of bringing people together, encouraging everyone to linger a little longer and savor another moment of conversation. It’s the kind of recipe that reminds me how small, thoughtful dishes can add so much joy to a celebration.

Brie And Cranberry Bites

Brie And Cranberry Bites flaky puff pastry with creamy brie, cranberry topping, and optional nuts. Perfect for festive snacking or holiday gatherings.

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Ingredients

  

• 1 sheet puff pastry 17.3 oz / 490 g, thawed but cold
• 8 oz brie cheese chilled
• ½ cup whole berry cranberry sauce
• 1 large egg
• 1 tbsp water for egg wash
• ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts toasted (optional)
• Garnish: fresh rosemary or thyme drizzle of honey, or flaky sea salt (optional)

Instructions

 

• Preheat oven to 400°F; line baking sheet with parchment.
• Cut brie into 24 small cubes; unfold puff pastry to 10×15 inches.
• Trim edges and cut pastry into 24 squares.
• Press squares into mini muffin cups; add brie and cranberry sauce (and nuts, if using).
• Brush edges with egg wash; pinch corners if making parcels.
• Bake 15–20 minutes until golden and puffed.
• Cool 5–10 minutes; garnish with honey, salt, or herbs if desired.