Get ready to discover your new go-to holiday appetizer. These Cranberry Brie Bites are the perfect combination of creamy, tangy, and sweet, all wrapped in a flaky, golden-brown pastry crust. With just four simple ingredients and less than 30 minutes, you can whip up a stunning and delicious treat that will disappear from the platter in minutes. They are effortlessly elegant and incredibly easy to make, making them the ideal choice for any gathering.
Why You’ll Love These Cranberry Brie Bites
When it comes to holiday entertaining, you want recipes that deliver maximum flavor with minimal fuss. That’s the magic of these brie bites. They look and taste gourmet, but they’re secretly one of the simplest appetizers you can make.
- Incredibly Easy: With pre-made puff pastry and canned cranberry sauce, the prep work is practically done for you.
- Perfectly Balanced: The rich, earthy flavor of the brie cheese is perfectly complemented by the sweet and tart cranberry sauce and the crunch of toasted pecans.
- Crowd-Pleasing Favorite: These bites are always a hit! They are the first thing to go at holiday parties, family dinners, and festive events.
- Customizable: While the classic combination is fantastic, you can easily customize the toppings to suit your taste.
The Only 4 Ingredients You’ll Need
Simplicity is key to this recipe. You only need a handful of items to create these impressive appetizers.
- Puff Pastry: One sheet of frozen puff pastry, thawed according to the package directions. This creates the perfect flaky, buttery cup for the filling.
- Brie Cheese: A wheel of brie cheese, cold from the refrigerator. Keeping it cold makes it much easier to cut into clean cubes.
- Cranberry Sauce: Use whole berry cranberry sauce for the best texture and flavor. The whole berries add a wonderful pop.
- Pecans: Chopped pecans add a lovely toasted crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy brie. You can also use walnuts.
How to Make Cranberry Brie Bites (Step-by-Step)
Making these elegant appetizers is a simple, three-step process. Just prep, assemble, and bake!
Step 1: Prep Your Workstation
First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 24-cup mini muffin tin. Unfold your thawed puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface and gently roll it out to smooth the seams. Cut the sheet into 24 equal squares.
Step 2: Assemble the Bites
Press one pastry square into each cup of the mini muffin tin, making sure it forms a small cup. Next, cut the cold brie into 24 small cubes. Place one cube of brie into each puff pastry cup. Top each piece of brie with about a teaspoon of whole berry cranberry sauce. Finally, sprinkle the chopped pecans over the top of the cranberry sauce.
Step 3: Bake to Golden Perfection
Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 13-15 minutes. The bites are done when the puff pastry is golden brown and puffed up, and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let them cool in the tin for a few minutes before carefully removing them to a wire rack. Serve warm!
Pro Tips for Perfect Bites Every Time
These simple tips will ensure your Cranberry Brie Bites turn out perfectly every single time.
- Keep Ingredients Cold: Work with cold puff pastry and cold brie. This makes them easier to handle and helps the pastry puff up beautifully instead of melting out.
- Don’t Overfill: Be careful not to add too much cranberry sauce or the filling can bubble over and make the pastry soggy. A small spoonful is all you need.
- To Rind or Not to Rind?: You can absolutely leave the rind on the brie! It’s completely edible and adds a bit of earthy flavor. It also helps the cheese hold its shape while baking.
Delicious Cranberry Brie Bites Variations
While the classic recipe is a winner, feel free to get creative! There are many ways to put your own spin on these tasty morsels. For another impressive appetizer, try this Whipped Brie Recipe.
Pastry Swaps
No puff pastry? No problem. You can easily substitute refrigerated crescent roll dough. Simply press a small piece of the dough into the muffin cups. You can also use pre-baked phyllo shells for an even quicker, ultra-crispy version.
Topping Ideas
The fun doesn’t stop with pecans! Try adding a sprinkle of fresh rosemary or thyme for a savory, aromatic twist. For a touch more sweetness, drizzle the baked bites with honey or a balsamic glaze just before serving. If you’re looking for another sweet and savory party food, these Italian Sliders are always a huge hit.
Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions
Planning for a party can be stressful, but this recipe is here to help. You can easily prepare these bites ahead of time.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the Cranberry Brie Bites in the muffin tin, cover them tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. For longer storage, you can freeze the unbaked bites in the muffin tin until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to one month. Bake them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Store any leftover bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through and the pastry has crisped up again.
What to Serve with Brie Bites
These Cranberry Brie Bites are a fantastic standalone appetizer, perfect for passing around at a party. They pair wonderfully with a glass of prosecco, sauvignon blanc, or pinot noir. For a larger spread, consider serving them alongside other festive finger foods like Christmas Tree Deviled Eggs or savory Mini Corn Dogs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely. You can assemble the bites in the muffin tin, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. You can also freeze the unbaked bites for up to a month and bake them directly from frozen.
No, you don’t need to remove the rind! It is completely edible and actually helps the brie hold its shape as it bakes, preventing it from melting out of the pastry cup.
The key is to work with cold ingredients, especially the puff pastry and brie. Also, be careful not to overfill the cups with too much cranberry sauce, as the excess moisture can make the bottoms soggy.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them on a baking sheet in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes to restore their crispness.
You can customize these bites in many ways! Try swapping pecans for walnuts, adding a sprinkle of fresh rosemary or thyme before baking, or drizzling with honey or a balsamic glaze after baking.
The Perfect Holiday Appetizer
Cranberry Brie Bites: The Perfect 4-Ingredient Holiday Appetizer
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 24-cup mini muffin tin. On a floured surface, gently roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet and cut it into 24 equal squares.
- Press one pastry square into each muffin cup. Cut the cold brie into 24 cubes and place one cube in each pastry cup. Top each with about 1 teaspoon of cranberry sauce, then sprinkle with chopped pecans.
- Bake for 13-15 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted.
- Let the bites cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Serve warm.
Notes
Don't Overfill: Avoid making the pastry soggy by using just a small spoonful of cranberry sauce.
Brie Rind: The brie rind is edible and helps the cheese maintain its shape during baking.
Share Your Creation!
I hope you love making and sharing these delicious Cranberry Brie Bites! They are truly one of the easiest and most impressive appetizers for any occasion. If you make this recipe, I’d love to see it. Please leave a comment below or share a photo of your beautiful bites on Pinterest!
