Pin Golden, flaky puff pastry filled with creamy Brie and tangy cranberry sauce, these quick cranberry brie bites are an irresistible, bite-sized appetizer perfect for festive gatherings.
The first time I made these, every guest asked for the recipe before the evening was over. The creamy Brie pairs so perfectly with the tart cranberry sauce that it's always a hit at our holiday parties.
Ingredients
- Brie cheese: 200 g (7 oz), rind trimmed, cut into 24 cubes
- Puff pastry: 1 sheet (250 g / 9 oz), frozen, thawed
- Cranberry sauce: 120 g (1/2 cup), homemade or store-bought
- Chopped pecans or walnuts: 2 tbsp (optional)
- Fresh rosemary: 1 tbsp, finely chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Prep the oven and tin:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a mini muffin tin with nonstick spray or parchment squares.
- Prepare the puff pastry:
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry to a 30 x 30 cm (12 x 12 in) square. Cut into 24 equal squares.
- Shape and fill shells:
- Gently press each pastry square into a mini muffin cup. Place a cube of Brie in each pastry shell.
- Add sauce and garnish:
- Top each with a heaping 1/2 teaspoon of cranberry sauce. Sprinkle with chopped nuts and rosemary, if using.
- Bake:
- Bake for 13 until 15 minutes, until pastry is golden and cheese is bubbling. Cool slightly before serving warm.
Pin This recipe quickly became a favorite at our family gatherings. My kids love helping press the pastry into the cups and adding the cranberry sauce on top, making prep time fun for everyone.
Required Tools
Mini muffin tin (24-cup), rolling pin, sharp knife, small spoon
Allergen Information
Contains: Milk (Brie cheese), Wheat/Gluten (puff pastry), Tree nuts if using pecans or walnuts. Always double-check store-bought ingredients for potential allergens.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 95, Total Fat: 6 g, Carbohydrates: 8 g, Protein: 2 g
Pin Serve these warm from the oven, and your guests will reach for seconds. Their beautiful presentation makes them a standout at any celebration.
Recipe Q&A
- → Can I use fresh cranberries instead of cranberry sauce?
Fresh cranberries need to be cooked and sweetened to mimic the texture and flavor of cranberry sauce, which makes the bites moist and tangy.
- → What are suitable nut alternatives for garnish?
For a nut-free option, consider pumpkin seeds or omit the garnish entirely to maintain texture without allergens.
- → How do I prevent the pastry from becoming soggy?
Blind baking the puff pastry slightly or placing a thin barrier like cheese before adding sauce helps keep the crust crisp.
- → Can these bites be prepared in advance?
Yes, assemble and refrigerate them before baking. Bake just before serving for best freshness and flakiness.
- → Is it possible to swap Brie for another cheese?
Soft cheeses like Camembert or mild goat cheese work well, offering similar creaminess and melt without overwhelming flavors.