Cranberry Brie Bites

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Golden, flaky puff pastry paired with creamy, melted Brie and a tangy-sweet cranberry topping—these Cranberry Brie Bites are an irresistible crowd-pleaser. They’re the kind of appetizer that disappears within minutes of hitting the table. Each bite-sized morsel is rich, buttery, slightly tart, and perfectly gooey in the center, making them the ultimate savory-sweet treat for holiday gatherings, dinner parties, or even a cozy night in.

The contrast of textures is what really makes this appetizer shine. You’ve got the crisp pastry shell, the silky Brie, and the jammy cranberry sauce, all topped off with a sprig of fresh rosemary for an aromatic finish. These little bites look as elegant as they taste, yet they’re incredibly simple to make—even for beginner home cooks.

Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe

• Only a few ingredients needed and minimal prep.
• Perfect for parties and holiday entertaining.
• Can be made ahead and baked just before serving.
• Beautiful presentation with little effort.
• Sweet, savory, buttery, and creamy all in one bite.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To prepare Cranberry Brie Bites, you’ll need a mini muffin tin, which is essential for shaping and baking each bite into a perfectly round, golden cup. A sharp knife or pastry cutter helps you slice the puff pastry evenly. You’ll also want a small spoon for scooping the cranberry sauce, and a pastry brush can be helpful if you want to give the pastry a light egg wash for extra gloss.

The puff pastry needs to stay cold until it hits the oven, so a clean cutting board or pastry mat is handy for quick, neat preparation. A cooling rack is also useful post-bake to maintain crispness without sogginess from the tin.

Preparation Tips

Keep your puff pastry chilled until you’re ready to work with it—it puffs best when cold. Cut the Brie into small cubes ahead of time and use high-quality cranberry sauce, either homemade or store-bought. If you’re using store-bought dough, let it thaw just enough to handle without becoming too soft. Lightly grease your mini muffin tin to prevent sticking, and don’t overfill the pastry cups to avoid overflow while baking. Add the fresh rosemary after baking for the best flavor and visual appeal.

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Ingredients for this Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe

• 1 sheet of frozen puff pastry (thawed according to package instructions)
• 8 oz Brie cheese (cut into 1-inch cubes)
• 1/2 cup whole cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• 1 sprig fresh rosemary (optional, for garnish)
• 1 egg (optional, for egg wash)
• 1 tbsp water (to mix with egg for egg wash)
• Cooking spray or butter (to grease muffin tin)

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Step 1: Prepare the Puff Pastry

Roll out the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to smooth out the folds and make it slightly thinner. Using a sharp knife, pizza cutter, or pastry cutter, cut the dough into approximately 24 equal squares. These will form the base of each bite.

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Step 2: Grease and Fill the Muffin Tin

Lightly grease a mini muffin tin with cooking spray or butter. Press each puff pastry square gently into the muffin wells, forming little cups. Make sure the corners rise slightly above the rim to help hold the filling.

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Step 3: Add the Brie

Place one cube of Brie into each puff pastry cup. It’s okay if the cheese is snug—it will melt beautifully as it bakes.

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Step 4: Spoon the Cranberry Sauce

Top each piece of Brie with about 1 teaspoon of cranberry sauce. Spread it gently with the back of the spoon so it doesn’t overflow.

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Step 5: Optional Egg Wash

For an extra glossy and golden look, beat the egg with 1 tablespoon of water and lightly brush the exposed edges of the puff pastry. This step is optional but adds a beautiful bakery-style finish.

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Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the muffin tin on the center rack and bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and puffed, and the Brie is melted.

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Step 7: Cool and Garnish

Let the bites cool in the tin for 5 minutes to firm up slightly. Use a small spoon or knife to carefully lift them out. Garnish each bite with a small sprig of fresh rosemary for an elegant and aromatic finish.

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Notes

Cranberry Brie Bites are wonderfully adaptable. You can swap the cranberry sauce for fig jam, apricot preserves, or even a savory onion jam to change the flavor profile. For a nutty crunch, try sprinkling chopped pecans or walnuts on top before baking. Using triple-cream Brie will give an even silkier texture, though any good-quality Brie will do the job well.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Over-thawing the puff pastry: If your pastry becomes too warm, it may not puff properly. Always keep it as cold as possible until it hits the oven.
• Using too much filling: Overfilling leads to spillage and soggy bottoms. Stick to about a teaspoon of cranberry sauce per bite.
• Not greasing the muffin tin: Even though puff pastry has butter, it can still stick in the tin. Light greasing helps ensure easy removal.
• Skipping the cooling phase: Allow the bites to rest for a few minutes post-bake to help them set and avoid falling apart when lifted.

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Storage Instructions

Once baked and cooled, these bites can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5–7 minutes to bring back the crisp texture. Avoid microwaving as it softens the pastry. If freezing, assemble the bites in the muffin tin without baking, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the cook time.

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Estimated Nutrition (per bite, based on 24 servings)

• Calories: 95
• Total Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5g
• Cholesterol: 15mg
• Sodium: 95mg
• Carbohydrates: 7g
• Fiber: 0.5g
• Sugar: 2g
• Protein: 2g

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use phyllo dough instead of puff pastry?

Yes, but it will result in a flakier and more delicate texture. Use several layers and brush each with butter before filling.

Do I need to remove the rind from the Brie?

No, the rind is edible and melts nicely. However, if you prefer a completely smooth texture, you can trim it off.

Can I prepare these in advance?

Absolutely! Assemble the bites a few hours ahead and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. For longer prep, freeze them unbaked.

What if I don’t have a mini muffin tin?

You can use a regular muffin tin and cut larger pastry squares. Just note that baking time may increase slightly.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, this recipe is already vegetarian-friendly!

What can I use instead of cranberry sauce?

Try fig jam, raspberry preserves, or even jalapeño jelly for a sweet and spicy twist.

Can I reheat leftovers?

Yes, reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 5–7 minutes to keep the pastry crisp.

How do I prevent soggy bottoms?

Don’t overfill the cups and let the bites rest in the tin for a few minutes after baking before removing them.

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Conclusion

Cranberry Brie Bites strike the perfect balance between elegance and ease, making them a must-have addition to any appetizer spread. With buttery puff pastry, creamy Brie, and a touch of sweet-tart cranberry, each bite delivers rich flavor in a mini package. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or just want a cozy snack with a glass of wine, these bites are guaranteed to satisfy and impress. Make them once, and they’ll become a seasonal staple in your kitchen.

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