Okay, friend, let’s chat about something truly delightful: Cranberry Brie Bites! I can almost smell them now – that warm, buttery puff pastry, the creamy, melty brie, and that sweet-tart burst of cranberry. Just thinking about it makes my mouth water!
Cranberry Brie Bites have become a staple in our house, especially around the holidays. I remember the first time I tried making them. It was Thanksgiving, I was determined to impress my mother-in-law (who, let’s just say, has very high standards!), and I saw a picture of these gorgeous Cranberry Brie Bites on Pinterest. I thought, “Easy enough!” Famous last words, right?
Well, the puff pastry was a disaster – I didn’t let it thaw properly, and it was cracking everywhere. The brie oozed out all over the baking sheet, and the cranberry sauce… well, let’s just say I slightly burnt it. My mother-in-law was very polite, but I knew I had failed the Cranberry Brie Bites challenge.
But, being me, I am nothing if not persistent. I tweaked the recipe, experimented with different techniques, and finally, finally, I perfected it. Now, Cranberry Brie Bites are one of the first things to disappear at any gathering. My kids love them, my husband loves them, and even my mother-in-law has been known to sneak a few extra! It’s a complete transformation from that original baking fail!
The best part about Cranberry Brie Bites is that they’re so simple to make, even on a busy weeknight. They’re the perfect quick and easy holiday appetizer to serve for any occasion. Honestly, sometimes I make them just for myself as a little treat! After a long day of school runs and blogging, a warm Cranberry Brie Bites is pure bliss. It’s also perfect to pack for a picnic or potluck.
My cooking philosophy is all about making delicious, approachable food that brings people together. And these Cranberry Brie Bites do just that. They’re comforting, festive, and always a crowd-pleaser. So, grab your apron, and let’s get baking! I promise, even if you’ve had a Cranberry Brie Bites disaster in the past (like yours truly), this recipe will change your mind! Plus if you are craving some air fryer recipes, check out my recipe on Air Fryer Cranberry Brie Bites, too!
What You’ll Need for This Cranberry Brie Bites
Okay, let’s gather our ingredients. Nothing fancy here, just simple, good-quality ingredients that will make our Cranberry Brie Bites shine.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed: I always use Pepperidge Farm puff pastry for my Cranberry Brie Bites. It’s reliable and easy to work with.
- 8 ounces of brie cheese: Get a good quality brie! Trust me, it makes a difference. I prefer a double or triple cream brie for that extra richness in my Cranberry Brie Bites.
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce: Homemade is always best, but a good quality store-bought cranberry sauce works great too. I like one that has whole cranberries in it for the extra texture in my Cranberry Brie Bites.
- 1 large egg: For the egg wash, to give the puff pastry bites a beautiful golden color.
- 1 tablespoon water: To mix with the egg for the egg wash.
- Optional: Chopped pecans or walnuts: For a little added crunch and flavor.
- Optional: Honey or maple syrup: For drizzling over the baked brie for a touch of sweetness.
When making Cranberry Brie Bites, you can find good-quality brie at most grocery stores these days. Check the specialty cheese section. For the cranberry sauce, I usually make my own around Thanksgiving, but during the rest of the year, I rely on a store-bought brand that I trust.
Here’s a Cranberry Brie Bites trick I learned: freeze the brie for about 15 minutes before cutting it. This will make it much easier to slice and prevent it from getting too soft and sticky.
For busy families, you can save time by using pre-made cranberry sauce and even pre-cut puff pastry squares if you can find them. Every little bit helps, right?
To save money on Cranberry Brie Bites ingredients, buy your brie in bulk when it’s on sale and freeze it. It thaws beautifully! Also, making your own cranberry sauce is much cheaper than buying it pre-made.
Leftover brie can be stored in the refrigerator, tightly wrapped, for up to a week. Leftover cranberry sauce can also be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to a week. I love to add it to my oatmeal or yogurt in the mornings!
Now that we have all our ingredients, let’s get to the fun part: making these delicious Cranberry Brie Bites! If you are looking for something else to do with brie, check out this Fried Brie Bites recipe!
Let’s Make This Cranberry Brie Bites Together
Alright, friend, let’s get our aprons on and start making these Cranberry Brie Bites together! Don’t worry, I’ll walk you through every step of the way.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the puff pastry bites from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
- Gently unfold the thawed puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Use a rolling pin to slightly flatten the pastry, making it a little thinner.
- Cut the puff pastry into 2-inch squares. You can use a pizza cutter or a sharp knife. Don’t worry if they’re not perfect, these Cranberry Brie Bites are rustic, so they’ll still taste amazing.
- Cut the brie into small, bite-sized pieces. Aim for pieces that are roughly the same size as your puff pastry squares. Remember that tip about freezing the brie for 15 minutes? It really helps!
- Place a piece of brie in the center of each puff pastry square. Then, top the brie with about a teaspoon of cranberry sauce. Don’t overfill them, or the cranberry sauce will bubble over in the oven.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water to make an egg wash. Brush the edges of the puff pastry squares with the egg wash. This will help them turn golden brown and crispy.
- If desired, sprinkle the top of each bite with chopped pecans or walnuts. I love the added crunch and nutty flavor they bring to the baked brie.
- Carefully transfer the puff pastry squares to the prepared baking sheet. Leave a little space between each bite.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and the brie is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on them, as ovens vary. You want them to be perfectly golden, not burnt.
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the Cranberry Brie Bites cool slightly before serving. Drizzle with honey or maple syrup, if desired.
I learned the hard way with Cranberry Brie Bites that it’s very important to not overcrowd the baking sheet. They need space for the hot air to circulate so the bottoms become golden and crisp. While the Cranberry Brie Bites are baking, I usually tidy up the kitchen or catch up on a favorite podcast. Multi-tasking at its finest!
In my kitchen, Cranberry Brie Bites usually takes about 25 minutes from start to finish, including prep time. It all depends on how quickly you can chop the brie and assemble the bites.
Your Cranberry Brie Bites should smell like warm, buttery pastry and sweet cranberry. It’s a truly heavenly aroma!
Sometimes, if I’m short on time, I’ll use pre-made mini phyllo shells instead of puff pastry. It’s a great shortcut that still delivers delicious results, but using puff pastry allows the appetizer to have a more delicious and fuller flavor.
Don’t worry if your Cranberry Brie Bites aren’t perfectly uniform. They’re supposed to be rustic and charming! The most important thing is that they taste amazing. Now that we know how to make Cranberry Brie Bites, you should try some Apple Butter Brie Bites!
How I Love to Serve This Cranberry Brie Bites
Oh, where do I even begin? There are so many ways to enjoy these little bites of heaven! My family loves this Cranberry Brie Bites when I serve them as an appetizer before a holiday meal or bring them to a potluck. They’re always a hit!
These Cranberry Brie Bites are perfect for any occasion, really. From a casual get-together with friends to a fancy holiday party, they fit right in. I especially love making them for Thanksgiving and Christmas. They just feel so festive and comforting.
For presentation, I like to arrange the warm Cranberry Brie Bites on a pretty platter, garnished with fresh rosemary sprigs or a sprinkle of chopped pecans. A drizzle of honey or balsamic glaze adds a touch of elegance.
My go-to side dishes that pair with Cranberry Brie Bites are a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette or a bowl of mixed nuts. The lightness of the salad and the crunch of the nuts provide a nice contrast to the richness of the brie and the sweetness of the cranberry sauce. They also pair well with a glass of sparkling wine or a light-bodied red wine.
If you have extra Cranberry Brie Bites, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave until warmed through. They’re not quite as good as when they’re freshly baked, but they’re still delicious!
I’ve also tried seasonal Cranberry Brie Bites variations. In the fall, I like to add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cranberry sauce. In the spring, I’ve used apricot or fig jam instead of cranberry sauce for a different flavor profile.
Friends always ask for this Cranberry Brie Bites recipe whenever I make them. They’re so easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser! I actually had a friend tell me once that these bites were the highlight of her Thanksgiving dinner! Which is such a compliment!
The balance of sweet and savory is irresistible. The melted brie is so creamy and luxurious, and the cranberry sauce adds a lovely tartness.
Your Cranberry Brie Bites Questions Answered
Alright, let’s tackle some of those burning questions you might have about making these Cranberry Brie Bites. I’ve been there, I’ve made the mistakes, so I’m here to share my wisdom!
Q: My puff pastry is always sticky and hard to work with. What am I doing wrong?
A: Ah, the dreaded sticky puff pastry! You know what I do when my Cranberry Brie Bites puff pastry gets sticky? Make sure you’re thawing it properly. Take it out of the freezer the night before and let it thaw in the refrigerator. Don’t try to speed up the process by leaving it on the counter, or it will become a sticky mess. Also, lightly flour your work surface before unfolding the pastry.
Q: The brie is oozing out of the puff pastry while baking. How can I prevent this?
A: We’ve all been there with Cranberry Brie Bites! To prevent the brie from oozing out, make sure you’re not overfilling the puff pastry squares. Also, try freezing the brie for about 15 minutes before cutting it. This will help it hold its shape while baking. If you still experience some oozing, don’t worry, they’ll still taste delicious!
Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can definitely prep these Cranberry Brie Bites ahead of time! Assemble the bites on the baking sheet, but don’t bake them. Cover them tightly with plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, just pop them in the oven. You might need to add a minute or two to the baking time.
Q: Can I use different types of cheese?
A: While brie is the classic choice for these Cranberry Brie Bites, you can experiment with other cheeses. Camembert, goat cheese, or even a creamy blue cheese would be delicious. Just make sure the cheese is soft and melts well.
Q: My cranberry sauce is too tart. Can I add something to sweeten it?
A: Absolutely! If your cranberry sauce is too tart, stir in a little honey, maple syrup, or even a spoonful of sugar. Taste and adjust until it reaches your desired level of sweetness.
Q: Can I use frozen cranberry sauce?
A: I would advise against using frozen cranberry sauce as the consistency would make the Cranberry Brie Bites soggy.
Q: What if I don’t have any puff pastry?
A: Then you should use pre-made mini phyllo shells instead of puff pastry! It’s a great shortcut that still delivers delicious results.
Q: Can I add different toppings?
A: Definitely! Get creative with your Cranberry Brie Bites toppings. Try adding a sprinkle of chopped rosemary, thyme, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat. You could also drizzle them with balsamic glaze after baking for a sweet and tangy finish.
My Final Thoughts on This Cranberry Brie Bites
Cranberry Brie Bites hold a special place in my heart because they represent so much of what I love about cooking: simplicity, flavor, and the joy of sharing good food with loved ones. They’re a reminder that even the simplest ingredients can come together to create something truly magical.
Here are my Cranberry Brie Bites Pro Tips:
- Don’t overbake: Overbaking the bites will make them tough and dry. Keep a close eye on them and remove them from the oven as soon as the puff pastry is golden brown and the brie is melted.
- Use good-quality ingredients: The better the quality of your ingredients, the better your Cranberry Brie Bites will taste. Splurge on good-quality brie and cranberry sauce. It’s worth it!
- Get creative with toppings: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different toppings to customize your Cranberry Brie Bites to your liking.
My family loves these Cranberry Brie Bites in so many different ways. My daughter prefers them with a drizzle of honey, while my son likes them with a sprinkle of chopped pecans. My husband just loves them plain!
Other Cranberry Brie Bites variations that you should try:
- Bacon Cranberry Brie Bites: This variation includes chopping bacon into small pieces. Then, sprinkle the cooked bacon over the brie cheese.
- Rosemary Cranberry Brie Bites: Adds a savory and aromatic twist to the classic appetizer. The fresh rosemary complements the sweetness of the cranberry and the richness of the brie.
- Honey Cranberry Brie Bites: This variation is all about amplifying the sweetness of the cranberries and adding a touch of floral complexity with honey.
- Spicy Cranberry Brie Bites: Combine cranberry sauce with a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce. Adjust the amount to your preference. This will add a spicy kick that contrasts the sweetness of the cranberry and the richness of the brie.
I hope you try this Cranberry Brie Bites recipe and make it your own. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and toppings to create something that your family will love. And most importantly, have fun in the kitchen!
Remember, cooking is all about experimenting and learning. If you don’t succeed the first time, don’t give up! Just keep trying, and you’ll eventually create something amazing. These Cranberry Brie Bites are definitely worth the effort! Enjoy! They also go very well with this Brie Bites {Easy Puff Pastry Appetizer} – WellPlated.com, Cranberry Brie Bites with Puff Pastry – If You Give a Blonde a Kitchen and Cranberry Brie Bites – Easy Holiday Appetizer – fed by sab.
Cranberry Brie Bites
These Cranberry Brie Bites are the perfect appetizer for holiday gatherings. Flaky puff pastry cups are filled with creamy brie and sweet-tart cranberry sauce, creating a delightful combination of flavors and textures.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 bites
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 sheet (14.1 oz) frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 4 oz brie cheese, rind removed and cubed
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 tablespoon chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly flour a clean surface and unfold the thawed puff pastry.
- Cut the puff pastry into 24 equal squares.
- Press each square into a mini muffin tin.
- Place a few cubes of brie cheese into each pastry cup.
- Top the brie with a spoonful of cranberry sauce.
- Sprinkle with chopped pecans or walnuts, if desired.
- Brush the edges of the pastry with the beaten egg.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and the brie is melted.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
Serve warm for the best flavor and texture. These bites are also delicious with a drizzle of honey after baking.