Cranberry Brie Bites

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Cranberry Brie Bites are the kind of appetizer that vanishes fast. These festive, savory-sweet morsels are tucked into buttery, golden puff pastry and finished with a sprig of rosemary for a stunning holiday bite. The warm, gooey brie melts perfectly into the pastry cup while the cranberry sauce adds a tart contrast, balanced with crunch from toasted pecans.

Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner, New Year’s Eve gathering, or just love a fancy snack with minimal effort, these bites deliver elegance without the fuss. Plus, they’re endlessly adaptable, easy to prep ahead, and look impressive on any party platter.

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What Kind of Puff Pastry Should I Use?

For the flakiest, most tender bite, use frozen all-butter puff pastry sheets. Thaw them in the fridge before use, and always keep them cold until you’re ready to assemble. You can also use pre-cut puff pastry shells, but rolling and cutting your own squares from a sheet gives you more control over shape and crispiness.

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Ingredients for the Cranberry Brie Bites

Puff Pastry – The golden, flaky base that holds all the gooey, flavorful magic. Puff pastry is key for the light crunch and buttery texture.

Brie Cheese – Creamy, rich, and perfectly meltable, brie pairs wonderfully with tart cranberries and earthy herbs.

Cranberry Sauce – Homemade or store-bought, the sweet-tart flavor plays beautifully against the cheese. Opt for whole berry for texture.

Pecans – Toasted pecans add a toasty crunch and balance the sweetness.

Fresh Rosemary – Adds a touch of piney aroma and holiday charm. It also makes each bite visually pop.

Optional: Honey or Balsamic Glaze – A light drizzle on top brings everything together with an extra layer of sweet or tangy depth.

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How To Make the Cranberry Brie Bites

Step 1: Prep Your Pastry

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a mini muffin tin. Roll out your puff pastry sheet and cut into 2-inch squares. Press each square gently into a muffin cup.

Step 2: Add the Brie

Cut the brie into small cubes (about 3/4 inch) and place one piece into each puff pastry cup.

Step 3: Spoon the Cranberry Sauce

Add about 1 teaspoon of cranberry sauce over the brie in each cup. Don’t overfill or it will spill during baking.

Step 4: Sprinkle the Pecans

Roughly chop the toasted pecans and sprinkle them on top of the cranberry.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 13-15 minutes or until the pastry is golden and puffed. The brie should be melted and bubbly.

Step 6: Garnish & Serve

Once slightly cooled, top each bite with a small sprig of rosemary. Serve warm or at room temperature.

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Serving and Storing Cranberry Brie Bites

These bites are best served warm from the oven when the brie is ooey-gooey and the puff pastry is perfectly crisp. If prepping ahead, you can assemble them and refrigerate unbaked for up to a day. Bake right before serving.

Leftovers? Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes to refresh that crispy pastry texture.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use crescent roll dough instead of puff pastry?

You can, but puff pastry gives a flakier, lighter texture. Crescent dough will be softer and breadier.

What type of cranberry sauce works best?

Whole berry cranberry sauce is ideal for texture. Avoid the jellied version as it melts too much.

Can I make these nut-free?

Absolutely. Just skip the pecans or substitute with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for crunch.

Can I freeze them?

Yes! Assemble and freeze unbaked bites in a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen at 375°F, adding a few extra minutes.

Do I need to remove the rind from the brie?

Nope, the rind is totally edible and softens during baking. It adds flavor and helps the cheese hold its shape.

What drinks pair well with these?

These pair beautifully with sparkling wines, light reds like Pinot Noir, or festive mocktails like cranberry spritzers.

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Want More Appetizer Ideas?

If you love these Cranberry Brie Bites, here are a few more party-ready favorites to explore:

• Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers with Hot Pepper Jelly
• Reese’s Cheese Ball: A Sweet and Salty Delight
• Blueberry Swirl Yogurt Bites
• Heart-Shaped Sugar Donuts
• Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donut Holes

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Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest appetizer board so you can whip it up for any festive moment.

And don’t forget to share your creations! Did you add a drizzle of honey or go with balsamic glaze? Try a cranberry-orange twist?

I love hearing your versions and swaps. Leave a comment or tag me—let’s make party bites even better together. For more easy-to-make entertaining treats, check out my daily recipe pins at Life with Nina on Pinterest.

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