Cranberry Brie Bites

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Flaky, buttery puff pastry, melty Brie, and a ruby-red crown of cranberry sauce—these Cranberry Brie Bites are my idea of the perfect party nibble. They look elegant enough for a holiday gathering, but they’re secretly so simple that I’ll happily whip them up for a casual game night or a Friday night “snacks for dinner” situation.

Every bite has that magical contrast I love: crisp edges, creamy center, sweet-tart fruit, and a hint of fresh rosemary. They disappear from the platter faster than anything else I serve, and guests are always surprised when I admit they came from a mini muffin pan.

What Kind of Puff Pastry Works Best for Cranberry Brie Bites?

For these Cranberry Brie Bites, I reach for frozen puff pastry from the freezer section. It’s layered with butter so it puffs into those beautiful, flaky layers without any of the work of making laminated dough from scratch. Look for an all-butter puff pastry if you can find it—the flavor is richer and the pastry browns more deeply.

Make sure the puff pastry is thawed but still cold when you work with it. If it gets too soft, it can turn sticky and difficult to cut. I like to thaw mine in the fridge overnight, then let it sit on the counter for just 10–15 minutes before unfolding.

Ingredients for the Cranberry Brie Bites

Before I start cutting pastry, I like to set all my ingredients out so assembly moves quickly. Here’s what I use and why each one matters.

• Puff pastry – This gives each bite its crisp, golden, buttery shell and puffs dramatically in the oven.
• Brie cheese – The star of the show, Brie melts into a luscious, creamy puddle that pairs beautifully with tart cranberries.
• Cranberry sauce – I love the sweet-tart pop it brings; whole-berry sauce looks especially pretty on top.
• Egg – Whisked with a little water, it becomes an egg wash that helps the pastry turn glossy and golden.
• Fresh rosemary – Just a pinch adds an herby, piney aroma that feels so cozy and festive.
• Honey – A light drizzle after baking adds a lovely sheen and a touch of extra sweetness.

How To Make the Cranberry Brie Bites

Once everything is prepped, these come together in just a few easy steps. I like to build them assembly-line style right in the mini muffin pan.

Step 1: Prep the pan and heat the oven

I start by preheating the oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly greasing a 24-cup mini muffin pan. You can also use baking spray. Getting the pan ready first means the pastry can go straight into the oven once it’s assembled.

Step 2: Cut and shape the puff pastry

On a lightly floured surface, I unfold one sheet of puff pastry at a time and gently smooth out the seams. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, I cut each sheet into 12 equal squares, making a 3-by-4 grid. Each square gets pressed down into a mini muffin cup, letting the corners stand up to form little pastry “petals.”

Step 3: Add the Brie

Next, I tuck a small cube of Brie into the center of each pastry cup. If your Brie has a rind, you can leave it on or trim it away—both work. The cheese doesn’t need to fill the cup completely; it will melt and spread as it bakes.

Step 4: Top with cranberry sauce and rosemary

On top of each piece of Brie, I spoon about a teaspoon of cranberry sauce, then sprinkle on a tiny pinch of chopped fresh rosemary. You don’t need much; a little goes a long way and keeps the flavor beautifully balanced.

Step 5: Brush with egg wash

In a small bowl, I whisk together the egg and a tablespoon of water, then brush this mixture over the exposed pastry edges. This simple step gives every bite that deep golden color and bakery-style shine.

Step 6: Bake until puffed and bubbly

The bites bake for about 12–15 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed, crisp, and deeply golden and the Brie is melted and bubbly under the cranberry topping. I keep an eye on them during the last couple of minutes so they don’t over-brown.

Step 7: Finish with honey and rosemary

Once the pan comes out of the oven, I let the bites cool for 5–10 minutes so the cheese can set slightly. Then I drizzle them lightly with honey and garnish with tiny sprigs of rosemary for a little extra color and fragrance. They’re best served warm, when the Brie is still soft and gooey.

How to Serve and Store Cranberry Brie Bites

I love serving these Cranberry Brie Bites as a starter for a holiday dinner, on a Thanksgiving grazing board, or as a savory-sweet option on a dessert table. Arrange them on a platter with extra rosemary sprigs tucked around the edges and maybe a small bowl of additional cranberry sauce for dipping.

If you’re entertaining, you can assemble the bites a few hours ahead and keep the muffin pan in the fridge. When guests arrive, slide the pan into the oven and serve the bites fresh and hot without any last-minute fuss.

Leftovers (if you’re lucky enough to have any) keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I pop them back into a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 8–10 minutes until warmed through and crisp again. I avoid the microwave because it can make the pastry soggy.

What to Serve With Cranberry Brie Bites?

Sparkling Drinks

These bites are beautiful alongside a glass of sparkling wine, prosecco, or even a festive sparkling water with a splash of cranberry juice. The bubbles help cut through the richness of the Brie.

Fresh Green Salads

A crisp salad with mixed greens, sliced pears, and a tangy vinaigrette is a refreshing balance to the buttery pastry. It turns these bites into more of a light lunch or first course.

Holiday Cheese and Charcuterie Boards

I often tuck a batch of these bites onto a big grazing board with nuts, grapes, sliced apples, and cured meats. They play so nicely with classics like sharp cheddar, blue cheese, and aged Gouda.

Cozy Soups

Serve Cranberry Brie Bites next to a bowl of creamy tomato soup, butternut squash soup, or even a hearty turkey vegetable soup for a cozy cold-weather meal.

Other Festive Finger Foods

If I’m hosting a party, I like to pair these with other bites—think little meatballs, stuffed mushrooms, or crisp vegetable platters—so guests can mix and match flavors.

Want More Holiday Appetizer Ideas?

If these Cranberry Brie Bites have you in the mood for more party-ready bites, you’ll love these other SavorQueen favorites:

• Jalapeno Popper Deviled Eggs for a spicy, creamy twist that’s always the first platter to disappear.
• Garlic Ritz Snacks when you want an easy, buttery, garlicky crunch that guests can snack on by the handful.
• Parmesan Baked Potatoes for a crispy, cheesy side that pairs beautifully with any holiday main.
• Creamy Cranberry Salad if you’re craving another sweet-tart cranberry dish for your festive spread.

Save This Pin For Later

Save this cozy little appetizer to your favorite Pinterest board so it’s right there when you’re planning your next party menu or holiday dinner.

If you play around with flavors—maybe a drizzle of hot honey, a different soft cheese, or an orange-zest cranberry sauce—I’d love to hear what you try. Drop your twists, questions, or tips in the comments so we can all borrow a little inspiration from each other.

Need more inspiration? Explore my daily kitchen creations on the SavorQueen Pinterest page. Your next favorite appetizer or dessert might be waiting there.

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