Cranberry Brie Bites are the ultimate holiday appetizer—flaky, creamy, and festive. These little bites combine buttery puff pastry with melted brie and tangy cranberry sauce, making them a crowd favorite. Perfect for Christmas, Friendsgiving, or any celebratory gathering, they can be prepared in just 28 minutes. Imagine the delightful aroma of baked pastry wafting through your home, inviting everyone to indulge in these delicious morsels. Let’s explore how to make these irresistible treats!
Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Brie Bites
There are countless reasons why Cranberry Brie Bites should be your go-to holiday appetizer. First, they are incredibly easy to prepare, making them perfect for busy hosts. You can whip up a batch in no time, ensuring you have a tasty offering for guests. Second, their flavor profile is unbeatable; the rich brie cheese paired with sweet and tart cranberry sauce creates a delightful contrast. Furthermore, these bites are incredibly versatile, allowing for various toppings like crushed pistachios or orange zest, enhancing both flavor and presentation. As Cranberry cheese bites, they also fit perfectly into vegetarian diets, making them inclusive for all your guests. Lastly, they are sure to impress, offering a gourmet touch to any gathering.
Ingredients for Cranberry Brie Bites
Gather these items:
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 6 oz brie cheese, rind on or off (your choice)
- ½ cup cranberry sauce (homemade or canned)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Fresh rosemary, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- Optional toppings: Orange zest or crushed pistachios for color and crunch
How to Make Cranberry Brie Bites Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out puff pastry on a floured surface and cut into 12 equal squares.
- Step 2: Place each square in a greased mini muffin tin to form cups. Add a cube of brie and a spoonful of cranberry sauce to each.
- Step 3: Brush exposed pastry with beaten egg for a golden shine. Sprinkle with chopped rosemary if desired.
- Step 4: Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until puffed and golden. Let cool 5 minutes before serving.
- Step 5: Enjoy warm for a gooey center, or at room temperature for easy entertaining.
Pro Tips for the Best Cranberry Brie Bites
Keep these in mind:
- Best served warm to maximize the gooeyness of the brie.
- Use store-bought or homemade cranberry sauce based on preference.
- Experiment with toppings for different flavors and textures; consider adding a sprinkle of crushed pistachios or a bit of orange zest for a fresh twist.
- For a quicker option, use pre-made pastry cups available in stores.
Best Ways to Serve Cranberry Brie Bites
Here are some serving ideas:
- Pair with a simple salad for a complete meal or serve as part of a festive appetizer platter.
- Accompany with a selection of cheeses and crackers for a delightful cheese board.
- For a fun twist, serve alongside a warm cranberry sauce dip.
How to Store and Reheat Cranberry Brie Bites
To ensure your Cranberry Brie Bites remain fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can be reheated in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to restore their crispy texture. For meal prep, you can assemble the bites ahead of time and freeze them before baking. Just remember to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from frozen.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cranberry Brie Bites
What is cranberry brie bites?
Cranberry Brie Bites are bite-sized appetizers made with puff pastry, melted brie cheese, and cranberry sauce. They’re perfect for gatherings!
Can I make cranberry brie bites ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the bites, freeze them unbaked, and then bake them right before serving. This makes them a great option for parties.
How do I avoid common mistakes with cranberry brie bites?
Ensure the puff pastry is thawed properly before rolling. Avoid overfilling with cranberry sauce to prevent spillage during baking.
Variations of Cranberry Brie Bites You Can Try
Here are a few delicious variations:
- Swap cranberry sauce for other fruit preserves like fig or apricot for a different flavor profile.
- Add chopped nuts or seeds on top for added crunch and nutrition.
- Try using different cheeses, such as goat cheese, for a unique twist.
- Make them mini by using smaller pastry cups for bite-sized treats perfect for parties.
With these Cranberry Brie Bites, you’re sure to impress your guests. Their sweet and savory combination, creamy texture, and flaky pastry make them a must-have during the holiday season!
For more delicious appetizer ideas, check out our appetizer category or try making Pistachio Pavlova Meringue Cakes for dessert!
Learn more about the versatility of vegetarian options that can complement your holiday spread!
PrintIrresistible Cranberry Brie Bites for the Holidays
These Irresistible Cranberry Brie Bites are the ultimate holiday appetizer—flaky, creamy, and festive.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 6 oz brie cheese, rind on or off (your choice)
- ½ cup cranberry sauce (homemade or canned)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Fresh rosemary, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- Optional toppings: Orange zest or crushed pistachios for color and crunch
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out puff pastry on a floured surface and cut into 12 equal squares.
- Place each square in a greased mini muffin tin to form cups. Add a cube of brie and a spoonful of cranberry sauce to each.
- Brush exposed pastry with beaten egg for a golden shine. Sprinkle with chopped rosemary if desired.
- Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until puffed and golden. Let cool 5 minutes before serving.
- Enjoy warm for a gooey center, or at room temperature for easy entertaining.
Notes
- Best served warm.
- Can use store-bought or homemade cranberry sauce.
- Experiment with toppings for different flavors.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bite
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
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