Craving a holiday appetizer that’s a breeze to make and always grabs attention at gatherings? Cranberry Brie Bites deliver the ultimate blend of crispy, creamy, and tart in one handheld treat that guests rave about.
At dishfoody.com, recipes are designed to delight and simplify your entertaining these bites do just that, giving you a bakery-level result with just minutes of prep.
In this post, discover why the combination of buttery pastry, melted Brie, and zesty cranberries is party-perfect, how to select the best ingredients, step-by-step foolproof assembly, and creative tips for flavor surprises everyone will love.
Why This Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe Works
- Combines creamy Brie and bright cranberry for sweet-savory depth in every bite.
- Convenient store-bought pastry means you can whip up impressive appetizers fast.
- Adaptable for festive parties, elegant brunches, or easy weeknight snacking.
Choosing the Right Ingredients for Cranberry Brie Bites
Best Cuts for This Recipe
Opt for a creamy Brie (not overaged) that softens beautifully as it bakes. Use refrigerated crescent roll dough, puff pastry, or phyllo pre-cut cups for a no-fuss, flaky shell.
Buying Tips
Select Brie with a bloomy white rind and no ammoniated smell. For the fruit filling, whole-berry cranberry sauce or tart preserves balance the richness.
Substitutions
Go dairy-free with vegan Brie or try cream cheese for a milder flavor. Substitute the pastry base with gluten-free dough or small crackers as needed.
Ingredients & Prep for Cranberry Brie Bites
Prep Essentials
- 1 sheet puff pastry or 1 tube crescent roll dough
- 8 oz wheel of Brie cheese
- ½ cup whole-berry cranberry sauce
- 2 tbsp chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- Fresh thyme or rosemary for garnish
Pantry Staples
Butter or nonstick spray for greasing muffin tins, flour for dusting pastry.
Marinade and Rubs
Not needed, but try a touch of orange zest or black pepper sprinkled over the cranberry for brightness and kick.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for Cranberry Brie Bites
Pre-Cooking Prep for Cranberry Brie Bites
Thaw puff pastry and cut into 12 squares. Press gently into a greased mini muffin tin to create shells.
Cooking Method for Cranberry Brie Bites
- Cut the Brie into small cubes, add one to each pastry cup.
- Spoon 1-2 tsp cranberry sauce over the cheese.
- Sprinkle with nuts if using for crunch.
- Bake at 375°F for 12–15 minutes until pastry is golden and cheese just melts.
- Remove and lightly garnish with herbs.
Doneness Check for Cranberry Brie Bites
Watch for bubbling cheese and pastry with distinct golden color; centers should be melty, not runny.
Resting for Cranberry Brie Bites
Cool 5 minutes, then loosen gently from the pan; serve warm for maximum goo factor.
Pro Tips for Perfect Cranberry Brie Bites
Avoiding Soggy Bites
Drain any watery cranberry sauce or blot with a paper towel to prevent soggy pastry bottoms.
Tool Recommendations
Mini muffin tins, sharp paring knife for the Brie rind, tiny spoon for tidy filling.
Storage & Reheating
Store covered in the fridge up to 2 days; reheat in a 325°F oven for 6 minutes.
Flavor Variations for Cranberry Brie Bites
Spicy Twist
Top with a tiny slice of jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne with the cranberry.
Keto/Paleo
Use gluten-free or almond flour pastry shells; swap Brie for dairy-free cheese.
Global Flavors
- Mediterranean: Add a bit of fig or date jam.
- French: Drizzle with honey, sprinkle herbes de Provence.
- Asian Fusion: Use sweet chili jam and chives.
| Variation | Key Addition | Diet Tag | Flavor Vibe |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spicy | Jalapeño/cayenne | Bold | Sweet heat |
| Keto/Paleo | GF/almond flour base | Low-carb | Creamy & nutty |
| Mediterranean | Fig/date preserves | Fruity | Festive sweetness |
Serving Suggestions for Cranberry Brie Bites
Serve as starters alongside sparkling water, cider, or a tea-based punch. Pair with crisp salads, fruit platters, or as part of a cheese board.
FAQs for Cranberry Brie Bites
Can I assemble ahead?
Yes, prep and fill cups, cover, then bake fresh just before serving.
What’s the best substitute for Brie?
Triple-cream cheese, Camembert, or soft goat cheese all work well.
How do I keep bites neat?
Use a piping bag for the cranberry and chill cheese slightly before cutting.
Conclusion
Cranberry Brie Bites are the no-stress, flavor-packed hit that always disappears first from the table. Whether for the holidays or everyday snacking, their crisp, gooey bite never fails. For more crowd-pleasing appetizers, visit dishfoody.com and check out our Cranberry Pecan Brie Wrapped in Puff Pastry for a cozy, show-stopping main.
PrintCranberry Brie Bites
Cranberry Brie Bites are the perfect holiday appetizer flaky puff pastry filled with creamy Brie cheese and tart cranberry sauce. Easy to make, elegant to serve, and gone in seconds!
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Yield: 24 bites 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 4 oz Brie cheese, cut into small cubes
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tsp fresh rosemary or thyme, finely chopped (optional)
- Honey, for drizzling (optional)
Instructions
- 1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a mini muffin tin.
- 2. Roll out puff pastry on a floured surface and cut into 2-inch squares.
- 3. Press each square into the muffin tin cups.
- 4. Place a small cube of Brie in the center of each pastry cup.
- 5. Top each with a spoonful of cranberry sauce and a sprinkle of herbs if using.
- 6. Brush pastry edges lightly with egg wash.
- 7. Bake for 12–15 minutes, until golden and bubbly.
- 8. Let cool for 5 minutes, then drizzle with honey before serving.
Notes
- You can prepare these ahead of time and bake just before serving.
- Try using fig jam or apricot preserves instead of cranberry sauce for variation.
- Use frozen puff pastry straight from the fridge for best results not too soft.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 bites
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 110mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: cranberry brie bites, holiday appetizer, puff pastry, easy finger food, Christmas party

