Last Christmas Eve, as soft carols played in the background and the grandkids danced around the kitchen, I found myself looking for something simple yet special to serve before dinner. The ham was roasting, the tree was glowing, and I had just one sheet of puff pastry left in the freezer.
That’s when these little Brie and Cranberry Bites came to life—an unplanned experiment that became a family favorite. The warm, flaky pastry, the creamy brie, and the sweet-tart cranberry filling were pure magic. Even my husband, who’s never been much of a cheese lover, couldn’t stop reaching for them.
They disappeared faster than I could plate them, and now they’ve become our family’s “Christmas starter tradition.” What I love most is how something so elegant can be made in minutes, with ingredients most of us already have.
Every year since, I’ve made sure to save that last puff pastry sheet—just in case another festive miracle is needed.
Short Description
Flaky puff pastry filled with creamy brie and tangy cranberry sauce, these bite-sized appetizers are festive, elegant, and ready in under 30 minutes. Perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy family nights.
Key Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry (from a 17.3-ounce/490g package), thawed but kept cold
- 8 ounces (227g) Brie cheese, chilled with rind left on
- ½ cup whole berry cranberry sauce
- 1 large egg, for the egg wash
- 1 tablespoon water
- ¼ cup chopped toasted pecans or walnuts (optional)
- Fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs, drizzle of honey, or flaky sea salt for garnish (optional)
Tools Needed
- Large baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Sharp knife or pizza cutter
- Mini muffin tin (optional)
- Rolling pin
- Small bowl
- Pastry brush
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Prepare Brie and Pastry
Cut the chilled brie into 24 small cubes, about ½ inch each. Keep them cold in the fridge while you roll the pastry. Unfold the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and roll it into a smooth 10×15-inch rectangle.
Step 3: Cut into Squares
Trim the edges neatly and slice the pastry into 24 even squares. The easiest method is to cut it into 4 strips lengthwise and then 6 crosswise.
Step 4: Assemble
Press each square into a mini muffin tin or place them directly on the prepared baking sheet. Add one cube of brie in the center, top with ½–1 teaspoon of cranberry sauce, and sprinkle a few toasted nuts if desired.
Step 5: Egg Wash
Whisk together the egg and water. Lightly brush the edges of the pastry with the egg wash for a golden shine. If baking on a sheet, pinch the corners together to form small parcels.
Step 6: Bake
Bake for 15–20 minutes, until the pastry is puffed and deep golden brown, and the cheese is melted and slightly bubbling.
Step 7: Cool and Garnish
Cool for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with a drizzle of honey, a pinch of flaky sea salt, or fresh rosemary for a festive finish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Effortless Elegance: Looks fancy, tastes divine, and comes together in under 30 minutes.
Perfect for Gatherings: Bite-sized and crowd-pleasing—ideal for parties or family dinners.
Sweet and Savory Harmony: The creamy brie and tart cranberry pair beautifully with buttery pastry.
Customizable: Add nuts for crunch or honey for extra sweetness.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble ahead of time and bake fresh before serving.
Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions
Overfilling the pastry: Too much cranberry sauce causes leaks. Use just ½ teaspoon per bite.
Warm brie: If the brie is soft, it melts too quickly. Keep it chilled until ready to use.
Thinly rolled pastry: Over-rolling leads to flat bites. Keep the dough around ¼ inch thick.
Skipping parchment: Cheese can stick and burn easily—always line your sheet.
Not letting them cool: The cheese will be molten hot right out of the oven; give them 5–10 minutes to set.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve warm on a festive platter with fresh herbs or a drizzle of honey.
Pair with sparkling wine, apple cider, or mulled wine.
Add to a holiday charcuterie board for a touch of elegance.
Great as a starter before roast dinners or with a side of salad for a light lunch.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 8–10 minutes until crisp again. Avoid microwaving; it softens the pastry.
Freeze: Freeze unbaked bites on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding 5 minutes to baking time.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different cheese?
Yes, camembert or triple-cream brie also work beautifully.
2. Can I make these ahead of time?
Assemble them a few hours ahead and refrigerate until ready to bake.
3. Can I use jellied cranberry sauce?
You can, but whole berry gives a nicer texture and flavor balance.
4. Do I have to use a muffin tin?
No, they can be baked flat on a tray, though they may spread slightly.
5. How do I prevent the pastry from getting soggy?
Keep fillings cold, avoid overfilling, and bake at a high temperature for crisp layers.
Tips & Tricks
Use all-butter puff pastry for the best flavor and flaky texture.
Toast nuts ahead to bring out their natural oils and aroma.
A pastry cutter makes perfectly even squares.
Add a small sprig of rosemary on top before baking for a lovely presentation.
Let the bites cool slightly before serving to allow the flavors to settle.
Recipe Variations
Apple Brie Bites: Replace cranberry sauce with diced sautéed apples and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Fig and Walnut Bites: Use fig jam and toasted walnuts for a richer, earthy twist.
Savory Herb Version: Swap cranberry sauce for caramelized onions and top with thyme.
Spicy Kick: Add a thin slice of jalapeño over the brie before baking for heat lovers.
Mini Phyllo Cups: Use ready-made phyllo shells instead of puff pastry for an extra crisp version.
Final Thoughts
When I set these Brie and Cranberry Bites on the table that Christmas Eve, I didn’t expect them to become such a hit. They were gone before the roast even reached the oven. Since then, I’ve made them for everything from neighborhood potlucks to my granddaughter’s piano recital party, and they never disappoint.
They’re easy enough to make while chatting with family or sipping cocoa by the fire. There’s something special about the way simple ingredients—cheese, pastry, and cranberry—come together to create a bite of pure comfort.
Brie And Cranberry Bites
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry from a 17.3-ounce/490g package, thawed but kept cold
- 8 ounces 227g Brie cheese, chilled with rind left on
- ½ cup whole berry cranberry sauce
- 1 large egg for the egg wash
- 1 tablespoon water
- ¼ cup chopped toasted pecans or walnuts optional
- Fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs drizzle of honey, or flaky sea salt for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Cut the chilled brie into 24 small cubes and keep them cold. Roll the puff pastry into a smooth 10×15-inch rectangle on a lightly floured surface, then cut into 24 even squares.
- Press each square into a mini muffin tin or place on the baking sheet. Add one cube of brie, a small spoonful of cranberry sauce, and toasted nuts if desired. Brush the pastry edges with egg wash for shine.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes until puffed, golden, and bubbling. Let cool slightly, then drizzle with honey or garnish with rosemary or flaky sea salt before serving.
