Name: Brie Bites with Cranberry
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 sheets of frozen puff pastry, thawed overnight in the refrigerator; 8 ounces Brie cheese; 1 cup homemade cranberry sauce or whole berry cranberry sauce (or jam of choice); 1 teaspoon flaky sea salt (such as Maldon or fleur de sel); ½ cup finely chopped raw pecans; 4 sprigs fresh rosemary, cut into 6 pieces each

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Brie Bites with Cranberry are a festive, bite-sized appetizer perfect for holidays, parties, or any occasion where you want to impress with minimal effort. These golden puff pastry cups are filled with creamy Brie, tangy cranberry sauce, and crunchy pecans, then finished with a touch of flaky sea salt and fresh rosemary. Easy to make, elegant to serve, and irresistibly delicious.

Brie Bites with Cranberry

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect for holidays or gatherings – A crowd-pleasing appetizer that looks impressive.
Quick prep – Minimal hands-on time with easy-to-follow steps.
Festive flavors – The combination of Brie, cranberry, and pecan delivers a sweet, savory, and nutty bite.
Make-ahead friendly – Can be assembled ahead of time or frozen for later.
Customizable – Use different jams, nuts, or cheeses to suit your taste.
Elegant presentation – Fresh rosemary garnish adds a beautiful finishing touch.
Kid and adult-friendly – A flavor combo everyone loves.
Portable and easy to serve – Great for potlucks and buffets.
Works for all seasons – Cranberry makes it festive, but the base works year-round.
Delicious warm or at room temperature – Flexible serving options.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 sheets of frozen puff pastry, thawed overnight in the refrigerator
8 ounces Brie cheese
1 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or whole berry) or jam of choice
1 teaspoon flaky sea salt (such as Maldon or fleur de sel)
½ cup finely chopped raw pecans
4 sprigs fresh rosemary, cut into 6 pieces

Directions

Preheat the oven to 375°F. Place oven racks in the upper and lower thirds. Lightly freeze the Brie for 15 minutes to make cutting easier. Generously coat two 24-cup mini muffin pans with nonstick spray.
On a lightly floured surface, roll out one sheet of puff pastry into a 10×14-inch rectangle. Cut it lengthwise into 4 strips, then crosswise into 6 strips, creating 24 squares.
Press each puff pastry square into a mini muffin cup to form a cup. Prick the bottoms 2–3 times with a fork.
Dice half of the chilled Brie into 24 cubes and place one cube in the center of each puff pastry cup.
Top each with 1 teaspoon of cranberry sauce and sprinkle with flaky sea salt and chopped pecans.
Repeat steps 2–5 with the second puff pastry sheet and remaining Brie, cranberry sauce, salt, and pecans.
Place each muffin tin on a rimmed baking sheet. Bake for 18–20 minutes, switching pan positions halfway through, until puffed and golden brown.
Let cool for 3 minutes in the pan. If cheese or sauce has bubbled out, gently push it back with a fork.
Carefully transfer to a serving plate and garnish each with a small piece of fresh rosemary. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Servings and timing

Servings: 48 bites
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

Use a different jam: Try raspberry, fig, or apricot jam instead of cranberry.
Swap the nuts: Walnuts, almonds, or pistachios all work well.
Make it savory: Use caramelized onions in place of cranberry for a rich twist.
Try different cheeses: Camembert or goat cheese make great substitutes for Brie.
Add spice: A pinch of cayenne or a dab of hot pepper jelly can bring a sweet heat.
Make them larger: Use a regular muffin tin and cut larger pastry squares for bigger portions.
Drizzle with honey or balsamic glaze: Add a finishing drizzle for extra depth and sweetness.
Add dried fruit: Sprinkle in some chopped dried cranberries or figs for added texture.
Use phyllo dough instead of puff pastry: For a flakier, lighter texture.
Make them dessert-style: Use Brie with a dollop of chocolate or sweet preserves and a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar.

Storage/Reheating

Storage:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating:
Reheat in a 350°F oven using a mini muffin tin until warmed through. They can also be served at room temperature.

Freezing:
Cool baked Brie bites completely. Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to an airtight freezer-safe container or bag. Store for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen at 350°F until hot.

Make ahead:
Assemble the bites and refrigerate unbaked for up to 3 days. You can also bake, cool, and freeze them ahead of time.

FAQs

Can I make Brie Bites ahead of time?

Yes. You can fully assemble them up to 3 days in advance and refrigerate unbaked, or bake and freeze them for up to 2 months.

What kind of cranberry sauce should I use?

Homemade or whole berry cranberry sauce works best, but you can also use raspberry jam or any thick fruit preserve.

Can I use a regular muffin tin?

Yes, but you’ll need to cut larger puff pastry squares and adjust the bake time slightly.

Do I need to remove the rind from the Brie?

No, the rind is edible and softens during baking. It adds to the flavor and texture.

Can I serve these cold?

They are best warm or at room temperature, but still delicious cold if needed.

How do I keep the puff pastry from getting soggy?

Chilling the assembled bites before baking helps prevent sogginess. Also, pricking the pastry allows steam to escape.

What other herbs can I use instead of rosemary?

Thyme or sage make good substitutes, or you can skip the herb garnish if preferred.

Can I make these nut-free?

Yes. Simply omit the pecans, or replace them with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower if desired.

Can I use pre-cut Brie cubes?

If available, yes. Just make sure they’re the right size to fit your mini muffin cups.

How do I prevent the filling from bubbling out?

Place the muffin pans on rimmed baking sheets to catch any overflow, and gently press any spilled filling back into place after baking.

Conclusion

Brie Bites with Cranberry are an effortless way to bring gourmet flair to your next celebration. With creamy Brie, sweet-tart cranberry sauce, and crunchy pecans all nestled in flaky puff pastry, they’re guaranteed to be a hit. Easy to prepare and versatile in flavor, these bites are a must-have for your appetizer lineup.