Cranberry Brie Bites

Few appetizers capture the spirit of the holidays quite like Cranberry Brie Bites. Flaky, buttery pastry filled with rich melted brie and topped with tangy-sweet cranberry sauce — these bite-sized appetizers are elegant, festive, and irresistibly delicious. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, planning a cozy gathering, or assembling a show-stopping appetizer board, cranberry brie bites belong front and center.

This recipe is proof that simple ingredients can create extraordinary results. With minimal prep and maximum payoff, these brie bites come together quickly while delivering gourmet flavor that feels special enough for celebrations.

Warm, melty, crisp, and sweet — every bite hits all the right notes.

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Why Cranberry Brie Bites Are Always a Hit

Cranberry brie bites have become a staple at holiday gatherings for good reason:

• They balance sweet, savory, and buttery flavors
• They look elegant with minimal effort
• They’re easy to eat and easy to serve
• They appeal to almost everyone

The contrast between flaky pastry, creamy cheese, and tart cranberry sauce creates a flavor profile that feels festive and indulgent without being heavy.

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What Makes This Recipe Special

This version of cranberry brie bites is designed for perfect texture and flavor balance:

• Brie is cut into even cubes so it melts without overflowing
• Puff pastry bakes up golden and crisp, never soggy
• Cranberry sauce adds brightness and visual appeal
• Fresh herbs elevate the flavor and presentation

Every detail ensures consistency — which is essential when serving appetizers to guests.

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Ingredients

For the Cranberry Brie Bites

• Puff pastry sheets, thawed
• Brie cheese (rind removed or left on, optional)
• Cranberry sauce (homemade or canned)
• Honey (optional)
• Fresh rosemary or thyme, finely chopped
• All-purpose flour (for rolling)

Optional Garnishes

• Cracked black pepper
• Orange zest
• Chopped pecans or walnuts

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Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven
   Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a mini muffin tin.
2. Prepare the Puff Pastry
   Roll puff pastry slightly on a floured surface. Cut into evenly sized squares and gently press each into the muffin tin wells.
3. Add the Brie
   Place one cube of brie into each pastry cup.
4. Top with Cranberry Sauce
   Spoon a small amount of cranberry sauce over the brie. Do not overfill.
5. Bake
   Bake for 15–18 minutes, until pastry is puffed and golden and brie is melted.
6. Finish and Serve
   Drizzle lightly with honey and sprinkle with chopped rosemary. Cool slightly before serving.

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Choosing the Best Brie for Brie Bites

Brie is the star ingredient, so quality matters.

• Use full-fat brie for the creamiest melt
• Young brie melts smoother than aged brie
• Removing the rind creates a cleaner texture, but it’s optional

Cut brie into uniform cubes to prevent uneven melting.

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Cranberry Sauce: Homemade vs Store-Bought

Both options work beautifully:

• Homemade cranberry sauce offers brighter flavor and texture
• Canned whole berry sauce provides consistency and convenience

Avoid jellied sauce — it doesn’t melt or spread as nicely.

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Tips for Perfect Cranberry Brie Bites

• Don’t overfill — brie expands as it melts
• Use a mini muffin tin for ideal bite-size portions
• Let bites cool 3–5 minutes before removing
• Serve warm for the best texture

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Delicious Variations

Cranberry Brie Walnut Bites

Add chopped toasted walnuts for crunch.

Orange Cranberry Brie Bites

Add orange zest to the cranberry sauce for brightness.

Savory Herb Brie Bites

Skip cranberry and add caramelized onions and thyme.

Maple Cranberry Brie Bites

Drizzle with maple syrup instead of honey.

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When to Serve Cranberry Brie Bites

These bites are perfect for:

• Holiday parties
• Thanksgiving appetizers
• Christmas Eve shows
• New Year’s celebrations
• Wine nights and cheese boards

They pair beautifully with sparkling wine, white wine, or festive cocktails.

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Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

• Assemble up to 1 day ahead and refrigerate
• Bake fresh for best texture
• Store leftovers refrigerated up to 2 days
• Reheat briefly in the oven to re-crisp

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Elegant but easy
• Ready in under 30 minutes
• Perfect balance of flavors
• Crowd-pleasing and festive

Once you make Cranberry Brie Bites, they’ll become a holiday tradition you’re asked to bring every year.