Cranberry brie bites bring together a flaky buttery crust, creamy brie cheese, and tart cranberry sauce for an irresistible holiday appetizer. The balance of sweet and savory makes them a crowd-pleaser, whether you’re hosting a cozy family dinner or a full-blown festive party. Because each bite feels indulgent yet light, cranberry brie bites have become my go-to recipe for entertaining with ease and style.

To begin with, these little bites aren’t just for the holidays. In fact, they taste amazing any time you want a warm, comforting snack. Moreover, their magic comes from their simplicity—each part adds its own flavor and texture. As a result, the flaky pastry, creamy cheese, and tart cranberries blend perfectly once baked. Therefore, they’re the ideal appetizer when you want something quick, pretty, and delicious with little cleanup.

A Simple but Impressive Snack

In addition, this recipe takes only a few minutes to make but looks like something from a bakery. For example, you can bake them for family gatherings, parties, or even as a cozy weekend treat. Because of that, they’ve become one of my favorite recipes to share. When I first served them, the mix of sweet cranberry and soft brie caught everyone’s attention right away. After that, these bites became a must-have for every celebration. Ultimately, they connect past holidays with new memories around the table.

A Family Tradition in Every Bite

One winter evening, my sister and I baked a tray together after decorating the house. Meanwhile, the kitchen smelled like butter and cranberries as the cheese started to bubble. Soon, everyone gathered around, laughing and waiting for them to cool. Since that night, making cranberry brie bites has become a small family tradition. Furthermore, no celebration feels complete without them. In the end, these easy bites remind me that food is about sharing warmth and joy, one small treat at a time.

Why this Cranberry Brie Bites stands out

• Each pastry offers a harmonious mix of creamy, tangy, and flaky notes that balance beautifully.
• Made with just a few ingredients—brie, cranberry sauce, and puff pastry—expect buttery layers enveloping melted cheese with bright cranberry flavor.
• Perfect for winter holidays, brunches, or impromptu get-togethers because the recipe scales effortlessly and bakes in mere minutes.

Ingredients

• Puff pastry (250 g / 8.8 oz): Provides crisp, airy layers that hold the filling.
• Brie cheese (200 g / 7 oz): Adds creamy richness and mild nutty flavor.
• Cranberry sauce (100 g / 3.5 oz): Delivers tart-sweet contrast that enhances the cheese.
• Fresh rosemary (5 g / 0.2 oz): Infuses herbal aroma and a festive touch.
• Butter, melted (15 g / 0.5 oz): Enhances golden color and flavor.
• Sea salt flakes (2 g / 0.07 oz): Sharpens flavors and adds crunch.

How to make Cranberry Brie Bites

1. Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F) and lightly grease a mini muffin tin.
2. Cut puff pastry into small squares, large enough to line each muffin cup.
3. Place one cube of brie and a teaspoon of cranberry sauce into each pastry cup.
4. Brush edges with melted butter, sprinkle with rosemary, and bake for 13–15 minutes until golden and bubbly.
5. Allow to cool slightly before transferring to a serving platter.

Chef’s Notes & Tips “Cranberry Brie Bites”

• If brie isn’t available, substitute with camembert or triple-cream cheese for similar texture. Alternatively, use fig jam instead of cranberry for a different fruity profile.
• To streamline prep, assemble them a day ahead and refrigerate uncooked; bake straight from the fridge, adding one or two minutes to the baking time.
• Store leftovers airtight in the fridge for up to three days. Gently reheat in an oven to restore crispness. As a result, your cranberry brie bites will taste freshly baked even the next day.

Conclusion

With their crisp pastry and molten center, these elegant morsels guarantee delight with minimal effort. Moreover, their versatile nature suits both casual and formal gatherings alike. Therefore, make a batch of cranberry brie bites this season, then share your results in the comments or save this recipe on Long Bake The Queen for your next celebration. For more serving inspiration, visit the Delish website to explore pairing ideas.

FAQ

Can I use homemade cranberry sauce?

Yes. Homemade cranberry sauce adds vibrant flavor and texture. Just ensure it’s thick enough so it doesn’t run out of the pastry cups.

What type of brie works best?

Use a creamy, mild brie that melts evenly. Avoid overripe varieties, which may produce too much oil when baked.

Can cranberry brie bites be frozen?

Absolutely. Assemble the bites, freeze them unbaked on a tray, then store in a freezer-safe container. Bake directly from frozen, adding five minutes to the time.

How long do they stay crispy?

They remain crisp for about two hours at room temperature. To refresh, reheat briefly in a hot oven for two to three minutes.

Can I prepare them without a muffin tin?

Yes, arrange squares on a lined tray, fold corners slightly upward, and bake—though round shapes hold filling better.