Quick Recipe Overview
Prep 15 minutes; cook 18 minutes; additional 10 minutes; total 43 minutes. Yield 24 bites. Appetizer, American. Difficulty: easy.
Intro
Cranberry brie bites are small puff pastry cups with melted cheese and tart cranberry sauce. They look festive on a Christmas appetizer tray, yet need only a few minutes of assembly. A mini muffin pan keeps the filling contained while the pastry browns.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Each bite has a flaky edge and a soft, savory center.
The filling uses leftover cranberry sauce.
They are easy to portion for a party platter.
Recipe Card
Cranberry Brie Bites in Puff Pastry
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 24-cup mini muffin pan.
- Unfold the thawed frozen puff pastry and cut it into 24 even squares. Press one square into each cup.
- Place one piece of Brie cheese in each pastry cup and add about 1 teaspoon cranberry sauce on top.
- Brush the exposed pastry edges lightly with beaten large egg.
- Bake 16 to 18 minutes until the pastry is puffed and deeply golden and the cheese is melted.
- Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then lift out and sprinkle with fresh thyme leaves.
Notes
Recipe Tips
Thaw the pastry until it unfolds without cracking, but keep it cool so the layers puff.
Use a small amount of cranberry sauce per cup to avoid spillover.
Let the bites stand before lifting them from the pan; hot cheese can be runny.
Cut the pastry with a sharp knife or pizza cutter, pressing straight down rather than dragging. Clean edges give the layers room to rise. If the pastry becomes sticky while you work, chill the sheet for 10 minutes before cutting.
Keep the cranberry sauce thick. A loose sauce can boil over the edges and glue the cups to the pan. If homemade sauce is still warm, cool it first so it does not soften the pastry. A small offset spatula or butter knife can help loosen any edges after the bites have rested.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Do not press the pastry flat against the bottom; leave room for the layers to rise.
Do not overfill with cranberry sauce or it may bubble over and stick.
Do not serve straight from the oven; the filling is very hot.
Variations
Use a small spoonful of orange zest in the cranberry sauce for a citrus note.
Swap thyme for finely chopped rosemary.
For a nutty finish, add a few finely chopped toasted pecans after baking.
What to Serve With It
Arrange these bites beside stuffed mushrooms and spinach artichoke dip for a varied appetizer spread. Homemade cranberry sauce works as the filling. Browse the recipe index for more holiday recipes.
Storage
Refrigerate cooled bites in a covered container for up to 2 days. Follow the USDA leftovers guidance if they sit on a party table.
Reheating
Place on a baking sheet at 350°F for 8 to 10 minutes until hot and crisp. Microwaving softens the pastry.
Make Ahead
Cut the pastry and cheese a few hours ahead and chill separately. Fill and bake close to serving for the best pastry texture.
For a party, cut the pastry squares and cheese pieces in advance, cover, and refrigerate them separately. You can also portion the sauce into a small bowl. Assemble the cups just before baking, while the pastry is cold.
If you need to bake earlier, cool the bites on a rack so steam does not soften the bottoms. Reheat briefly in the oven just before guests arrive, then add the thyme. They are easiest to serve once the filling is warm rather than piping hot.
One pastry sheet can vary in size by brand. Cut a grid of four rows by six columns to make 24 squares, then press each square gently into a mini muffin cup. If your pastry sheet is smaller, roll it only slightly so the layers remain thick enough to puff. Keep a little space around the cheese so it can melt without forcing the cranberry sauce over the rim.
FAQs
Can cranberry brie bites be made ahead?
You can prep the parts ahead, but bake close to serving so the puff pastry stays crisp.
Do I remove the Brie rind?
No. The edible rind softens as the cheese melts.
Can I use homemade cranberry sauce?
Yes. Use a thick, cooled sauce so the filling stays in the cups.
