Prep Time: ~15 minutes | Cook Time: ~18–22 minutes | Total Time: ~35–40 minutes | Yield: ~20–24 bites (depending on pastry & tin size)
Introduction
Mini Cranberry-Brie Bites are elegant little appetizers combining buttery, flaky puff pastry with creamy, melty Brie cheese and the sweet-tart burst of cranberry. They’re easy to make, visually appealing, and perfect for gatherings, holidays, or cozy dinners when you want something fancy without fuss.
Why These Bites Work So Well
The combination of smooth, creamy Brie, slightly sweet and tangy cranberry sauce, and crisp, golden puff pastry creates a delightful contrast of textures and flavours. Because they’re bite-size, they’re ideal crowd-pleasers — easy to eat, shareable, and always popular. The recipe is flexible and quick, yet results in an appetizer that feels refined and festive.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- About 4 oz (≈ 115 g) Brie cheese, chilled and cut into small cubes
- ½ cup cranberry sauce (or whole-berry jam/preserve)
- Optional: chopped nuts (pecans, walnuts, or pistachios) for crunch and texture
- Optional: fresh herbs (like rosemary or thyme) or a sprinkle of flaky salt for garnish
The Art of Making Puff Pastry Brie Bites
Using a chilled puff pastry keeps the layers light and flaky and helps the pastry hold its shape when baking. Cutting the Brie into small cubes lets it melt evenly without overflowing. Pressing the pastry into a muffin tin creates little “cups” that neatly contain the Brie and cranberry filling. Baking until the pastry is golden and puffed ensures a crisp shell and gooey inside.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare Pastry Cups
Preheat your oven to 375 °F (190–200 °C).
Roll the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface if needed, then cut it into squares (enough to fill a 24-cup mini muffin tin, or as many cups as you have).
Gently press each square into a well of the mini muffin tin, forming a small cup.
Add Brie & Cranberry
Chill the Brie briefly so it slices clean — about ½-inch cubes.
Place one cube of Brie into each pastry cup.
Top the Brie with about ½ teaspoon of cranberry sauce (or jam/preserve).
If using, sprinkle a pinch of chopped nuts on top for extra texture.
Bake
Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown, puffed, and crisp — and the Brie inside is melted and gooey.
Finish & Serve
Once out of the oven, let the bites cool for 2–3 minutes so the filling sets slightly.
Optionally garnish with a sprinkle of flaky salt or a small herb leaf (like rosemary or thyme) for color and flavor contrast.
Serve warm — they’re best when pastry is crisp and cheese is soft.
Tips for Best Results
- Keep puff pastry well-chilled until ready to cut and press into the tin — warm pastry can become soft and unworkable.
- Chilling the Brie helps in cutting neat cubes and prevents excessive spreading while baking.
- Use a full-flavored cranberry sauce or preserve (not overly sweet) — the tang balances the richness of Brie.
- Don’t overfill pastry cups — a small cube of cheese + small spoonful of cranberry is enough.
- Serve soon after baking for the best texture: crisp pastry, melty cheese, warm fruit.
Creative Variations
- Substitute cranberry sauce with fig jam, apricot jam, or cherry preserves for different flavor profiles.
- Replace nuts with chopped pistachios, walnuts, or almonds for different texture and taste.
- Use a different soft, creamy cheese instead of Brie (e.g. camembert, goat cheese) for variety.
- Add a drizzle of honey before serving for sweetness and shine.
- Make mini versions or larger “platter” size bites by adjusting pastry and filling amounts.
Storage & Reheating
Best eaten fresh. If needed, store leftover bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day.
To reheat and restore crispiness, warm in an oven at ~325–350 °F (160–175 °C) for 5–7 minutes. Avoid microwaving (pastry becomes soggy).
Conclusion
Mini Cranberry-Brie Bites with Puff Pastry are a simple, elegant appetizer that brings together creamy cheese, sweet-tart fruit, and buttery pastry in each bite. Whether for a holiday table, dinner party, or casual get-together, they’re sure to impress without requiring hours of work.
