Cranberry Brie Bites | Easy Puff Pastry Appetizer

These Cranberry Brie Bites are the perfect puff pastry appetizer for your next friend or family gathering! Flaky puff pastry is filled with sweet and tart cranberry sauce, then topped with silky smooth brie, and then topped with a crunchy pecan before baked to a beautiful golden brown. An irresistible bite that is the perfect snack for any last minute occasion!

Why You’ll Love This Spectacular Starter

• Minimal ingredients. All you need is a handful of ingredients to make this stunning appetizer that is just as great to look at as it is to eat.
• Super simple preparation. Just portion and bake a few prepackaged ingredients for an appetizer that is incredibly easy to make.
• Packed with flavor. The lovely combination of flavors and textures makes this puff pastry appetizer a fan favorite for all ages.
• Incredibly versatile. Use one of my simple swaps listed below to create the perfect bite-sized bite for your next friend or family gathering.

Whether you need an incredibly simple appetizer to make for a last-minute party or you just want a delicious bite-sized flavor-packed bite, these Baked Brie Bites are a winner every time.

Do You Take The Rind Off Of Brie Before Baking?

No! There is no need to take the rind off of a wheel of brie before cutting it and adding it to your cranberry brie bites. The flavor of the rind adds a lovely layer of flavor and added texture to your bite-sized appetizer.

What Fruit Tastes Best With Brie?

A wide variety of fruits pair well with brie. It doesn’t matter if they are baked together to allow the flavors to meld or simply served together on a grazing board. Here are some of the best flavorful fruit options to pair with brie:

• Cranberries– Often used in sauces or jams, cranberries add a tart, festive flavor that pairs well with Brie, especially in appetizers like cranberry Brie bites.
• Apples– Crisp and slightly tart apples, like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, provide a refreshing crunch and balance the creaminess of Brie.
• Pears– Sweet and juicy pears, especially Bosc or Bartlett, pair beautifully with Brie for a smooth, complementary flavor combination.
• Grapes– Seedless red or green grapes offer a sweet and juicy contrast to the rich, buttery taste of Brie.
• Figs– Fresh or dried figs bring a natural sweetness and slight earthiness that enhances the flavor of Brie.
• Berries– These fruits provide vibrant sweetness and a touch of tartness, making them excellent companions for Brie, particularly when served fresh or in a jam.
• Stone Fruits– Their sweet and juicy profiles complement the creaminess of Brie, whether fresh or preserved as a jam.

Ingredients To Grab

Double-check your kitchen to ensure you have all of the ingredients needed before you get started for a seamless baking experience:

• Puff Pastry– Acts as the crispy, flaky base and outer shell of the bites. It provides structure and a light, buttery texture that contrasts with the creamy brie and tart cranberry sauce.
• Whole Cranberry Sauce– Adds a sweet and tangy flavor to the bites. The tartness of the cranberries complements the richness of the brie and balances the overall flavor profile.
• Brie– The star ingredient that brings a creamy, melty texture and mild, buttery flavor. It pairs beautifully with both the tart cranberry sauce and the crunchy pecans.
• Chopped Pecans– Provides a nutty flavor and crunchy texture, adding variety and depth to the bite. The pecans also give the presentation a rustic touch.
• Egg– Used as an egg wash to brush over the puff pastry. This helps the pastry achieve a shiny, golden-brown finish when baked, making the bites look more appetizing.

Each ingredient contributes to the balance of flavor, texture, and visual appeal of the cranberry brie bites!

How To Make Cranberry Brie Bites

Cut the puff pastry. Roll out the puff pastry and cut it into 24 even-sized rectangular portions. Place the pieces of puff pastry into a greased mini muffin tin.

Stir and portion the cranberry sauce. Open the can of whole cranberry sauce and pour it into a bowl. Stir until the whole cranberries and cranberry sauce are well incorporated. Place a dollop of cranberry sauce in each mini muffin portion.

Slice and add cheese. Slice the Brie in 24 even portions. Due to the shape of the brie cheese wheel, these may not be perfect. That’s completely fine. Just try to keep them as close as possible. Place a cut portion of brie on top of the cranberry sauce.

Top with pecans. Put a pecan on top of the sliced brie.

Brush with egg wash. Crack an egg into a bowl and scramble it. Lightly brush the edges of each piece of puff pastry with the egg wash.

Bake and enjoy. Carefully place the mini muffin tin into an oven preheated to 425F. Bake for 18-20 minutes until the puff pastry is flaky and golden brown. Serve and enjoy!

Tips And Tricks

Cranberry Brie Bites are incredibly easy to make. Read over these handy tips and tricks before you get started for an effortless experience in the kitchen:

• Don’t overfill. These baked brie bites are packed with some of my favorite flavors. It may be tempting to fill them to the brim to get the most flavorful bite. Stuffing them with too much filling can cause the puff pastry to become soggy.
• Portion evenly. For even baking, try to keep the portions of puff pastry and the amount of filling consistent inside each mini muffin compartment.
• Prepare the pans. If your mini muffin tin isn’t made of nonstick material (like the silicone one I used) make sure you oil the pan well to prevent sticking.
• Preheat the oven. Placing the puff pastry appetizer in an oven that isn’t preheated can lead to a soggy bottom. Ensure the oven is completely preheated to 425F before placing the pan inside.

Variations

These Baked Cranberry Brie Bites are absolutely irresistible when made according to the recipe. If you want to swap out the flavors to make them the perfect bite for your family’s palate, try some of these tasty variations next time you make them:

• Swap out the fruit. Cranberry can be a flavor that is overused during the holidays. Feel free to swap out the cranberry sauce with your favorite flavor of pie filling instead.
• Try a different cheese. If you’re having trouble finding brie or it is a little out of your price range, try this with cream cheese, sharp cheddar, or smoked gouda.
• Freshen with herbs. Add a sprig of thyme to the top of each brie bite before you pop them in the oven for an added level of freshness.
• Skip the nuts. If you aren’t sure of any food allergies at your gathering or simply don’t prefer the flavor of pecans, omit the nuts on these bites completely.
• Try a drizzle. Top the baked brie bites with a drizzle of balsamic glaze for an added layer of sweetness and beautiful visual appeal.

What To Serve With Cranberry Brie Bites

Not sure what you should serve with this puff pastry appetizer? Try some of these tasty options to make your next party a hit!

• Dips and Spreads– Serve the baked brie bites alongside dips such as spinach artichoke dip, caramelized onion dip, or a tangy goat cheese spread.
• Charcuterie Board– Serve them as part of a charcuterie platter with cured meats (prosciutto, salami), additional cheeses, olives, and jams.
• Mocktails– Keep it family-friendly with a cranberry spritzer or sparkling apple cider.

How Long Do They Last?

Cranberry brie bites are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven when the puff pastry is crisp and the brie is warm and melty.

If you have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The texture of the puff pastry may soften over time due to moisture from the brie and cranberry sauce.

To reheat them and restore some crispness, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through.

Can You Freeze Them?

While they can technically last up to a month if frozen, freezing and reheating can deteriorate the texture of the puff pastry, making it less flaky.

For the best flavor and texture enjoy these cranberry brie bites fresh.

More Awesome Appetizers

If you want to create the ultimate appetizer spread, try some of these other amazing appetizer recipes alongside your baked brie bites:

• Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies
• Cashew Chicken Dip
• Pizza Dip
• Chili Dog Sliders
• Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip

If you love this recipe for Cranberry Brie Bites as much as our family does, make sure you share the recipe on social media so your friends can make it too! Don’t forget to save it so you can make it the next time you need an impressive appetizer.