Cranberry Brie Bites Festive Flaky Bites

Cranberry Brie Bites Festive Flaky Holiday Appetizers

By Chef BakerSeptember 18, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction: Get Ready to Wow!

Ever been stuck for a party appetizer? Me too! That is why these Cranberry Brie Bites are a total lifesaver.

They're the perfect mix of sweet and savory. Honestly, they're always a hit.

Bite Sized Bliss: Sweet, Savory, and Simple

These aren't just any pastry bites . These are little explosions of holiday cheer. The tangy cranberry cuts through the creamy brie.

It is all wrapped in flaky baked brie puff pastry . They're like mini Christmas presents for your mouth!

These little gems have a bit of history, you know? Think fancy French cheese meets good ol' American cranberries. It's a match made in appetizer heaven! It is super easy to whip up.

I rate it a "Sunday afternoon with a glass of wine" level of difficulty. Expect about 24 delightful bites. They will be gone in minutes!

Why You'll Love These Little Guys

These Cranberry Baked Brie bites aren't just tasty. They are kind of good for you, too! Cranberries are packed with antioxidants.

It is making these a Holiday Appetizer that's both delicious and beneficial. They're ideal for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any gathering where you want to impress.

Plus, they're surprisingly easy, even if you're not a pro baker. This Brie Cranberry recipe is special because it's a guaranteed crowd pleaser.

Honestly, I've never seen anyone turn one down. Now, let's dive into those ingredients!

What You'll Need

For the cranberry sauce, you will need cranberries, sugar, water, and orange zest. Simple enough, right?

Then, for the actual bites, grab a sheet of puff pastry, some brie cheese, and an egg. Chopped pecans or walnuts and honey are optional.

I love adding them for extra flavor and texture! You can even call them Baked Brie Puff Pastry or Puff Pastry Bites

These little Brie Bites Recipe is so great! It is one of the Easy Appetizer Recipes for all hosts!

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get This Holiday Party Started!

Alright, let's chat ingredients. These Cranberry Brie Bites are seriously simple. Honestly, if I can make them, anyone can. I'm all about easy appetizer recipes , especially during the holidays.

So, grab your apron and let's do this!

Main Ingredients: The Stars of the Show

Here's what you'll need to bring these bad boys to life.

Cranberry Sauce:
- 1 cup (200g) fresh or frozen cranberries.
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar.
- ¼ cup (60ml) water.
- 1 tbsp orange zest.
- The cranberries should be plump and firm. If using frozen, don’t bother thawing them.
Brie Bites:
- 1 sheet (14.1 oz/400g) frozen puff pastry.
- 8 ounces (225g) brie cheese.
- 1 large egg.
- Nuts for garnish and honey for serving is optional.

The puff pastry needs to be cold. That's key for that flaky baked brie puff pastry . Trust me on this one.

Seasoning Notes: Spice It Up!

Okay, so Brie Cranberry is already a killer combo. But we can make it even better.

For the cranberry sauce, a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg adds warmth. Try swapping the orange zest for lemon zest. Want a kick? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes.

For quick subs, use store-bought cranberry sauce. Just make sure it's decent quality. Fig jam or apricot preserves also work for a different flavor profile.

The easy appetizer recipes work when you learn to adapt.

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

You don't need fancy gadgets for this recipe. Just the basics.

Saucepan: Any small pot will do for the cranberry sauce.
Measuring cups and spoons: Gotta get those measurements right!
Cutting board and knife: Obvious, right?
Baking sheet: Line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Small bowl and pastry brush: For the egg wash. This gives the puff pastry bites a golden shine.
Cookie scoop: A small spoon or cookie scoop works for loading the pastry bites .

Don't have a pastry brush? Use your finger! I've totally done that before! Honestly, these Cranberry Baked Brie wont know the difference.

Now, get baking! These make fantastic holiday appetizers , especially for Christmas appetizers and Thanksgiving appetizers .

Let's Get Baking: Cranberry Brie Bites!

Oh my gosh, are you ready for this? I'm about to share my go-to recipe for Cranberry Brie Bites . Honestly, these little guys are always a hit.

Every single time I bring these somewhere, they are devoured! They're the perfect festive holiday appetizers . Think: Thanksgiving, Christmas, you name it! They are truly some of the easy appetizer recipes out there.

Plus, they look fancy. Bonus points, right?

Prep Steps: Operation Mise en Place!

First, let’s chat prep. This is important! I cannot stress this enough. Getting your mise en place sorted is key.

Basically, just get all your stuff ready. Chop the brie, measure the cranberries, and get that puff pastry thawing. This will save you a HUGE headache later.

Think of it as preemptive adulting. Regarding safety, just remember that knives are sharp!

Making Magic: step-by-step

Okay, here's the lowdown on how to make these ridiculously addictive pastry bites :

Make the cranberry sauce. Combine cranberries, sugar, water, and orange zest in a saucepan. Simmer until thick.
Roll out the thawed puff pastry. Cut into 24 equal squares. Make sure they are the same size.
Top each square with a brie cube and a teaspoon of cranberry sauce. Don’t overfill!
Brush the edges with egg wash. This gives a lovely golden colour!
Bake at 400° F ( 200° C) for 15- 20 minutes . Look for that golden brown colour. They're done when the pastry is puffed and golden, and the brie is melty.

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Brie Bite Game

Want to be a Cranberry Baked Brie pro? Here's the secret sauce. Don't skip the chilling step. Cold pastry is flaky pastry.

Overfilling is a crime against baked brie puff pastry . Seriously, it makes a mess. To avoid common mistakes, watch the oven like a hawk! No one likes burnt Brie Cranberry .

Looking for Christmas Appetizers or Thanksgiving Appetizers and want to save time? Make the cranberry sauce a day ahead. Sorted! These delicious Puff Pastry Bites are perfect when served warm, but are still very tasty cold.

Enjoy!

Recipe Notes for the Perfect Cranberry Brie Bites

So, you're ready to tackle these seriously addictive Cranberry Brie Bites ? Awesome! But before you get elbow deep in flour, let's chat about a few things.

Honestly, these little guys are pretty straightforward, but a few insider tips can take your Baked Brie Puff Pastry game to the next level.

These would make excellent Christmas Appetizers .

Ace the Plating and Drinks

Want to make these Holiday Appetizers really sing? Think presentation! A simple platter with a sprig of rosemary is super festive.

A light drizzle of honey right before serving? Chef's kiss . And for drinks? I reckon a crisp Prosecco or even a cheeky little Pinot Noir would be spot on.

Elevate your Easy Appetizer Recipes with a little je ne sais quoi !

Storage Savvy

Leftovers? If you’re lucky enough to have any Pastry Bites left, here's the lowdown. Pop them in an airtight container and into the fridge.

They'll keep for about 2 days. Reheating is best done in a warm oven ( 300 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5- 7 minutes ).

This helps keep the pastry flaky. Microwaving? Honestly, don't. You'll end up with soggy bottoms. No one wants that!

Mix it Up!

These Cranberry Baked Brie bites are pretty versatile.

Dietary Adaptations: Want to make them gluten-free? Easy peasy! Loads of shops now sell decent gluten-free puff pastry. Just swap it in and you're golden.
Seasonal Swaps: Ditch the cranberries and use fig jam in autumn. Or how about some apricot preserve in summer? It gives the recipe a completely different vibe.

Nutrition Nuggets

Alright, let's be real. These aren't exactly health food. But they're not terrible either. Each Brie Bites Recipe packs around 80-100 calories .

You're getting a bit of protein from the brie. Plus, cranberries have antioxidants. So, enjoy them in moderation, yeah? It is Thanksgiving Appetizers after all!

Honestly, making these Puff Pastry Bites is a doddle. Just remember my tips, and you'll be the star baker at your next gathering. Get baking!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these Cranberry Brie Bites ahead of time? I'm a bit of a Nigella Lawson and love to plan!

Absolutely! You can assemble the bites ahead of time and store them unbaked in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. This is a real lifesaver when you're juggling multiple dishes for a big gathering. When you're ready to bake, just add 2-3 minutes to the baking time to ensure they're golden and gooey.

My puff pastry always seems to be a bit of a soggy bottom. Any tips to avoid this when making Cranberry Brie Bites?

Ah, the dreaded soggy bottom! The key is keeping the puff pastry cold. Work quickly when assembling, and if you notice the pastry getting soft, pop it back in the fridge for a few minutes to firm up. Also, make sure your oven is fully preheated to help the pastry rise properly and avoid that unwelcome sogginess.

Nobody wants a soggy bottom!

What can I use instead of cranberry sauce in these brie bites? My family are not fans of cranberries, what?!

No cranberry fans in the house? That's alright, there are plenty of delicious alternatives! Fig jam, apricot preserves, or even a homemade apple chutney would work beautifully in these Cranberry Brie Bites. You could also experiment with a spiced cherry compote for a festive twist.

Can I freeze these Cranberry Brie Bites either before or after baking?

Freezing the unbaked bites is the better option. Assemble them, then freeze them on a baking sheet until solid before transferring to a freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding 5-7 minutes to the baking time.

Freezing after baking can affect the pastry's texture, making it a bit less flaky, but they're still edible.

I'm trying to be a bit healthier. Are these Cranberry Brie Bites bad for me?

Cranberry Brie Bites are definitely a treat, not a health food! They contain cheese, butter, and sugar, so moderation is key. Consider using a reduced fat brie or cutting the bites into smaller squares to reduce the portion size. Remember, a little bit of something delicious can be part of a balanced diet!

My brie keeps melting and running everywhere. How can I stop my Cranberry Brie Bites from becoming a cheesy puddle?

Melting brie can be a messy situation, I know! Firstly, ensure you remove the rind from the brie before cutting it into cubes, as the rind doesn't melt. Secondly, don't overfill the pastry squares with cranberry sauce, as this can contribute to the brie melting too quickly. Thirdly, keep the pastry cold.

Finally, consider partially freezing the brie cubes for about 15 minutes before assembling the bites to help them hold their shape during baking.