Name: Cranberry Brie Bites with Puff Pastry Recipe
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 1 h 12 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 puff pastry sheets, defrosted if frozen; 8 ounces brie, wheel or triangle; ¼ cup whole cranberry sauce; 1 large egg, whisked; ¼ cup pecans, chopped, walnuts, or pistachios; 1 tablespoon chopped rosemary, or thyme, optional

There’s something downright irresistible about the warm, melty brie paired with tart cranberry sauce wrapped in flaky puff pastry. This Cranberry Brie Bites with Puff Pastry Recipe creates little pockets of holiday magic that you’ll find yourself reaching for again and again.

The image shows 12 square pieces of light beige dough with a slightly rough texture, each sprinkled with a bit of flour on top. They are laid out in a 3 by 4 grid on a wooden surface with visible wood grain patterns. The dough squares have soft edges, some slightly uneven or folded at the corners, giving a handmade look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Cranberry Brie Bites with Puff Pastry Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Cranberry Brie Bites with Puff Pastry Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Cranberry Brie Bites with Puff Pastry Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I have to say, this is one of those recipes that’s impressively simple yet feels so luxurious. Whether it's for a holiday party or a casual get-together, these Cranberry Brie Bites with Puff Pastry Recipe always steal the show. Plus, making them is actually kind of fun!

Quick to Assemble: With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, they come together faster than you’d expect.
Perfect Party Appetizer: Bite-sized and beautiful, they’re ideal for passing around or adding elegant flair to any appetizer spread.
Flavor Explosion: The creamy brie contrasts delightfully with the sweet-tart cranberry and crunchy nuts.
Room for Customization: You can easily switch up the nuts or herbs to fit your mood or season.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe brings a beautifully balanced mix of creamy, flaky, sweet, and savory—the cornerstones of any winning appetizer. The puff pastry acts as the perfect buttery vessel for the rich brie and bright cranberry. Here’s why each component shines:

Flat lay of defrosted pale golden puff pastry sheets neatly stacked, a smooth wheel of creamy brie cheese with a small wedge cut out, a small white ceramic bowl filled with glossy whole cranberry sauce showing whole cranberries, one large whole brown egg with a clean shell, a small white bowl holding chopped golden-brown pecans, and a few fresh green rosemary sprigs arranged symmetrically around the ingredients, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Puff Pastry Sheets: Provides that irresistible flaky, golden crust that’s light yet sturdy enough to hold all the fillings.
Brie Cheese: Its creamy texture and mild, nutty flavor melt perfectly, wrapping your taste buds in comfort.
Whole Cranberry Sauce: Adds the perfect amount of tart sweetness to balance the richness of the cheese.
Egg Wash: Creates a gorgeous golden sheen and helps seal the pastry edges.
Chopped Pecans (or Walnuts/Pistachios): Give a crunchy contrast and add nutty warmth that elevates the bite.
Fresh Rosemary or Thyme (Optional): A small herbaceous touch that adds a fragrant, fresh aroma to each bite.

Note: Exact ingredients and measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

Make It Your Way

One of my favorite things about this Cranberry Brie Bites with Puff Pastry Recipe is how easy it is to tweak based on what you have and love. I’ve played around with different nuts and herbs to make it feel fresh and new every time.

Variation: I’ve swapped pecans for chopped pistachios for green pops of color and a slightly sweeter crunch—I adored the texture contrast and it felt festive for winter gatherings.
Herb Swap: Rosemary gives an earthy pine-like aroma, but thyme brings a subtle citrusy note that pairs beautifully if you prefer something lighter.
Dietary Option: For a dairy-free twist, you can try vegan brie options, though I recommend keeping the classic brie to keep that melty richness.
Size Adjustments: Using refrigerated crescent dough sheets instead of puff pastry shrinks the bites slightly, but they’re still delicious and a time-saver.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cranberry Brie Bites with Puff Pastry Recipe

The image shows eight small puff pastry cups arranged in a circle on a white plate, each with three visible layers: a golden-brown, flaky crust forming the cup shape, a layer of melted light yellow cheese inside, and a dollop of deep red cranberry sauce on top. The cranberry sauce is garnished with chopped light brown pecans and small green rosemary leaves. In the background, there are two white bowls, one filled with reddish cranberries and the other with chopped pecans, all set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Thawing and Prepping the Pastry

I always start by thawing my puff pastry overnight in the fridge to ensure it stays cool but pliable. If you’re short on time, you can leave it on the counter for about 40 minutes, but don’t let it get too soft or sticky. Once ready, roll each puff pastry sheet into a neat 12" x 9" rectangle—this gives you a uniform base to cut perfect squares.

Step 2: Cutting and Forming the Bites

Here’s where that mini muffin tin comes in handy. Slice the pastry into 3-inch squares and carefully press each into the tin to form a little bowl. This keeps the cheese and cranberry safely tucked inside while baking. Keep your cuts even—you’ll want 24 bites in total from the two sheets.

Step 3: Preparing the Brie

I like to trim off the rind on the sides of the brie for smoother bites, then cut it into 24 even pieces around 1" long by ½" wide. This ensures each puff pastry gets just the right hit of creamy goodness without overwhelming the pastry cup.

Step 4: Assembling

Place a slice of brie in each pastry cup, then top with about a teaspoon of the cranberry sauce. I find that’s the perfect balance of sweet and creamy. For a beautiful golden finish, brush the edges of the puff pastry with the whisked egg before popping them into the oven.

Step 5: Baking & Finishing Touches

Bake at 400ºF for 10–12 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden. Sometimes the cheese oozes out onto the tin—just scoop it back in gently with a spoon for neat bites. After baking, cool the bites in the tin for about 5 minutes before transferring to a serving tray. Then sprinkle chopped nuts and fresh rosemary over the top for that extra wow factor.

Top Tip

Having made these Cranberry Brie Bites with Puff Pastry Recipe dozens of times, I’ve learned a few tricks to perfect them every time. These tips will save you time and guarantee those crispy, melty bites your guests rave about.

Proper Thawing: Always thaw puff pastry slowly in the fridge overnight rather than rushing it on the counter—this helps keep layers distinct and prevents stickiness.
Don’t Overfill: Use about a teaspoon of cranberry sauce per bite. Too much can make the pastry soggy and cause overflow.
Spoon Overflowing Cheese Back: If cheese leaks out during baking, gently scoop it back into the pastry cups right away—this keeps your bites tidy.
Let Cool Slightly: Don’t rush to remove from the pan immediately after baking; letting them rest for 5 minutes helps firm the pastry and makes them easier to remove.

How to Serve Cranberry Brie Bites with Puff Pastry Recipe

cranberry brie bites - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually garnish mine with chopped pecans for an added crunch and a sprinkle of fresh rosemary for that piney aroma that feels so festive. Sometimes a tiny drizzle of honey over the top amps up the sweetness just enough. The nuts not only taste great; they make the presentation pop with color and texture.

Side Dishes

These bites pair beautifully with a crisp green salad or a platter of cured meats and olives for a full appetizer spread. I like to set them alongside a fruity white wine or a bubbly prosecco—both cut through the richness and keep things light.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday dinners, I’ve arranged these cranberry brie bites on rustic wooden boards accented with sprigs of fresh herbs and cranberries for a festive look. You can also serve them on mini doilies stacked on tiered trays for an elegant party vibe. Everyone always asks for the recipe when I do this!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Got leftovers? No worries—place the bites in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days. When you reheat, they still hold their flakiness and gooey center if warmed gently.

Freezing

I’ve frozen these bites successfully by placing them in a resealable plastic bag or airtight container. You can store them for up to a month. When you’re ready to enjoy, just bake straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time.

Reheating

Reheat in a 350ºF oven until the pastry is warm and crisp again—usually about 8 to 10 minutes. Skip the microwave if you can; it tends to make the pastry soggy. The oven brings back that flaky, fresh-baked feeling perfectly.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen cranberry sauce for this recipe?

Absolutely! Use whole cranberry sauce straight from the jar or homemade and thawed. Just make sure it's not too watery to avoid soggy pastry.

What if I don’t have a mini muffin tin?

You can gently shape the puff pastry squares into little cups on a parchment-lined baking sheet, but they won’t hold as neatly. A mini muffin tin really helps keep the shape nice and uniform.

Can I prepare these ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the cranberry brie bites, cover, and refrigerate for a few hours before baking. Just let the puff pastry come back to cool room temperature before baking for best puff.

Can I use different cheeses instead of brie?

You can try soft cheeses like camembert or a mild goat cheese, but brie gives the creamiest melt and classic flavor that pairs perfectly with cranberry.

Final Thoughts

This Cranberry Brie Bites with Puff Pastry Recipe is like a warm hug for your taste buds—comforting, festive, and surprisingly simple to pull off. I always keep the ingredients on hand during the holidays because these bites disappear fast and everyone asks for more. Trust me, once you make them, they’ll be your go-to party pleaser, too. Give it a try and tell me how you customize yours!