Cranberry Brie Bites | Baked Brie Appetizer Recipe

If you’re looking for an easy, elegant, and absolutely delicious appetizer, these Cranberry Brie Bites are a must-try! They combine the rich, creamy flavor of brie cheese with the tart sweetness of cranberry sauce, all nestled in a buttery, flaky puff pastry. Perfect for holiday gatherings, game days, or anytime you want a bite-sized treat that looks as good as it tastes!

Why You'll Love This Amazing Appetizer

• Quick & Easy. These bites come together in just 20 minutes, with minimal prep time.
• Flavorful. The combination of tangy cranberry, rich brie, and flaky pastry is irresistible.
• Elegant. Despite how easy they are to make, these bites look like a fancy appetizer straight from a caterer's kitchen.
• Perfect for Any Occasion. Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a casual dinner party, Cranberry Brie Bites are always a hit.

With only a few ingredients and the convenience of store-bought puff pastry, you can serve a dish that will impress your guests without spending hours in the kitchen.

What Do Cranberry Brie Bites Taste Like?

Cranberry Brie Bites are the perfect bite-sized appetizer that’s packed with flavor.

The creamy, buttery brie melts beautifully, while the cranberry sauce adds just the right amount of tangy sweetness. When wrapped in puff pastry and baked until golden and crispy, these bites are the ideal combination of textures and flavors.

Ingredients You'll Need

• Puff Pastry- Store-bought puff pastry sheets make this recipe quick and easy. Make sure to thaw them according to package instructions.
• Brie Cheese- A rich, creamy cheese that melts beautifully inside the puff pastry.
• Cranberry Sauce- Use homemade or store-bought cranberry sauce. Whole berry cranberry sauce works best for this recipe.
• Pecans- Chopped pecans add a lovely earthy flavor and delightful crunch to each bite.
• Fresh Thyme (Optional)- A sprinkle of fresh thyme adds a lovely herbal note to these bites, complementing the sweet and savory flavors.

How To Make Cranberry Brie Bites

1. Prepare the Puff Pastry. Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Lightly flour a surface and roll out your puff pastry sheet. Using a knife or pizza cutter, cut the sheet into 2-inch squares.
2. Assemble the Bites. Place each puff pastry square into a mini muffin tin. Press the pastry gently into each cup, making sure the edges are slightly overhanging.
3. Add Brie. Cut your brie into small cubes, about ½ inch in size. Place a piece of brie into each puff pastry cup.
4. Top with Cranberry Sauce. Add a spoonful of cranberry sauce on top of the brie.
5. Bake. Place the mini muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and the brie is melted and bubbly.
6. Garnish & Serve. Once baked, remove the bites from the oven and sprinkle with fresh thyme and chopped pecans, if using. Serve warm for the best flavor and texture.

Tips And Tricks

Making Cranberry Brie Bites is easy, but here are a few tips to ensure they come out perfect every time:

• Use Cold Puff Pastry. Puff pastry puffs up best when it’s cold. Make sure it’s properly thawed but still chilled when you work with it.
• Don’t Overfill. A small cube of brie and a spoonful of cranberry sauce are all you need. Overfilling can cause the filling to spill over.
• Serve Immediately. These bites are best enjoyed warm, right out of the oven. If you're making them for a party, bake them just before serving.
• Customize the Topping. While cranberry sauce is traditional, you can use fig jam, apricot preserves, or even a drizzle of honey for a different flavor.

Variations

• If you love Cranberry Brie Bites, there are plenty of ways to customize this recipe and make it your own:
• Spicy Cranberry Brie Bites: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the cranberry sauce for a sweet and spicy twist.
• Nutty Cranberry Brie Bites: Add a sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the cranberry sauce before baking for added crunch and flavor.
• Herbed Brie Bites: Incorporate fresh rosemary or thyme with the cranberry sauce for a more savory bite.
• Apple & Brie Bites: Swap out the cranberry sauce for a small slice of apple and a drizzle of honey for a different take on this classic recipe.

What To Eat With Cranberry Brie Bites

Cranberry Brie Bites pair well with a variety of appetizers and drinks. Here are some ideas to complete your appetizer spread:

• Charcuterie Board- Serve these bites alongside a charcuterie board with cured meats, cheeses, and crackers.
• Wine Pairing- This appetizer goes wonderfully with a glass of sparkling wine, rosé, or even a light red wine like Pinot Noir.
• Salads- Pair with a light arugula or mixed greens salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance out the richness of the brie.

How Long Do They Last?

Cranberry Brie Bites are best enjoyed fresh from the oven, but if you have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

To reheat, place them in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes until warmed through.

Can You Freeze Them?

Yes, you can freeze Cranberry Brie Bites! To freeze, assemble the bites as directed, but don’t bake them. Place the assembled bites on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container.

When you’re ready to bake, place them straight from the freezer into a preheated oven and add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

More Awesome Appetizers

• Refried Bean Dip
• Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip
• Chicken Wontons
• Potato Skins
• Pretzel Bites

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