Name: Brie Bites with Cranberry Crunch
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed; 6 oz brie cheese, cut into 24 small cubes; 1/3 cup cranberry sauce; 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans; Fresh rosemary sprigs, optional garnish; 2 tsp honey, optional drizzle

Ever wish your appetizers could steal the spotlight at your next gathering? These Brie Bites with Cranberry Crunch are more than just a pretty face. They offer the perfect mix of buttery puff pastry, creamy melted brie, tangy cranberry, and a hint of sweet crunch—making them irresistibly good and unforgettable.

Whether you’re hosting a holiday soirée, a wine night with friends, or simply need an elegant nibble to start a meal, these bite-sized beauties deliver both ease and elegance. They look like they belong on a catering tray, but they come together in minutes with just a few ingredients. Get ready to impress your guests without breaking a sweat.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into the recipe, take a moment to set up your kitchen with the right gear. Having the proper tools at hand ensures a smooth and stress-free cooking experience.

Mini Muffin Tin: The structure behind these beautiful bites. It shapes the puff pastry into perfect individual servings, keeping everything neatly contained.
Sharp Knife or Pizza Cutter: Essential for slicing the puff pastry sheets cleanly and evenly.
Teaspoon: For scooping just the right amount of cranberry sauce and brie into each pastry shell.
Small Spatula or Butter Knife: Helps you remove the bites from the tin without tearing the delicate pastry.
Cooling Rack: To cool the Brie Bites evenly while maintaining their crispiness.

Set up these tools before you begin, and you’ll breeze through the prep like a pro.

Ingredients for the Brie Bites with Cranberry Crunch

Puff Pastry Sheets: The flaky, golden base that holds all the delicious layers together.
Brie Cheese: Adds a creamy, slightly earthy richness that melts beautifully.
Cranberry Sauce: Brings a tart and slightly sweet flavor contrast to the rich cheese.
Chopped Walnuts or Pecans: For a crunchy texture and nutty finish.
Fresh Rosemary (Optional): A sprig adds a festive look and an herbal aroma.
Honey (Optional): A light drizzle enhances the sweetness and gives a glossy finish.

Each ingredient plays its part in creating balance—crispy, creamy, sweet, and savory in every bite.

How To Make the Brie Bites with Cranberry Crunch

Step 1: Prepare the Puff Pastry Base

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease your mini muffin tin. Unfold the thawed puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface and cut into 24 squares. Gently press each square into the muffin wells.

Step 2: Add the Brie

Cut the brie into small cubes—about 3/4 inch each. Place a cube into the center of each pastry shell.

Step 3: Spoon in the Cranberry

Add about 1/2 teaspoon of cranberry sauce on top of the brie. Don’t overfill—just enough to cover the cheese.

Step 4: Sprinkle Crunchy Topping

Add a pinch of chopped walnuts or pecans on top of each bite for that crunchy contrast.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake in the preheated oven for 13 to 15 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Let the bites cool slightly. If desired, drizzle lightly with honey and top with a tiny sprig of rosemary for visual flair.

How to Serve and Store These Brie Bites

Serve Brie Bites warm or at room temperature, arranged neatly on a platter. They pair wonderfully with champagne or a dry white wine. If making ahead, bake them as directed and let them cool completely before storing.

To store, place the cooled bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 300°F for about 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving—it softens the pastry too much.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the bites and refrigerate them (uncooked) for up to 24 hours. Just bake fresh before serving.

Can I freeze Brie Bites?

Yes, after baking and cooling completely. Freeze in a single layer, then store in a freezer-safe bag. Reheat in the oven to serve.

Can I use another cheese instead of brie?

Camembert is a close alternative. Mozzarella or goat cheese also works, but they’ll slightly change the flavor profile.

What if I don’t have cranberry sauce?

You can substitute with raspberry preserves, fig jam, or even a savory onion marmalade.

Are these gluten-free?

Not with traditional puff pastry, but you can try gluten-free pastry sheets if needed.

Can I make them in a regular muffin tin?

Yes, but cut larger pastry squares and increase the filling slightly. Also, bake a few minutes longer.

Want More Appetizer Ideas?

If you love creative starters, don’t miss these other delicious bites:

You might also enjoy the bold flavor punch in these Cheeseburger Sliders, or the crispy, satisfying Loaded Tater Tot Appetizers that are crowd favorites.

Looking for a no-bake option? The Cheesecake Deviled Strawberries bring sweetness and surprise in every bite. Or, try the creamy and tangy Mississippi Sin Quiche for a brunch-style spin on appetizer fare.

For finger-food with a twist, check out the fun and flavorful Air Fryer Stuffed Pickles for a salty, crunchy bite.

Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out

You can save this to your appetizer or holiday boards for next time. Just click the Pin button.

If you make it, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Did you add a drizzle of balsamic? Did you swap in fig jam? Leave a comment below. I’m always curious how these tiny bites adapt to different kitchens.

And for more inspiration, follow me over on Pinterest where I share daily creations: LadyPlate on Pinterest.

Brie Bites with Cranberry Crunch

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Author: Julia Koch
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 24 bites
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Brie Bites with Cranberry Crunch are a festive and elegant appetizer that delivers a delicious contrast of textures and flavors—creamy brie, tangy cranberry, and buttery puff pastry topped with crunchy nuts. Perfect for holidays, wine nights, or any occasion that calls for bite-sized indulgence.