Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Bites

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Craving a flaky, buttery appetizer that feels fancy but takes minimal effort? Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Bites deliver on elegance and ease, all in one golden bite. These are the kind of treats that vanish quickly at holiday parties, brunch spreads, or cozy nights in with a glass of wine.

Picture this: crisp puff pastry squares topped with melty brie and a tangy dollop of cranberry sauce, finished with a sprig of thyme. They’re sweet, savory, creamy, and crunchy all at once—a flavor-packed combo that’s as impressive as it is simple.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving in, let’s make sure you have the right tools on hand to make this recipe seamless:

• Sharp Knife or Pizza Cutter: For cutting your puff pastry into even squares. Clean cuts ensure the pastry puffs up evenly.
• Mini Muffin Tin or Baking Sheet: If you want structured bites, a mini muffin tin helps shape them into perfect little cups. A baking sheet works just as well for flat squares.
• Pastry Brush: Useful for brushing on egg wash to get that glossy, golden-brown finish.
• Cooling Rack: Helps keep the bottom of your pastry bites from going soggy after baking.
• Small Spoon or Cookie Scoop: Ideal for adding just the right amount of brie and cranberry sauce.

Each tool plays a simple but crucial role in executing this recipe smoothly, ensuring both ease and presentation.

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Ingredients for the Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Bites

• Puff Pastry Sheets: This is the flaky foundation of the bite. Store-bought puff pastry works great and saves you lots of prep time.
• Brie Cheese: Soft, creamy, and slightly earthy, brie becomes rich and melty when baked—the perfect balance to tart cranberry.
• Cranberry Sauce: Either homemade or canned will work here. It brings a festive sweet-tart contrast to the buttery brie.
• Fresh Thyme (Optional): A little herbaceous note from thyme takes these bites to a more gourmet level.
• Egg (for egg wash): Whisked egg gives the puff pastry that stunning golden color when baked.

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How To Make the Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Bites

Step 1: Prep the Puff Pastry

Let your puff pastry thaw if frozen, then roll it out slightly on a floured surface. Cut into 2×2 inch squares using a sharp knife or pizza cutter.

Step 2: Assemble the Layers

Place each square into a mini muffin tin cup or arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Add a cube of brie to the center of each square, followed by a teaspoon of cranberry sauce.

Step 3: Add the Finishing Touch

Brush the edges of the pastry with egg wash to get that perfect golden finish. If desired, sprinkle a few thyme leaves over the top for a hint of earthy flavor.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 15–18 minutes or until the puff pastry is golden and the cheese is bubbling.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Let them cool for 5 minutes in the tin before transferring to a rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.

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How to Serve and Store Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Bites

These bites are best served slightly warm, when the brie is still soft and the pastry is at its flakiest. Arrange them on a wooden platter or festive tray, garnished with fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs for a beautiful presentation.

If you’re planning ahead, you can bake them a few hours early and simply reheat in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes before serving. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Re-crisp in the oven before enjoying again—they don’t take well to microwaving.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How far in advance can I make these?

You can prep and assemble them a day ahead. Store in the fridge on a tray, covered with plastic wrap. Bake fresh before serving for best texture.

Can I use a different cheese?

Absolutely! Camembert, goat cheese, or even a mild blue cheese will work if you’re feeling adventurous.

What kind of cranberry sauce is best?

Both homemade and canned work well. Whole berry sauce is preferable over jellied for better texture.

Can I freeze them?

It’s best to freeze them unbaked. Assemble, freeze on a tray, then transfer to a bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.

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

Use a baking sheet instead. The bites will spread out a bit more but still taste delicious.

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Want More Holiday Appetizer Ideas?

If you’re into festive finger foods, you’ll definitely want to check out these other quick and crowd-pleasing recipes.

Try the Cheesecake Deviled Strawberries for a sweet-and-savory option that looks as good as it tastes. Or go for the Loaded Tater Tot Appetizers, a cozy and satisfying snack that disappears fast.

Love buttery pastries? The Raspberry Crescent Rolls are a fruity twist with a flaky finish, and the Mini Cinnamon Roll Cheesecakes make an irresistible dessert addition to any party platter.

For another melt-in-your-mouth bake, I recommend the Moist Apple Crumble Coffee Cake, which pairs beautifully with morning coffee or an evening glass of mulled wine.

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Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out

You can save this recipe to your holiday boards for easy planning. Just click the Pin button.

If you make it, I’d love to see how it turns out! Did you add orange zest? Swap in fig jam? Leave a comment below and share your spin. For more holiday recipes and ideas, follow me on Pinterest @LadyPlate.

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