Cranberry Brie Bites: Festive Appetizer with Puff Pastry

Cranberry Brie Bites are an eye-catching appetizer that pairs creamy brie with sweet-tart cranberry sauce for a perfect sweet-and-savory bite. They bake quickly—about 12–15 minutes—so they’re easy to prepare for holiday gatherings or impromptu entertaining. Serve them with crackers and other small bites for a memorable appetizer spread.

⭐ Why You’ll Love Cranberry Brie Bites

These bites combine creamy, savory brie with bright, tart cranberry sauce and a hint of fresh herbs. The contrast of textures—the flaky puff pastry, soft melted cheese, and glossy cranberry topping—makes them a crowd-pleaser. Ingredients are simple and commonly stocked during the holidays, and the recipe comes together quickly.

They make a lovely starter for classic holiday meals or any menu that leans into seasonal flavors.

📋 Ingredients to Have on Hand

• Frozen puff pastry (1 package, 17.3 oz)
• 7-ounce wedge of brie
• 14-ounce can whole-berry cranberry sauce
• 1 shallot, peeled and finely diced (about 1/4 cup)
• Fresh basil (small package)
• Fresh thyme sprigs (for garnish)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

See the recipe card below for measurements, times, and notes.

💭 Recipe FAQs

📋 How to Make Cranberry Brie Bites

Step 1: Defrost one sheet of puff pastry (about 40 minutes) and preheat the oven to 400°F.

Step 2: In a small saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and cook the diced shallot over medium heat until softened and beginning to caramelize. Add the whole-berry cranberry sauce and one whole basil leaf, then simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the basil leaf softens. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove any large pieces of basil if they do not break down. Chop the remaining basil and set aside.

Step 3: Once the pastry is thawed, cut it into 2-inch squares (kitchen scissors work well). Press one square into each cup of a standard 24-cup mini muffin pan; the single sheet should be just enough for a 24-cup pan.

Step 4: Cut the brie into small wedges and place one piece into each pastry-lined cup.

Step 5: Bake about 12 minutes, until the pastry is golden and the brie is soft. Remove the pan and top each puff pastry cup with about 1 teaspoon of the thickened cranberry mixture. Finish with a small slice of fresh basil and a sprig of thyme for serving.

🥗 Delicious Appetizer All Year Long

Although often associated with the holidays, Cranberry Brie Bites are enjoyable any time of year. They work well as a starter for fall and winter menus and are equally welcome at spring and summer gatherings when you want an elegant small bite.

🍴 More Appetizer Ideas

If you like these, consider offering a selection of other small bites to round out the appetizer table—fresh salsas, warm dips, roasted nuts, and seafood cups all pair nicely.

If you try Cranberry Brie Bites, please leave a star rating and a comment to share how they turned out.

Recipe