Cranberry Brie Bites are the ultimate holiday party appetizer—quick, festive, and delicious. These bite-sized treats feature flaky puff pastry filled with creamy, melty brie and sweet-tart cranberry sauce, baked until golden and bubbly. Whether you’re hosting a Thanksgiving dinner, Christmas party, or casual gathering, these elegant yet easy bites will steal the show with minimal effort.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

• 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed

• 4 ounces brie cheese, cut into small cubes

• ¼ cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)

• Optional: chopped pecans, fresh rosemary, or honey for garnish

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a mini muffin tin.

2. Cut the puff pastry into 24 small squares and press each into the muffin tin wells.

3. Add one cube of brie to each square, followed by a small spoonful of cranberry sauce.

4. Optional: top with chopped pecans, a rosemary leaf, or a tiny drizzle of honey.

5. Bake for 12–15 minutes, until the pastry is golden and the brie is melted.

6. Cool for a few minutes in the tin before serving warm.

Nutrients (estimated per bite, based on 24 servings)

• Calories: ~90

• Protein: ~2g

• Fat: ~6g

• Carbohydrates: ~6g

• Sugar: ~2g

• Fiber: ~0.3g

• Sodium: ~80mg

Why These Bites Are the Perfect Holiday Appetizer

These bite-sized delights are the definition of festive simplicity. Each one is perfectly portioned, easy to eat with your hands, and packed with flavor. Brie is known for its luxurious creaminess and mild, buttery taste. When baked, it turns gooey and luscious, pairing beautifully with the bright, tart notes of cranberry sauce. The puff pastry acts as the crisp, golden vessel that holds everything together while adding texture and elegance.

The contrasting flavors and textures—flaky pastry, creamy cheese, sweet-tart fruit—make these bites not only addictive but also sophisticated. They feel elevated enough for a formal party, yet are easy enough to whip up on a busy weeknight before a holiday gathering. Plus, the use of store-bought puff pastry and prepared cranberry sauce makes them ultra-accessible and time-saving.

A Versatile Recipe That Invites Creativity

One of the best things about Cranberry Brie Bites is how adaptable they are. While the base recipe includes only three main ingredients—puff pastry, brie, and cranberry sauce—you can customize it endlessly to suit your tastes or the occasion.

Want a touch of crunch? Add chopped pecans or walnuts on top. Prefer a fresh herbal note? A small sprig of rosemary or thyme adds both flavor and decoration. For a little extra indulgence, a drizzle of honey after baking balances the tartness of the cranberry and brings everything together with a warm sweetness.

You can even play with the type of cheese. While brie is the traditional choice for its creamy melt and mild taste, camembert or goat cheese can also work wonderfully in this format. The important thing is to maintain the balance between richness, acidity, and texture that makes these bites so special.

Perfectly Portioned for Any Occasion

The mini muffin tin format of this appetizer not only helps with even cooking but also makes them incredibly easy to serve and eat. Unlike large, messy appetizers that require slicing or utensils, these bites can be picked up and eaten in one or two bites—no napkin juggling or plate balancing necessary.

This makes them an ideal fit for parties, where guests are often standing or mingling. They also scale up beautifully. Whether you’re making 12, 24, or 48 bites, the preparation process is exactly the same. With just a few sheets of puff pastry and a wheel of brie, you can produce enough appetizers for a large crowd with minimal effort.

A Beautiful Addition to the Holiday Table

Cranberry Brie Bites are naturally festive in appearance. The bright red of the cranberry sauce pops against the golden brown of the puff pastry, while the creamy white of the melted brie peeks through, creating a contrast that’s both cheerful and appetizing. When topped with green herbs like rosemary or thyme, they become even more seasonally appropriate—like edible holiday ornaments.

These visual elements make them especially appealing for holiday entertaining, when presentation matters as much as flavor. They sit beautifully on appetizer trays, charcuterie boards, or even tiered cake stands as part of a larger festive spread. For Instagram-worthy results, arrange them in a circular pattern like a wreath or on a wooden board surrounded by seasonal garnishes like cranberries, orange slices, and sprigs of pine.

Quick and Easy to Prepare

Despite their gourmet look and taste, Cranberry Brie Bites come together in just minutes. Thawed puff pastry is easy to work with—simply roll it out and cut it into squares. Brie is naturally soft and easy to cube, and prepared cranberry sauce saves time without sacrificing flavor.

Once assembled in the muffin tin, they bake quickly—just 12 to 15 minutes in the oven is enough to crisp the pastry and melt the cheese. The only “hard” part is waiting a couple of minutes for them to cool slightly before serving.

Because they’re so easy to assemble, they’re a great choice for making with kids or involving other family members in the kitchen. You can even prepare the assembled bites ahead of time and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake, making them ideal for stress-free entertaining.

Impressive Flavor Without Overindulgence

While rich in flavor and texture, each Cranberry Brie Bite comes in at just around 90 calories, making them a relatively light option among holiday appetizers. They provide the satisfaction of buttery pastry and melted cheese without being too heavy or overwhelming—especially important during gatherings when multiple dishes are on offer.

Their modest size also helps with portion control. Guests can enjoy one or two as a pre-dinner nibble or indulge in a few more without feeling weighed down. It’s an appetizer that fits seamlessly into a holiday menu without overshadowing the main meal.

Great for Both Formal and Casual Events

Whether you’re hosting a cocktail party, preparing hors d’oeuvres for a wedding reception, or just enjoying a cozy night in with friends, these bites are an excellent choice. Their universal appeal—familiar ingredients, delicious taste, and stylish presentation—ensures they’ll be welcomed at any table.

They also travel well, making them perfect for potlucks or hosting at a friend’s house. Just bring them assembled and bake on site, or reheat gently in a warm oven before serving. They stay crisp and melty for quite a while, making them ideal for parties where food may sit out for longer periods.

Tips for Perfect Cranberry Brie Bites Every Time

• Use cold puff pastry to make cutting and handling easier. If it gets too warm, chill it again before baking to ensure maximum puff.

• Choose a mild brie with a creamy texture. You can remove the rind if you prefer, though it’s edible and melts nicely.

• Avoid overfilling the cups. A small amount of brie and cranberry sauce goes a long way, and too much can cause overflow during baking.

• Let the bites cool slightly in the tin to set. This makes them easier to remove and prevents burning fingers or mouths.

• If making ahead, assemble and refrigerate the bites raw, then bake just before serving to ensure maximum flakiness and freshness.

Conclusion

Cranberry Brie Bites are the epitome of easy elegance—festive, flavorful, and ready in minutes. With their golden puff pastry shells, creamy melted brie, and vibrant cranberry topping, these bites offer the perfect balance of textures and flavors that guests love. They require minimal prep, use accessible ingredients, and deliver maximum impact, making them a reliable go-to for holiday hosting and special occasions.

Whether served on a silver platter or a rustic wooden board, these little bites bring people together. They’re the kind of appetizer that disappears quickly, sparks compliments, and makes your guests feel truly cared for. So the next time you’re planning a gathering, add Cranberry Brie Bites to your menu—you’ll be glad you did.