Save This festive cranberry brie puff pastry recipe transforms simple ingredients into elegant, bite-sized appetizers that disappear within minutes at any gathering. The combination of buttery pastry, creamy brie, and tangy cranberry creates an irresistible flavor profile that balances savory and sweet perfectly.
I first made these bites for a last-minute holiday cocktail party when I needed something elegant but quick. They were such a hit that guests literally hovered around the serving platter, and now they've become my signature appetizer for everything from Thanksgiving to New Year's gatherings.
Ingredients
- Frozen puff pastry: thawed but still cold for the best rise and flakiest texture
- Brie cheese: with rind intact which adds complexity to the flavor profile and helps the cheese maintain its shape while baking
- Cranberry sauce: provides the perfect sweet-tart balance against the rich cheese
- Fresh rosemary or thyme: optional but adds wonderful aromatic notes that elevate the entire bite
- Chopped nuts: add textural contrast and a wonderful toasty flavor
- Egg wash: ensures a beautiful golden sheen on the exposed pastry edges
Instructions
- Prepare the oven:
- Heat your oven to exactly 400°F and line your baking sheet with parchment paper. The high temperature is crucial for creating those beautiful puff pastry layers. Make sure your oven is fully preheated before baking.
- Prepare the pastry:
- Roll the thawed pastry on a lightly floured surface to a perfect 10×10 inch square. The even thickness ensures uniform baking. Work quickly while the pastry is still cool to maintain its flakiness.
- Cut and shape:
- Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, divide the pastry into 24 equal squares. Press each square gently into the mini muffin tin cups, creating a slight indentation without compressing the layers too much.
- Add the cheese:
- Place a cube of brie in each pastry cup. The rind can stay on as it adds flavor and helps the cheese hold its shape during baking rather than completely melting and running off.
- Add the cranberry topping:
- Spoon approximately one teaspoon of cranberry sauce onto each cheese cube. Avoid overfilling as the sauce will bubble and could overflow during baking.
- Add optional enhancements:
- If using herbs and nuts, sprinkle them evenly over the cranberry sauce. The herbs will become fragrant during baking and the nuts will toast slightly.
- Apply egg wash:
- Brush the visible pastry edges with the egg wash mixture. This creates a professional looking golden finish and helps seal the pastry edges.
- Bake to perfection:
- Bake for exactly 16 to 18 minutes, watching carefully near the end. The pastry should be puffed and golden brown, and the cheese should be melted but not completely liquefied.
- Cool slightly:
- Allow the bites to cool in the tin for 5 minutes. This brief cooling period helps them set up so they can be removed without falling apart.
- Serve with care:
- Gently remove each bite from the tin using a small offset spatula if needed. Arrange on a serving platter and enjoy while still warm for the best flavor and texture.
Save The cranberry sauce is truly the magical ingredient in this recipe. I discovered its perfect pairing with brie years ago at a wine tasting, and it transformed how I approach simple appetizers. My grandmother used to make her cranberry sauce with orange zest and a splash of port wine, which adds incredible depth when used in these bites.
Make-Ahead Options
These bites are perfect for busy hosts who need to prepare in advance. You can assemble them completely up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate them unbaked in the muffin tin, covered with plastic wrap. When ready to serve, simply brush with egg wash and bake as directed, adding 2-3 minutes to the baking time since they'll be cold from the refrigerator. Alternatively, you can bake them earlier in the day, cool completely, then reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes just before serving.
Creative Variations
While the classic cranberry-brie combination is hard to beat, this versatile recipe welcomes many delicious variations. Try fig jam with a sprinkle of prosciutto for an Italian twist, or apricot preserves with a touch of crumbled blue cheese for sophisticated flavor. For a savory version, replace the cranberry sauce with caramelized onions and top with fresh thyme. During summer months, a dollop of peach preserves works beautifully with the brie. The pastry cups themselves can become a canvas for countless flavor combinations.
Serving Suggestions
These elegant bites pair wonderfully with both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Serve alongside prosecco or champagne for holiday gatherings, or a crisp Sauvignon Blanc for casual get-togethers. For non-alcoholic options, a sparkling apple cider complements the flavors beautifully. Arrange them on a wooden board with clusters of fresh grapes and sprigs of rosemary for a stunning presentation. For a more substantial appetizer spread, pair with a charcuterie selection and fresh fruit.
Troubleshooting Tips
Watch for proper sealing of the pastry edges to prevent cheese from leaking. If pastry becomes too warm while working with it, refrigerate for 10 minutes before continuing. For extra insurance against sticking, spray the muffin tin lightly with cooking spray before adding pastry.
Save These bites offer a delightful balance of flavors and textures, making them a crowd-pleasing appetizer for any occasion. Enjoy crafting and serving these elegant treats!
Recipe FAQ Section
- → Can I use a different cheese instead of Brie?
Yes, soft cheeses like Camembert or goat cheese make delicious alternatives with a similarly creamy texture.
- → Is store-bought cranberry sauce suitable?
Absolutely—either homemade or store-bought cranberry sauce works well and offers convenience and flavor.
- → How can I keep the pastry crisp?
Serve the bites soon after baking and avoid overfilling to ensure the pastry stays crisp and flaky.
- → Do these bites need to be served warm?
They are most flavorful served warm, but can be enjoyed at room temperature if needed for gatherings.
- → Can I prepare these ahead of time?
Assemble the bites in advance and store refrigerated, then bake just before serving for best results.