Cranberry Brie Bites Cranberry Brie Bites

Name: Cranberry Brie Bites
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 17 min
Total time: 33 min
Ingredients: 2 sheets frozen puff pastry (thawed (17.3 oz package)); 8 oz brie cheese (cut into small cubes, approximately 48 cutes); ¾ cup cranberry sauce (see recipe notes for homemade recipe. Either whole berry or jellied work.); ½ cup chopped pecans; 2 tablespoons honey; 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary (finely chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)); 1 egg (beaten (for egg wash)); rosemary sprigs for garnish (or thyme sprigs, optional)

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If you are looking for a festive finger food that is simple to make but absolutely stunning, look no further than our Brie bites with cranberry. Buttery puff pastry wrapped around creamy Brie, a dollop of tangy-sweet cranberry sauce, a sprinkle of rosemary and the crunch of pecans? Yes, please! They are bite-sized, beautiful, and ready to be your favorite appetizer at your next holiday gathering.

Low-angle, close-up view of several Brie and cranberry appetizers arranged on a white plate with a brown rim, showing the flakiness of the pastry and the melted cheese filling.

Our brie cheese and cranberry bites are the perfect mix of creamy, flaky, sweet, and tangy in every bite. The different textures are irresistible: crispy puff pastry, melty cheese, tart cranberry sauce, and crunchy pecans. Our puff pastry appetizer recipe is easy to make, prep-ahead friendly, and can be baked straight from the freezer. Camembert works as a swap for Brie, and both whole berry or jellied cranberry sauce are able to be used.

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Why We Love These Brie Bites with Cranberry

They are the perfect bite-sized snack
Each one is a little bundle of flaky pastry making it an easy to grab holiday appetizer. They are filling- without being too filling, as any perfect appetizer should be!
They look like something you’d buy at a bakery but in reality they are so simple to put together. The premade puff pastry is cut into small rectangles, you add the filling, pinch to close, bake and enjoy! The subtle Christmas colors (red cranberry sauce, green rosemary and the golden hue of the puff pastry) are festive, without being over the top. They are elegant and sure to impress guests.
They can be made ahead of time- anyone who has ever hosted an event or attended a gathering where they were expected to bring something knows- it gets hectic! Trying to get yourself ready and hot food prepared requires careful planning. Our Brie bites with cranberry can be made ahead of time and kept in the refrigerator until you are ready to bake. This makes it easy to pop them in the oven right before guests arrive (or before you need to leave) and provide a freshly baked appetizer to be enjoyed by all.

Tight close-up of a single golden brown Brie and cranberry puff pastry bite, garnished with a fresh sprig of rosemary and drizzled with honey.

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

Frozen puff pastry: Thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture. If you’re short on time, let it sit at room temp for about 40 minutes. Don’t let it get too warm or it may get sticky.
Brie cheese: Camembert is a great swap for Brie and brings the same creamy texture. You can leave the rind on or remove it, totally up to you.
Cranberry sauce: We have a homemade cranberry sauce recipe if you’d like to make it from scratch. Or purchase your favorite brand of cranberry sauce from the store.
Pecans: Walnuts or almonds work well too, or you can skip the nuts entirely if needed.
Honey: Optional, but adds that final touch of sweet contrast against the flaky puff pastry. Maple syrup is a tasty substitute.
Egg: This gives the bites that shiny, golden finish. You can skip it, but they won’t be as glossy.
Rosemary: Fresh rosemary adds a fragrant, woodsy flavor and a festive look. You can substitute with 1 teaspoon dried rosemary or use thyme for a milder herb flavor. If you prefer no herbs, you can leave them out entirely, the bites will still be delicious

This is a great way to use up any of your leftover cranberry sauce from holiday gatherings, you can also use leftover cranberry sauce for Cranberry Salad with Jello.

Flat lay of all the raw ingredients for the appetizer, with labels: frozen puff pastry, chopped brie cheese, cranberry sauce, pecans, chopped fresh rosemary, a beaten egg, and honey.

🎯 TFN Pro Tip

Keep your puff pastry dough cold while working with it. If it gets too soft or sticky, place it back in the fridge for 10–15 minutes before continuing. Cold dough gives you that beautiful, flaky rise. Also keep it covered to avoid it getting dried out. While working on one sheet of puff pastry I kept the other sheet covered with a clean, dry tea towel.

Recipe Variations

Raspberry goat cheese bites: Swap out the brie and cranberry sauce for creamy goat cheese and a dollop of raspberry jam. The tangy-sweet flavor is amazing and still gives you that bite-sized app everyone loves.
Fig jam and brie crescent bites: Use crescent dough instead of puff pastry for a softer texture, and fill each bite with fig jam and brie.
Savory onion and goat cheese bites: Skip the cranberry and add a spoonful of caramelized onions with goat cheese in each cup. The savory depth of flavor will win over anyone who doesn’t love fruit in their appetizers!

Equipment Used in this Recipe

Baking sheets
Parchment paper
Sharp knife or pizza cutter
Pastry brush
Small spoon or teaspoon
Tongs

Extreme close-up shot of multiple baked Brie bites on a wooden board, showcasing the melted Brie cheese, red cranberry sauce, and rosemary sprigs nested in the flaky puff pastry cups.

How to Make Brie Cheese and Cranberry Bites

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
Unfold the thawed puff pastry dough on a lightly floured surface. Using a sharp knife, pizza cutter, or even a bench scraper, cut each sheet into 12 small rectangles. Aim for a 3×4 grid. This gives you a total of 24 small pieces.
Place two small pieces of brie cheese in the center of each rectangle. Spoon about 1 teaspoon of cranberry sauce on top. Add a few chopped pecans and a tiny pinch of rosemary to each.

Overhead shot of a sheet of raw puff pastry dough, cut into twelve uniform squares, resting on a marble countertop.

Overhead preparation shot on an olive wood cutting board: a square of puff pastry dough topped with two small cubes of Brie cheese.

Overhead preparation shot on a wooden cutting board: a square of puff pastry is fully assembled with Brie cheese, cranberry sauce, pecans, and a small sprig of rosemary.

Bring all four corners of each rectangle up toward the center, pinching the top to seal and create a little pouch. You can use a fork to help press the seams together if needed. It doesn’t have to be perfect. A rustic look is part of their charm!
Arrange the bites on your baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Brush the tops with the egg wash for that golden shine as they bake.

Overhead preparation shot on a wooden cutting board, showing a single Brie bite carefully pinched and folded into a small, sealed pouch shape.

Overhead view of a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, holding twelve uncooked, filled Brie bites folded into pouch shapes, ready for the oven.

Overhead view of the baking sheet with twelve uncooked Brie bites that have been lightly brushed with an egg wash for a golden brown finish.

Bake in the center of your oven for 15 to 17 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden and puffed beautifully.
Once out of the oven, use tongs to place on your serving platter and drizzle the bites with honey and sprinkle with a bit of chopped rosemary. For an extra festive look, top each bite with a small sprig of rosemary or thyme.

Overhead view of a baking sheet with twelve golden brown Brie and cranberry bites that are fully baked and puffed up, with the melted cheese and cranberry filling visible.

Overhead view of a baking sheet with twelve baked Brie and cranberry bites. A small bowl of honey and a wooden dipper are visible at the top, ready for drizzling.

Top-down flat lay of the baked Brie and cranberry appetizers served on a rustic wooden board, accompanied by bowls of cranberry sauce and chopped pecans, and a honey dipper.

🎯 TFN Pro Tip

For a prettier presentation, use a fork to gently crimp the edges of each puff pastry bite before baking. It adds charm and helps seal in the filling. And don’t forget to garnish the platter with a fresh sprig of rosemary and whole cranberries for a festive touch!

Serving Suggestions

These brie bites with cranberry will disappear from your appetizer table fast! Serve them before a cozy main dish like glazed ham, roast turkey, or smoked pork tenderloin.

They also pair beautifully on a charcuterie board alongside crackers, olives, and spiced nuts. Put our tater tot appetizer cups on your appetizer table of more easy grab and go options. For sides and soups, try offering an acorn squash soup or a crisp green salad with balsamic vinaigrette to complement their sweet-savory flavor.

If you’re putting together a full holiday spread, these bites go wonderfully with mashed potatoes, green beans, or maple-glazed brussels sprouts. Finish the meal with festive treats like pecan pie bars or white chocolate raspberry cookies, and sip on sparkling apple cider, mulled wine, or a cranberry punch for a memorable and balanced holiday gathering.

Puff Pastry Appetizer Recipe FAQs

Can I make these brie bites with cranberry ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the bites up to 4 hours ahead and refrigerate them covered with plastic wrap. Just brush with egg wash right before baking. For longer prep, freeze the unbaked bites on a sheet pan until firm, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding 2-3 extra minutes to the baking time.

Do I need to remove the rind from the brie?

Not at all. The rind on brie is edible and adds a nice layer of flavor. If you prefer a smoother melt or want a milder taste, you can remove it, but it’s completely optional. Just be sure to cut the brie into small, even pieces so they melt nicely inside the puff pastry.

How should I store leftovers?

Brie bites with cranberry are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, pop them in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes to bring back the crisp texture. Avoid microwaving since it will make the pastry soft.

Do these need to be served warm?

They’re wonderful warm when the cheese is melty, but they’re also great at room temperature. That makes them a fantastic option for holiday parties or buffets where you want appetizers that can sit out for a bit.

Close-up, horizontal view of a platter piled high with flaky, golden Cranberry Brie Bites, each topped with a small sprig of rosemary.

More Holiday Recipes to Love…

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