Express Cranberry Brie Bites

Featured in: Quick Brunch Ideas

These festive bites combine creamy Brie cheese with tangy cranberry sauce, all embraced in crisp puff pastry cups. Prepared quickly and baked to golden perfection, they offer a perfect balance of smooth, sweet, and savory flavors. Optional herbs and nuts add texture and aromatic depth, ideal for holiday gatherings or elegant occasions. Simple substitutions and tweaks enable flavor variations while keeping preparation easy and approachable.

Updated on Tue, 25 Nov 2025 09:58:00 GMT
Golden, bubbly Express Cranberry Sauce Brie Bites: warm melted cheese and sweet cranberry atop pastry. Save
Golden, bubbly Express Cranberry Sauce Brie Bites: warm melted cheese and sweet cranberry atop pastry. | toastybloom.com

A festive and effortless appetizer featuring creamy Brie, tangy cranberry sauce, and crisp puff pastry—perfect for holiday gatherings or any elegant occasion.

This recipe has always been a hit at family parties, bringing smiles and compliments every time.

Ingredients

  • Dairy: 200 g (7 oz) Brie cheese, cut into 24 small cubes
  • Pastry: 1 sheet (about 250 g) ready-rolled puff pastry, thawed if frozen
  • Condiments: 120 g (1/2 cup) cranberry sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • Garnish (optional): 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary or thyme
  • Garnish (optional): 24 pecan halves or walnuts (optional)

Instructions

Step 1:
Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F) and line a mini muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease it.
Step 2:
Unroll the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Cut into 24 equal squares.
Step 3:
Gently press each pastry square into the wells of the mini muffin tin to form small cups.
Step 4:
Place a cube of Brie into each pastry cup.
Step 5:
Top each with 1 teaspoon of cranberry sauce.
Step 6:
Optionally, sprinkle with chopped herbs or add a pecan half on top for extra flavor and crunch.
Step 7:
Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and the cheese is melted.
Step 8:
Cool for 5 minutes before serving warm or at room temperature.
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Sharing these bites with loved ones always creates warm and joyful holiday moments.

Required Tools

Mini muffin tin (24-cup), sharp knife, cutting board, spoon

Allergen Information

Contains: Milk (Brie cheese), Wheat/Gluten (puff pastry), Tree nuts (if using pecans or walnuts). Always check labels for possible traces of allergens in store-bought products.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 80, Total Fat: 5 g, Carbohydrates: 7 g, Protein: 2 g (per serving)

Close-up of baked Express Cranberry Sauce Brie Bites, showing creamy Brie and cranberry filling inside. Save
Close-up of baked Express Cranberry Sauce Brie Bites, showing creamy Brie and cranberry filling inside. | toastybloom.com

This appetizer is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and comes together in just minutes, perfect for any occasion.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use other cheeses instead of Brie?

Yes, Camembert or goat cheese can be used for varying flavor profiles while maintaining creamy texture.

How do I keep the pastry from getting soggy?

Pressing the puff pastry into mini muffin tins to form cups helps contain fillings and maintain crispiness after baking.

What herbs pair well with these bites?

Fresh rosemary or thyme add aromatic notes and complement both Brie and cranberry flavors beautifully.

Are nuts necessary for this dish?

Nuts like pecans or walnuts add crunch and richness but can be omitted for nut-free preferences without compromising taste.

Can the cranberry sauce be homemade or store-bought?

Both homemade and store-bought cranberry sauces work well, providing the signature tangy sweetness needed.

Express Cranberry Brie Bites

Creamy Brie and tangy cranberry atop crisp puff pastry create an effortless festive bite.

Prep Time
10 minutes
Time for Cooking
15 minutes
Complete Time
25 minutes
Recipe Creator Grace Miller

Recipe Group Quick Brunch Ideas

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type American

Servings Made 24 Portion Count

Dietary Notes Meat-Free

What You Need

Dairy

01 7 oz Brie cheese, cut into 24 small cubes

Pastry

01 1 sheet ready-rolled puff pastry, thawed if frozen

Condiments

01 1/2 cup cranberry sauce, store-bought or homemade

Garnish (optional)

01 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary or thyme
02 24 pecan halves or walnuts

Step-by-Step Directions

Step 01

Prepare oven and muffin tin: Preheat oven to 400°F and line a 24-cup mini muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease it.

Step 02

Cut pastry: Unroll puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and cut into 24 equal squares.

Step 03

Form pastry cups: Gently press each square into the muffin tin wells to create small cups.

Step 04

Add Brie cubes: Place one Brie cube into each pastry cup.

Step 05

Top with cranberry sauce: Spoon 1 teaspoon of cranberry sauce onto each Brie-filled cup.

Step 06

Optional garnishing: Sprinkle with chopped herbs and/or place a pecan half or walnut on top for added flavor and texture.

Step 07

Bake: Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until pastry is golden and cheese is melted.

Step 08

Cool before serving: Allow bites to cool for 5 minutes and serve warm or at room temperature.

Tools You'll Need

  • 24-cup mini muffin tin
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Spoon

Allergy Details

Look over every item for allergens. If unsure, check with your healthcare provider.
  • Contains milk, wheat/gluten, and tree nuts if nuts are added.

Nutrition (per portion)

For guidance only: not a replacement for professional medical counsel.
  • Energy (Calories): 80
  • Fats: 5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 7 g
  • Proteins: 2 g