Name: Festive Cranberry Brie Bites
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Cooking oil spray; 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed; 200 g (7 oz) brie, cut into 16 cubes; ⅓ cup (80 g) cranberry sauce; 1 tablespoon roughly chopped walnuts; 2 sprigs rosemary, leaves picked

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These Festive Cranberry Brie Bites are a holiday-season essential for me—perfectly crisp puff pastry filled with creamy brie and sweet cranberry sauce, then finished with crunchy walnuts and aromatic rosemary. They're as beautiful as they are delicious, and I love how they bring a pop of elegance and seasonal flavor to any table with minimal effort. Whether I'm hosting a holiday dinner or bringing a dish to a party, these are always a hit.

Festive Cranberry Brie Bites

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Cooking oil spray

1 sheet puff pastry, thawed

200 g (7 oz) brie, cut into 16 cubes

⅓ cup (80 g) cranberry sauce

1 tablespoon roughly chopped walnuts

2 sprigs rosemary, leaves picked

Directions

Preheat the oven to 220 °C (425 °F) or 200 °C (400 °F) fan-forced. Spray a mini muffin pan with cooking oil spray.

Cut the puff pastry into 16 even squares.

Press each puff pastry square into the holes of the prepared mini muffin pan.

Place one cube of brie in each pastry cup, then top each with about ½ teaspoon of cranberry sauce.

Bake for 10–15 minutes, or until the puff pastry is puffed up and golden brown.

Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.

Sprinkle each bite with chopped walnuts and fresh rosemary before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 16 bites and takes just 25 minutes from start to finish—10 minutes of prep and 15 minutes in the oven. Each bite contains approximately 135 kcal, making them perfect for a light, satisfying appetizer.

Variations

I like to switch things up occasionally by using different jams or cheeses. Fig or apricot jam makes a great substitute for cranberry sauce, especially if I want a slightly different flavor profile. I’ve also tried camembert instead of brie for a deeper, earthier taste. For a nut-free option, I leave out the walnuts or swap them with toasted pumpkin seeds. If I’m going for extra holiday flair, I sometimes add a tiny sprinkle of orange zest before baking.

Storage/Reheating

To store leftovers, I place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, I reheat them in the oven at 180 °C (350 °F) for about 5–8 minutes to crisp the pastry again. While the microwave is quicker, it tends to make the pastry soggy, so I avoid it unless I’m really in a rush.

FAQs

Can I make these cranberry brie bites ahead of time?

Yes, I often assemble the bites a few hours in advance and keep them refrigerated until I’m ready to bake. I wait to sprinkle on the walnuts and rosemary until just before serving.

Can I use homemade cranberry sauce?

Absolutely. I love using leftover homemade cranberry sauce—it adds a fresher, richer flavor than store-bought. Just make sure it’s not too runny so it doesn’t overflow while baking.

What kind of puff pastry should I use?

I use store-bought frozen puff pastry sheets for convenience. Just be sure to fully thaw them in the fridge or at room temperature before cutting and using.

Can I freeze them?

While I don’t recommend freezing them after baking (the texture suffers), I’ve had success freezing the unbaked assembled bites in the muffin tin. Once frozen solid, I transfer them to a freezer bag. I bake them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Do I need to remove the rind from the brie?

No, I leave the rind on—it’s perfectly edible and melts nicely. Plus, it helps hold the cheese together as it bakes.

Conclusion

These Festive Cranberry Brie Bites are one of my go-to appetizers for holiday entertaining. They’re quick, elegant, and pack a flavorful punch in a tiny package. With minimal ingredients and simple prep, they’re perfect for both beginner cooks and seasoned hosts. Whether served at a Christmas party or New Year's Eve gathering, these savory-sweet bites always steal the show.

📖 Recipe:

Festive Cranberry Brie Bites

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Author: Cheryl
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 16 bites
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Festive Cranberry Brie Bites are the perfect holiday appetizer—featuring golden puff pastry, creamy brie, tart cranberry sauce, crunchy walnuts, and aromatic rosemary, all in one elegant bite.