Name: Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries; ½ cup granulated sugar; ¼ cup fresh orange juice; 1 tsp orange zest; ⅓ cup water; ½ tsp ground cinnamon; ½ tsp vanilla extract; ⅛ tsp salt; 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed); 1 small wheel brie cheese (about 8 oz), cut into small cubes; 1 cup homemade cranberry sauce; 1 egg; 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash); 4 tablespoons chopped walnuts; Fresh rosemary sprigs (to garnish)

There’s something about the warm, melty brie paired with cranberries that just sings holiday cheer. This Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe is an absolute winner when you want an appetizer that feels fancy but comes together in a snap. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll be the star at every gathering.

The image shows six small puff pastry tarts arranged on a round white marble surface. Each tart has a golden-brown flaky crust as the bottom layer holding a bright red cranberry jam layer in the center. On top of the jam, there are small pieces of walnut adding a rough texture and a sprig of green rosemary for garnish. Nearby is a whole walnut piece and in the background, there is a white bowl filled with fresh red cranberries and a sliced baguette. The setting is bright and clean, emphasizing the vibrant colors and textures of the tarts. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made my fair share of holiday appetizers, but these cranberry brie bites always steal the show. The flaky pastry, creamy cheese, and that sweet-tart cranberry combo create a balance that hits every note perfectly. Plus, they require minimal fuss, leaving you more time to mingle—or sneak a few more bites yourself!

Effortless elegance: These bites look fancy but are surprisingly easy to make, perfect for impressing without stress.
Perfect flavor combo: The blend of tangy cranberries and rich brie is both comforting and festive.
Versatile for occasions: Whether it’s a holiday party or a cozy night in, these bites fit right in.
Make ahead friendly: Prep them in advance and just pop in the oven when guests arrive.

A small tart made of golden-brown puff pastry forms the base and walls, holding the filling. Inside, there are deep red roasted beet pieces, topped with small clusters of light brown chopped walnuts. A fresh green rosemary sprig sits upright in the center, adding a touch of color and texture contrast. The tart is resting on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient plays a starring role in crafting that irresistible bite. From the vibrant cranberries that provide a pop of tartness to the buttery puff pastry that gives a flaky base, it all works together beautifully. You’ll want to pick ripe, fresh cranberries for the best zing, or use frozen if fresh aren't available—just thaw and drain first.

Flat lay of fresh whole cranberries scattered beside a small white ceramic bowl of granulated sugar, a small white bowl holding bright orange juice, a few thin strips of fresh orange zest, a small white bowl of clear water, a small white bowl with ground cinnamon powder, a small white bowl containing vanilla extract, a small white bowl of fine salt, a neatly folded sheet of golden puff pastry, small cubes of creamy brie cheese, a small white bowl filled with vibrant homemade cranberry sauce, one whole uncracked brown egg, a small white bowl of water for egg wash, a small pile of chopped walnuts, and a few sprigs of fresh rosemary placed in perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Fresh or frozen cranberries: They give that signature tartness that balances the brie’s creaminess.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cranberries just right without overpowering.
Fresh orange juice: Adds citrus brightness that wakes up the sauce.
Orange zest: Imparts a fragrant aroma and subtle flavor boost.
Water: Helps simmer the sauce to the perfect consistency.
Ground cinnamon: Brings warmth and subtle spice.
Vanilla extract: Adds depth and sweetness to the cranberry sauce.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors, don’t skip it!
Puff pastry sheet: Your flaky, buttery canvas that holds everything together.
Brie cheese wheel: Creamy, melts beautifully, and balances the tart cranberries.
Homemade cranberry sauce: Boosts the bites with extra fruitiness and texture.
Egg for egg wash: Gives that golden, shiny finish that makes these bites pop.
Chopped walnuts: Adds a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor.
Fresh rosemary sprigs: The perfect herby garnish to brighten the plate.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love playing around with these bites depending on the season or who I’m serving them to. You’ve got so much room to tweak things without losing the essence of what makes this recipe special.

Variation: One time, I swapped walnuts for pecans and added a sprinkle of chili flakes for a tiny kick — guests went wild for the surprise heat!
Dietary tweaks: For a nut-free option, just skip the walnuts or replace them with toasted sunflower seeds.
Seasonal changes: Try swapping cranberry sauce with fig jam or apple chutney for a different flair that still pairs beautifully with brie.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe

Step 1: Whip Up a Lush Cranberry Sauce

Start by combining fresh (or thawed) cranberries with sugar, fresh orange juice, zest, water, cinnamon, vanilla, and a pinch of salt in a saucepan. Simmer them gently over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the berries burst and the sauce thickens — about 10 minutes. This part is where those bright, tart flavors really develop, so resist the urge to rush!

Step 2: Prep Your Puff Pastry Cups

Roll out your thawed puff pastry, then cut into about 24 small squares—big enough to line mini muffin cups nicely. Press each square gently into the tin, making sure to cover the bottom and sides but leaving enough room for filling. Keep your edges clean for that perfect ‘cup’ shape that holds all the goodness.

Step 3: Assemble the Bites

Drop a small cube of creamy brie into each pastry cup, then spoon in a dollop of your homemade cranberry sauce. Sprinkle a few chopped walnuts on top for that satisfying crunch. Brush the pastry edges with a quick egg wash made from beaten egg and water—this little step makes the final result beautifully golden and glossy.

Step 4: Bake Until Golden & Melty

Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 15 minutes, or until the puff pastry is puffed and golden, and the brie is starting to soften. Keep a close eye toward the end—you want perfect flaky pastry without burning those delicate edges.

Step 5: Garnish & Serve Warm

Let your cranberry brie bites cool for just a few minutes, then crown with tiny fresh rosemary sprigs for that festive aroma and pretty touch. Serve them warm to enjoy the gooey, melty brie paired with the bright cranberry topping.

Top Tip

I’ve learned that the devil is in the details when making these cranberry brie bites. Little adjustments can make a huge difference, especially if you want them to look as amazing as they taste.

Egg Wash Magic: Don’t skip the egg wash—it’s key for that gorgeous glossy finish and helps the pastry brown evenly.
Watch the Oven: Puff pastry cooks quickly; check around 12 minutes to avoid over-baking, which dries them out.
Room Temperature Brie: Let your brie warm up a bit before cubing to prevent crumbling and to get that creamy melt.
Keep Cranberry Sauce Thick: If your sauce seems too runny, simmer a little longer or stir in a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with water to thicken it up.

How to Serve Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe

Cranberry Brie Bites - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I always reach for fresh rosemary sprigs as garnish—it adds a lovely piney aroma and looks so festive. A light drizzle of honey or a dusting of finely chopped pistachios can also elevate the presentation and flavor if you want to get fancy.

Side Dishes

Pair these bites with a crisp green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette, or serve alongside prosciutto-wrapped asparagus for a fancy but balanced spread. Sparkling wines and bubbly cocktails also complement the rich brie and tart cranberries beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

I like arranging cranberry brie bites on a wooden board interspersed with fresh berries and herbs for holiday parties—it makes it feel extra special and inviting. For a crowd, group them around a decorative candle centerpiece to really set the mood.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store any leftover cranberry brie bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To avoid soggy pastry, keep them separate from any extra cranberry sauce until you’re ready to reheat and serve.

Freezing

I usually freeze these assembled but not baked—pop the tray in the freezer for a couple hours and then transfer the bites to a freezer bag. When guests come over, bake them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Reheating

To keep the pastry crisp, reheat cranberry brie bites in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 8-10 minutes rather than microwaving. This refreshes the flakiness while warming the brie just right.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use store-bought cranberry sauce for this recipe?

Absolutely! Store-bought cranberry sauce works fine and saves time, but homemade cranberry sauce adds a fresher, more vibrant flavor that really shines in these bites.

What’s the best type of brie to use?

Choose a creamy, mild brie that’s not overly aged. A younger wheel melts beautifully without becoming too sharp, which balances perfectly with the tartness of the cranberries.

Can I prepare these bites in advance?

Yes! You can assemble the bites up to 24 hours ahead, keep them refrigerated, and then bake them just before serving. This makes entertaining so much easier!

Can I make these gluten-free?

Definitely. Use a gluten-free puff pastry as a substitute and follow the recipe as usual. Many brands freeze and bake just like traditional puff pastry with fantastic results.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, these cranberry brie bites have become my go-to for holiday parties and casual get-togethers alike. They bring together the best flavors of the season in a bite-sized package that everyone can enjoy. Give this Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe a try—I have a feeling it’ll become your favorite too, and you’ll find yourself making it year after year.