Tangy Cranberry & Brie Bites Appetizer Recipe for Holiday Gatherings

Cranberry and brie bites bring elegance to any gathering with their perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors.

These delightful morsels combine creamy cheese and tart fruit in a crisp, golden pastry shell.

Guests always find themselves reaching for more of these irresistible little appetizers.

Each bite delivers a complex taste experience that tingles the palate with sophisticated notes.

Soft, melted cheese nestles against bright fruit, creating a harmonious contrast that feels both refined and comforting.

Minimal ingredients elevate into a gourmet treat that looks far more complicated than its simple preparation suggests.

Small yet stunning, these appetizers promise to elevate your next social event.

What to Serve Alongside Cranberry & Brie Appetizers

• Pair with Sparkling Prosecco: Crisp, bubbly prosecco cuts through the rich, creamy brie and complements the tangy cranberry sauce, creating a delightful flavor explosion.
• Match with Light Pinot Noir: A chilled, fruity pinot noir enhances the appetizer's sweet and savory profile, bringing out the subtle thyme and cheese notes.
• Serve with Crisp Apple Cider: Refreshing apple cider provides a bright, slightly sweet contrast to the warm, melted brie and adds a nice seasonal touch.
• Accompany with Champagne Cocktail: A classic champagne cocktail with a hint of bitters elevates these elegant bites, adding sophistication to the appetizer experience.

Fun Cranberry & Brie Bite Flavor Combinations

• Mediterranean Medley: Replace cranberry sauce with olive tapenade and top with crumbled feta cheese for a zesty Mediterranean-inspired appetizer.
• Spicy Honey Kick: Drizzle hot honey over the brie bites and sprinkle with red pepper flakes for a sweet and spicy flavor combination.
• Caramelized Onion Upgrade: Add a layer of slowly caramelized onions beneath the brie for a rich, sweet depth of flavor that complements the creamy cheese.
• Prosciutto Wrapped Upgrade: Wrap each bite with a thin slice of prosciutto before baking to add a savory, salty element to the appetizer.

Why Cranberry & Brie Bites Appetizer Are Sweet, Savory Bliss

• Whip Up Elegant Party Bites: These sophisticated appetizers transform simple puff pastry into stunning, crowd-pleasing treats that look professionally crafted with minimal kitchen effort.
• Enjoy Contrasting Flavor Explosions: Creamy, rich brie melts perfectly against tart cranberry sauce, creating a delightful sweet-savory balance that dances across your taste buds.
• Master Quick Gourmet Cooking: These bites require just 20 minutes from start to finish, making them ideal for spontaneous entertaining or last-minute holiday gatherings without complicated techniques.
• Experience Textural Delight: Crispy, flaky pastry provides a satisfying crunch that beautifully complements the smooth, molten cheese, delivering a multi-dimensional sensory experience in each tiny bite.

What You’ll Need for Cranberry & Brie Bites Appetizer

Main Ingredients:

• Puff Pastry: Delicate, buttery base that creates a crispy and flaky foundation for the appetizer, best when fresh and cold.
• Egg: Helps create a golden, shiny surface and ensures pastry layers stick together perfectly.

• Brie Cheese: Creamy French cheese that melts beautifully and provides rich, smooth flavor, choose a soft and ripe wheel.

• Cranberry Sauce: Sweet and tangy complement that adds vibrant color and festive taste, homemade or store-bought works well.
• Fresh Thyme Leaves: Delicate herb that provides subtle earthy notes and elegant green garnish, pick bright green leaves without wilting.

How to Assemble Quick and Elegant Cranberry & Brie Bites

Step 1: Prepare Oven And Workspace

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone mat. Gather all ingredients and tools for smooth preparation.

Step 2: Work With Pastry Dough

Gently unroll puff pastry sheet on clean surface. Brush entire surface with whisked egg using pastry brush. Cut pastry into small rectangular shapes about 2 inches long.

Step 3: Create Layered Pastry Bases

Stack pastry rectangles to create double-layered pieces. This technique ensures crispy, flaky texture. Aim to make around 20 doubled pastry bases.

Step 4: Initial Baking Process

Place pastry rectangles on prepared baking sheet. Bake in preheated oven for 10 minutes until edges turn golden brown and pastry puffs up beautifully.

Step 5: Add Creamy Cheese Layer

Remove pastry from oven. Carefully slice brie cheese into small, bite-sized pieces. Place cheese pieces on top of each golden pastry base.

Step 6: Melt Cheese And Finish

Return baking sheet to oven. Bake for additional 3-5 minutes until brie melts completely and becomes soft and gooey.

Step 7: Garnish And Serve

• Cranberry sauce
• Fresh thyme leaves

Arrange on elegant serving platter. Serve immediately while warm for maximum flavor impact.

Tips for Perfect Puff Pastry Cranberry Bites

• Choose Quality Pastry: Select all-butter puff pastry for the richest, flakiest texture and most delicious flavor.
• Chill the Brie: Refrigerate Brie before slicing to ensure clean, precise cuts and easier handling.
• Control Cheese Portion: Cut Brie into small, uniform pieces to guarantee even melting and consistent bites.
• Prevent Soggy Bottoms: Place pastry rectangles on a preheated baking sheet to achieve crisp, golden edges.
• Enhance Flavor Balance: Use a high-quality, slightly tart cranberry sauce to complement the creamy Brie perfectly.

How to Store Cranberry & Brie Bites Without Getting Soggy

• Refrigerate: Store leftover bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, keeping them fresh and crisp.
• Reheat in Oven: Warm bites at 180°C (350°F) for 5-7 minutes to restore their original crispy texture and melted cheese goodness.
• Avoid Microwave: Skip microwaving, as it can make the pastry soggy and compromise the delicate, flaky layers of these delectable appetizers.

Cranberry & Brie Bites Appetizer Recipe

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4.8 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 22 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Cranberry & Brie Bites bring elegant flavors from France to your holiday table. Crisp puff pastry cradles creamy brie and tangy cranberry sauce, creating perfect bite-sized morsels you’ll want to savor at any festive gathering.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 400 g (14 ounces) ready-rolled puff pastry
• 150 g (5.3 ounces) Brie cheese
• 6 tablespoons cranberry sauce

Binding Ingredient:

• 1 egg, lightly whisked

Garnish:

• Fresh thyme leaves

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven space by positioning a rack in the center and heating to a precise 200°C (400°F), then line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a non-stick silicone mat.
2. Carefully unfurl the delicate puff pastry sheet, using a pastry brush to apply a thin, even layer of whisked egg wash across its surface for a golden sheen.
3. Using a sharp knife or pastry cutter, slice the pastry into uniform small rectangular shapes, ensuring each piece is roughly the same size for consistent baking.
4. Create layered pastry bases by stacking two rectangles together, gently pressing the edges to help them adhere and create a sturdy foundation for the toppings.
5. Transfer the doubled pastry pieces onto the prepared baking sheet, then slide into the preheated oven for approximately 10 minutes until they rise and turn a rich, golden brown.
6. Remove the puffed pastry from the oven and quickly top each piece with a small, delicate slice of creamy Brie cheese.
7. Return the cheese-topped pastries to the oven for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the Brie to melt and become luxuriously soft.
8. Finish each bite by adding a small dollop of vibrant cranberry sauce and garnishing with delicate, fresh thyme leaves for a burst of herbal aroma.
9. Serve these elegant appetizers immediately while warm, ensuring guests experience the perfect combination of crispy pastry, melted cheese, and tangy cranberry sauce.

Notes

• Quick and elegant appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings or sophisticated cocktail parties.
• Requires minimal ingredients but delivers maximum flavor with the creamy Brie and tangy cranberry combination.
• Prepare pastry layers in advance to streamline last-minute party prep and reduce kitchen stress.
• Ensure pastry is golden and crispy before adding cheese to maintain optimal texture and crunch.
• Fresh thyme adds a subtle herbal note that elevates the overall taste profile of these delightful bites.
• Serve immediately after baking to enjoy the warm, melted Brie and crisp pastry at their absolute best.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 160
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 210 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg