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 utterly irresistible about these Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe – flaky puff pastry hugging creamy brie cheese, topped with tart cranberry sauce and a sprinkle of walnuts. Every bite bursts with sweet, tangy, and buttery goodness that’s perfect for holiday gatherings or any time you want a crowd-pleasing appetizer.

The image shows seven small, puffed pastry tarts arranged on a white marbled surface. Each tart has a golden-brown, flaky crust folded up around two layers inside: a deep red jam or fruit spread at the bottom and topped with crushed walnuts and whole walnut pieces. A small sprig of green rosemary sits on top of each tart, adding a fresh touch. In the background, there is a white square bowl filled with bright red cherries, and part of a sliced bread loaf is also visible on the left side. The setup is bright and inviting with a focus on the texture and color contrast 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

Honestly, I can’t say enough good things about this Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe. It’s one of those dishes I keep making year after year because it brings such a perfect balance of flavors in such an elegant little package. Plus, it’s ridiculously easy to pull together, even if you’re pressed for time.

Simple Ingredients: You probably already have most of these in your kitchen, making it stress-free to prepare.
Perfect Party Food: These bite-sized treats look fancy but are so easy to eat, ideal for mingling.
Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep parts in advance and just bake right before serving.
Flavor Explosion: The combination of creamy brie, tart cranberries, and flaky pastry is absolutely dreamy.

The image shows a close-up of a small tart with golden-brown flaky crust forming the base and sides. Inside, there is a layer of dark red roasted beet pieces with a slightly wrinkled texture. On top of the beets, there are light brown walnut halves adding a crunchy look. A small green rosemary sprig is placed in the center, adding a fresh touch. The tart sits on a white marbled surface with other similar tarts blurred in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic here lies in how these ingredients play off each other. The tartness of fresh cranberries balanced by the sweet orange zest and sugar creates a bright sauce that perfectly contrasts the rich, mellow brie. Using puff pastry brings buttery, flaky layers that elevate every bite – and those walnuts add a delightful crunch.

Flat lay of fresh bright red cranberries loosely scattered, a small pile of granulated white sugar, a small white ceramic bowl filled with fresh orange juice, a few thin strips of orange zest, a small white bowl with clear water, a tiny heap of ground cinnamon powder, a small white bowl with vanilla extract, a pinch of fine salt, a neatly folded square sheet of pale golden puff pastry, small cubes of creamy white brie cheese with rind, a small white bowl filled with vibrant homemade cranberry sauce, a single whole uncracked brown egg, a small white bowl of water for egg wash, a small pile of chopped walnuts with natural brown skin, and a few fresh dark green rosemary sprigs arranged with perfect symmetry, placed 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

Cranberries: Fresh or frozen works; they bring tartness that cuts through the cheese’s creaminess.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cranberry sauce, balancing the tart berries perfectly.
Fresh orange juice and zest: Adds a vibrant citrus note that livens up the sauce.
Water: Blends everything smoothly, creating the right sauce consistency.
Ground cinnamon: Provides subtle warmth and depth to the cranberry sauce.
Vanilla extract: Enhances sweetness with a hint of complexity.
Salt: Just a pinch to bring all the flavors forward.
Puff pastry sheet: The buttery, flaky base that makes these bites irresistible.
Brie cheese (small wheel): Cut into cubes for melty, creamy pockets inside each bite.
Homemade cranberry sauce: A layer of rich, sweet-tart flavor atop the brie.
Egg and water (for egg wash): To give the pastry a beautiful golden, glossy finish.
Chopped walnuts: For inviting crunch and a bit of earthy flavor.
Fresh rosemary sprigs: Garnish with a subtle piney aroma and festive look.

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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

One of my favorite things about this Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe is how easy it is to customize. I often swap walnuts for pecans or sprinkle a bit of chili powder for a subtle kick. Don’t hesitate to get creative – this recipe is like a blank canvas for holiday flavors.

Variation: For a dairy-free twist, try swapping the brie for a vegan cheese option – it works surprisingly well if you melt it nicely.
Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika to the cranberry sauce for a warm, unexpected flavor.
Seasonal swap: Use fig jam instead of cranberry sauce for a sweet and earthy alternative.
Nut-free: Skip walnuts and top with toasted breadcrumbs or seeds to maintain a nice crunch.

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

Step 1: Make the Cranberry Sauce

Start by combining your cranberries, sugar, orange juice and zest, water, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir it gently as the berries soften and burst, turning into that jewel-toned sauce that smells like the holidays. I let it simmer for about 10 minutes, watching the consistency—thick but still saucy is key. Let it cool before assembling.

Step 2: Prep the Puff Pastry Cups

Roll out the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Using a round cutter or a glass, cut out circles big enough to fit into a mini muffin tin—these will be your bite-sized cups. Gently press each circle into the tin, forming a little shell. Pro tip: Keep the pastry cold until baking; it puffs up best that way.

Step 3: Fill and Bake

Pop a small cube of brie into each pastry cup, then top with a spoonful of your homemade cranberry sauce. Brush the pastry edges with your egg wash to ensure a golden finish. Sprinkle chopped walnuts over the top for a crunch that ties together the flavors. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 15 minutes until the pastry is puffed and golden, and the cheese is deliciously melty.

Top Tip

From baking these Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe countless times for my family, I’ve learned a few little tips that make a big difference—you’ll thank me!

Keep Pastry Cold: Make sure your puff pastry stays cold before baking – this helps it puff beautifully and stay flaky.
Don’t Overfill: Too much cranberry sauce or cheese can make the pastry soggy, so use modest amounts for the best texture.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh orange zest and juice really brighten the cranberry sauce more than bottled juice ever could.
Serve Warm: These taste best right out of the oven. If reheating, a quick warm-up in the oven keeps that crispy crust intact.

How to Serve Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe

cranberry brie bites - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love garnishing these bites with a tiny sprig of fresh rosemary – it adds a pop of color and a lovely piney aroma that feels so festive. A small drizzle of honey over the top right before serving is another favorite trick for a touch of extra sweetness.

Side Dishes

Pair these Cranberry Brie Bites with a crisp green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette or alongside a charcuterie board featuring cured meats and olives for a well-rounded appetizer spread. Fresh fruit like apple slices or grapes also complements the flavors beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties, I arrange these bites on a rustic wooden board lined with sprigs of rosemary and cranberries for a festive look. You can also serve them in muffin liners for easy grabbing or in decorative mini tart pans to elevate presentation. I once made a “Cranberry Brie Bite Tower” by stacking them with layers of fresh herbs and it was a showstopper!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep nicely in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. I always recommend reheating them in the oven or toaster oven to reset that crispy puff pastry texture instead of microwaving, which can make them soggy.

Freezing

You can freeze these cranberry brie bites assembled but unbaked by placing them on a baking sheet to freeze individually first, then transferring to a sealed bag. When you want to serve, bake them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time. This has saved me on busy holiday prep days more than once!

Reheating

To reheat, place the bites on a baking sheet and warm at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes until heated through and flaky again. This method keeps the cheese melty while avoiding soggy pastry—microwaves just don’t cut it here.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make the cranberry sauce ahead of time?

Yes! Making the cranberry sauce a day or two in advance actually enhances the flavors. Just keep it refrigerated in a sealed container until ready to use.

What’s the best type of brie to use?

A small wheel of creamy, high-quality brie (around 8 ounces) works best since it melts nicely and has that perfect balance of earthy and buttery flavor.

Can I use frozen puff pastry?

Yes! Frozen puff pastry works great as long as you thaw it properly in the fridge overnight so it’s pliable and doesn’t tear when you cut it.

How do I prevent the pastry from getting soggy?

Avoid overfilling the pastry cups with cranberry sauce and brie. Using a modest amount and baking right after assembling helps keep the pastry crisp and flaky.

Final Thoughts

This Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe has become my go-to appetizer whenever friends gather—so much so that it has a permanent spot in my holiday repertoire. It’s simple, elegant, and somehow feels both fancy and homey at the same time. Trust me, once you make these, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again to add a little delicious sparkle to any occasion.