Express Cranberry Brie Bites

Featured in: Seasonal Cooking Ideas

These bite-sized treats showcase creamy Brie nestled in light, flaky puff pastry with a dollop of vibrant cranberry sauce on top. Ready in under 30 minutes, they offer a harmonious balance of savory and tangy flavors, accented by optional fresh herbs and nuts for added texture. Ideal for easy entertaining, the golden pastry cups deliver a delightful blend of smooth cheese and fruity sweetness, perfect for sharing during any festive occasion.

Updated on Tue, 25 Nov 2025 08:34:00 GMT
Golden, bubbly Express Cranberry Sauce Brie Bites topped with vibrant cranberry sauce and herbs. Pin it
Golden, bubbly Express Cranberry Sauce Brie Bites topped with vibrant cranberry sauce and herbs. | smartyskitchen.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 appetizer has become my favorite holiday treat to serve, impressing guests with minimal effort.

Ingredients

  • Brie cheese: 200 g (7 oz), cut into 24 small cubes
  • Puff pastry: 1 sheet (about 250 g) ready-rolled, thawed if frozen
  • Cranberry sauce: 120 g (1/2 cup), store-bought or homemade
  • Chopped fresh rosemary or thyme: 1 tablespoon (optional)
  • Pecan halves or walnuts: 24 pieces (optional)

Instructions

Preheat oven:
Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F) and line a mini muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease it.
Prepare pastry:
Unroll the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Cut into 24 equal squares.
Form cups:
Gently press each pastry square into the wells of the mini muffin tin to form small cups.
Add Brie:
Place a cube of Brie into each pastry cup.
Add cranberry sauce:
Top each with 1 teaspoon of cranberry sauce.
Add garnish:
Optionally, sprinkle with chopped herbs or add a pecan half on top for extra flavor and crunch.
Bake:
Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until the pastry is golden and the cheese is melted.
Cool:
Cool for 5 minutes before serving warm or at room temperature.
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This recipe always brings my family together during the holidays, creating warm and joyful 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

Per serving: Calories 80, Total Fat 5 g, Carbohydrates 7 g, Protein 2 g

Warm, melty Brie nestled in flaky pastry with a dollop of sweet cranberry sauce, these Express Bites are perfect. Pin it
Warm, melty Brie nestled in flaky pastry with a dollop of sweet cranberry sauce, these Express Bites are perfect. | smartyskitchen.com

Enjoy these flavorful bites warm for the best taste and texture.

Recipe Questions & Answers

Can I substitute Brie with another cheese?

Yes, Camembert or goat cheese work well for a similar creamy texture with subtle flavor variations.

What kind of pastry is best for these bites?

Ready-rolled puff pastry provides a light, flaky base that crisps beautifully during baking.

Are there optional toppings to enhance flavor?

Fresh chopped rosemary or thyme add herbal notes, while pecan halves contribute a satisfying crunch.

How should I bake and serve these bites?

Bake in a mini muffin tin at 200°C (400°F) until golden and melted, then serve warm or at room temperature.

Can I make them nut-free?

Simply omit pecans or walnuts for a nut-free version without sacrificing taste.

Express Cranberry Brie Bites

Creamy Brie and tangy cranberry combine in crisp puff pastry cups for festive gatherings.

Prep Time
10 min
Time to Cook
15 min
Overall Time
25 min
Created by Emily Scott


Skill Level Easy

Culinary Roots American

Makes 24 Portions

Diet Details Vegetarian-Friendly

What You'll Need

Dairy

01 7 oz Brie cheese, cut into 24 small cubes

Pastry

01 1 sheet ready-rolled puff pastry (approx. 8.8 oz), thawed if frozen

Condiments

01 ½ cup cranberry sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Garnish (optional)

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

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

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

Step 03

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

Step 04

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

Step 05

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

Step 06

Add optional garnishes: Optionally, sprinkle chopped herbs or place a pecan half or walnut on top for added flavor and texture.

Step 07

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

Step 08

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

Tools You'll Need

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

Allergy Info

Review each item for allergens and reach out to a healthcare provider if unsure.
  • Contains milk, wheat/gluten, and tree nuts if using pecans or walnuts.

Nutrition Info (per portion)

Info for reference only. Always check with your doctor for health guidance.
  • Energy (Calories): 80
  • Fats: 5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 7 g
  • Proteins: 2 g