The Ultimate Festive Cranberry Brie Bites

Looking for a crowd-pleasing, elegant, and delicious appetizer that’s both effortless and festive? These Cranberry Brie Bites are the answer. With gooey, melted brie tucked into a crisp, flaky pastry shell and topped with tart cranberry sauce, each bite delivers the perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and savory. Whether you’re prepping sides to bring to Friendsgiving, organizing a holiday open house, or assembling your list of Christmas appetiser ideas, these bites fit beautifully into every occasion.

They’re small but mighty, and trust us—no one can eat just one. These Christmas bitesize appetizers come together in under 30 minutes and make the most of just a few ingredients. Even better, they can be prepped ahead of time and baked right before guests arrive. From cozy dinners to festive gatherings, these cranberry bites brie bring cheer to any table.

Why You’ll Love Cranberry Brie Bites

Holiday appetizers should be three things: easy, impressive, and delicious. These bites check all those boxes and more. Here’s why this recipe is a must for your winter season:

Quick and easy—just 5 ingredients
Perfect make-ahead option for stress-free entertaining
Ideal for both casual and formal events
Visually stunning and festive
Pairs well with a variety of drinks and side dishes
Can be adapted to use camembert or other soft cheeses

Whether you’re making Christmas party bites or planning a menu of appetizer for Christmas dinner, these are guaranteed to disappear first.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe requires just a few simple ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to make 24 cranberry brie bites:

1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
1 wheel (about 8 oz) brie cheese
1/2 cup cranberry sauce (store-bought or homemade)
1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional, for crunch)
Fresh rosemary or thyme (optional garnish)

These ingredients come together quickly but make a huge impact—perfect for when you’re short on time but still want to serve something homemade and festive.

How to Make Cranberry Brie Bites

1. Prep the Puff Pastry
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly flour a clean surface and roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet to smooth it out. Cut into 24 small squares using a knife or pizza cutter.

2. Fill the Mini Muffin Tin
Place each pastry square into the cups of a mini muffin tin, pressing down slightly to form a small cup shape.

3. Add the Brie
Cut the brie into small bite-sized pieces, about 3/4-inch in size, and place one piece into each pastry cup. You can leave the rind on, as it becomes soft and mild when baked.

4. Spoon on the Cranberry Sauce
Top each piece of brie with a small dollop of cranberry sauce. Don’t overfill—just enough to add flavor without overflowing during baking.

5. Add Toppings
Sprinkle with chopped pecans for crunch and add a tiny sprig of rosemary or thyme if desired.

6. Bake and Serve
Bake for 12–15 minutes or until the puff pastry is golden and the cheese is bubbly. Allow to cool slightly before serving warm.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

This recipe is beginner-friendly and only requires a few basic kitchen tools:

Mini muffin tin
Sharp knife
Cutting board
Rolling pin (optional)
Small spoon or scoop
Baking sheet (if not using a muffin tin)

These bites are just as easy to prep as other holiday hits like Mini Crunchwrap Supremes or Garlic Parmesan Chicken.

Make-Ahead Tips for Busy Hosts

The holidays are busy, but these holiday brie bites can be made ahead to help lighten your load:

Make ahead, unbaked: Assemble the bites in the muffin tin, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake just before serving.
Make ahead, baked: Bake fully, let them cool, and refrigerate in an airtight container. Reheat in the oven at 300°F for 5–7 minutes before serving.

These are also perfect sides to bring to Friendsgiving, since they travel well and can be warmed on-site.

Creative Variations and Substitutions

Want to get creative with your cranberry brie bites? Try these fun ideas:

Use camembert instead of brie for a slightly funkier flavor
Substitute cranberry sauce with fig jam, apricot preserves, or pomegranate chutney
Add a pinch of cinnamon to the cranberry sauce for warmth
Swap puff pastry for phyllo dough for a lighter, crispier base
Top with crushed pistachios instead of pecans for a colorful twist

These swaps also make the recipe feel fresh even if you make it multiple times throughout the holiday season.

Serving and Presentation Ideas

These Christmas party bites shine brightest when served with care. Here are some festive serving tips:

Arrange on a white platter with sprigs of fresh herbs
Place around a small bowl of cranberry relish or spiced nuts
Pair with other appetizers like Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing or Boursin Cheese Appetizer
Add festive flair with sugared cranberries or edible gold leaf

These also make lovely additions to canape desserts trays due to their size and sweetness.

How to Store Leftovers

While they’re best fresh, leftover bites can be stored easily:

Place cooled bites in an airtight container
Refrigerate for up to 3 days
Reheat in the oven for 5–7 minutes at 300°F until warm and crisp

Avoid microwaving, as it may cause the pastry to become soggy. And remember, these little bites disappear fast—so consider making a double batch!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are a few quick reminders to ensure perfect cranberry brie bites every time:

Don’t overfill the pastry cups with cheese or sauce—it’ll spill over
Use cold puff pastry for easier cutting and shaping
Let the bites cool for a few minutes after baking to help them firm up
Don’t skip the garnish—it adds flavor and holiday charm

These tips will help your Christmas bitesize appetizers look professional and taste restaurant-quality.

FAQs About Cranberry Brie Bites

Can I freeze these bites?
Yes, assemble and freeze unbaked bites in the muffin tin. Once frozen, transfer to a bag. Bake from frozen at 375°F for 18–20 minutes.

Can I use crescent dough instead of puff pastry?
You can! Crescent dough will be softer and less flaky but still delicious.

Can I make them vegan?
Try a plant-based brie alternative and use a dairy-free puff pastry. Use a fruit spread instead of traditional cranberry sauce.

Do I need to remove the brie rind?
No need! The rind softens as it bakes and adds extra flavor.

Why These Are the Best Appetizer for Christmas Dinner

From their bold color to their warm, gooey center, cranberry brie bites are everything you want in a holiday appetizer. They’re sophisticated but simple, and they fit just as easily on a casual snack board as they do at a formal dinner. With minimal ingredients and tons of flavor, they’re one of the most versatile Christmas appetiser ideas around.

Plus, they look as festive as they taste—making them a top contender for any holiday gathering, potluck, or winter wedding.

Final Thoughts

When you’re building your list of appetizers for Christmas dinner, don’t overlook these easy, elegant cranberry brie bites. They deliver restaurant-worthy taste with home-cooked heart, and your guests will be raving long after the last one is gone. Add them to your holiday brie bites rotation—you’ll be glad you did.

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