
These Mini Brie & Cranberry Puff Pastry Bites are the easiest holiday appetizer I’ve tested this season. They bake in under 15 minutes, use only a handful of ingredients, and look instantly festive on any platter. I made several batches to compare fillings and pastry folds—the simplest square-to-cup shape baked the crispiest. These little bites deliver buttery puff pastry, creamy brie, and a sweet-tart cranberry pop in every mouthful.
At a Glance
- Ready in 25 minutes
- Uses store-bought puff pastry
- Make-ahead and reheat friendly
Ingredients
(US measures with helpful metric)
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed (about 8 oz / 225 g)
- 6 oz brie cheese, cut into 24 small cubes (170 g)
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce or cranberry jam (120 g)
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary (optional)
- Nonstick spray or butter for the muffin pan
Swaps & Notes
| Need | Swap | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Dairy-free | Dairy-free brie or soft plant-based cheese | Texture stays close; avoid overly runny varieties. |
| Gluten-free | Gluten-free puff pastry | Keep dough colder; GF varieties soften faster. |
| No alcohol/pork | No changes needed | Recipe contains none. |
| Pantry substitute | Raspberry or cherry jam | Keeps the sweet-tart profile. |
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the pastry
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a mini muffin pan. Cut the thawed puff pastry into 24 squares, roughly 2 inches each.
2. Fill
Press each square into a muffin well. Add one brie cube and 1 teaspoon cranberry sauce. Drizzle with honey and add a pinch of rosemary if using.
3. Bake
Bake for 12–15 minutes, until the pastry is puffed and golden. Cool 5 minutes and run a knife around the edges for easy release.
Tested twice; best texture came from baking at 400°F for 13 minutes.
Pro Tips & Variations
- Keep the pastry cold for the flakiest layers.
- Trim off the brie rind if you prefer a milder flavor.
- Add a tiny sprinkle of flaky salt after baking to balance sweetness.
- Swap rosemary for thyme for a softer herbal note.
- For a savory twist, add a small spoon of caramelized onions under the brie.
- Make ahead: assemble the cups, freeze on a sheet, and bake from frozen + 2 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm on a wooden board with fresh rosemary sprigs.
- Pair with a snack platter of grapes, nuts, and crackers.
- Add to a holiday brunch alongside quiche or frittata.
Storage & Reheating
Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freeze: Place in a single layer, freeze until solid, then store in a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
Reheat: Warm at 350°F (175°C) for 6–8 minutes (10 minutes from frozen).
Food safety: Do not leave baked bites at room temperature longer than 2 hours.
FAQs
Q1: Can I use camembert instead of brie?
Yes. Camembert melts similarly and works well in this recipe.
Q2: Can I prep these the day before?
Yes. Assemble and refrigerate unbaked cups up to 24 hours, then bake right before serving.
Q3: My puff pastry didn’t rise—what happened?
Warm dough prevents lift. Keep pastry chilled until the moment you assemble.
Nutrition (per serving)
Approximate per bite: Calories: 95; Protein: 2 g; Carbs: 10 g; Fat: 5 g
Print
Mini Brie & Cranberry Puff Pastry Bites
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 bites 1x
Description
These Mini Brie & Cranberry Puff Pastry Bites are a quick, festive appetizer ready in 25 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 6 oz brie, cut into cubes
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce
- 1 tbsp honey (optional)
- 1 tbsp chopped rosemary (optional)
Instructions
- Cut pastry into 24 squares and press into mini muffin pan.
- Fill with brie and cranberry; add honey and rosemary if using.
- Bake at 400°F for 12–15 minutes until golden.
Notes
Keep pastry cold; best baked at 400°F for 13 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bite
- Calories: 95
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 80
- Fat: 5
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Carbohydrates: 10
- Fiber: 0
- Protein: 2
- Cholesterol: 10
Keywords: brie cranberry bites, puff pastry appetizer