Why You’ll Love This Mini Cranberry Brie Bites with Puff Pastry
These little bites are easy, fast, and taste like a holiday party on your plate. Each puff pastry cup holds warm, melted Brie and a bright spoon of cranberry sauce. The mix of flaky pastry, creamy cheese, and sweet-tart cranberries makes each bite work for snacks, starters, or a small dessert. They look fancy but take little work. You can make many at once and feed a group. The mild Brie and fruity cranberry make a clean, familiar flavor that most people enjoy.
introduction
This short intro shows what these bites do and how they fit in a meal. These Mini Cranberry Brie Bites with Puff Pastry work for busy hosts and simple cooks. You can serve them at a family dinner, as an office snack, or at a potluck. They hold up well for short transport and make a pretty tray for guests. If you like small, tasty bites that warm up slowly, this recipe is for you. For another easy, oven-made treat that pairs well with fruit flavors, see this apple cinnamon scones with caramel recipe for ideas and inspiration: apple cinnamon scones with caramel.
Why Make This Recipe
Make this recipe when you want something quick that still feels special. The steps are simple: cut puff pastry, press into tin, add Brie and cranberries, bake. You do not need many tools or odd ingredients. Most items are pantry staples or store-bought short-cuts. The result is a warm, melted center that guests love. It is also easy to scale up or down. You can use fresh cranberry sauce you made before, or a jar from the store to save time. The whole process comes together in about 20 minutes of hands-on work and 12–15 minutes in the oven.
What You Need for Mini Cranberry Brie Bites with Puff Pastry
You only need a few tools and a clean surface. A mini muffin tin is best, but you can use a regular muffin tin and make larger bites if you like. A small round cutter or a glass works to cut pastry circles. A rolling pin or a flat bottle works to roll out the dough. A small brush helps with the egg wash to get a golden edge. Keep your Brie cold until you cut it so the pieces hold their shape.
How to Make Mini Cranberry Brie Bites with Puff Pastry
Work clean and move in order. Thaw the puff pastry in the fridge or at room temperature until it is soft enough to roll but still cool. Cut circles and press them into the mini tin to hold the Brie and cranberry. Use small cubes of Brie so they melt evenly in the short bake time. The cranberry layer can be spooned on top or placed under the Brie if you prefer a different texture. The egg wash makes the pastry shine and brown quickly. Bake until the pastry puffs and edges glow golden. Let them cool a minute or two so the melted Brie does not run when you remove the bites.
Ingredients:
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed)
- 4 oz Brie cheese (rind removed and cut into cubes)
- 0.5 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
- 1 pinch salt and fresh ground pepper
- fresh thyme leaves or chopped pistachios (for garnish)
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a mini muffin tin or line with paper liners.
- Roll out puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Use a 2-inch round cutter to cut out 24 circles. Re-roll scraps as needed.
- Press each pastry circle into the muffin tin wells to form small cups.
- Place a cube of Brie in each cup. Top with about ½ teaspoon of cranberry sauce. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Brush the pastry edges with beaten egg for a golden finish.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes or until pastry is puffed and golden brown. Let cool for 2 minutes before removing from the tin.
- Garnish with thyme or pistachios if desired. Serve warm.
Best Ways to Serve Mini Cranberry Brie Bites with Puff Pastry
Serve these warm from the oven for the best texture and flavor. Place them on a wooden board or a pretty plate so guests can take them easily. They go well with simple sides like mixed greens or a light fruit salad. If you need a pairing idea, a mild white wine or a sparkling cider complements the creamy Brie and tart cranberries. For a themed spread, add other small fruit-forward bites like an apple cranberry crumble pie to echo the bright flavors: apple cranberry crumble pie. If you serve these at a buffet, keep them in a warm oven at low heat for short times or reheat gently before serving.
How to Store Mini Cranberry Brie Bites with Puff Pastry
Store leftover bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The pastry will soften over time, so reheat in a hot oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–8 minutes to bring back some crispness. For longer storage, you can freeze the baked bites on a tray until firm, then move them to a sealed freezer bag for up to 1 month. Reheat from frozen in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 10–12 minutes, watching so the Brie does not overflow. If you plan to freeze before baking, assemble the pastry cups with Brie and cranberry, freeze on a tray until solid, then store in a bag and bake from frozen for a few extra minutes.
Easy Tips to Make Mini Cranberry Brie Bites with Puff Pastry
- Keep the puff pastry cold while you work. Cold pastry puffs better in the oven.
- Cut Brie into small cubes so each bite gets even cheese melting.
- Use a spoon or small piping bag to add the cranberry sauce for neat portions.
- Brush the pastry edges with egg wash right before baking for a shiny look.
- Do not overfill the cups. A small amount of cranberry keeps the pastry from getting soggy.
- If you skip the egg wash, sprinkle a little coarse sugar on top for a sweet twist.
- Let the bites rest 1–2 minutes after baking to set the melted Brie so removal is easy.
Try These Variations of Mini Cranberry Brie Bites with Puff Pastry
- Swap cranberry sauce for fig jam or apricot preserves for a sweeter bite.
- Add a small slice of prosciutto under the Brie for a salty edge.
- Use goat cheese instead of Brie for a tangy version.
- Add a sprinkle of crushed nuts like walnuts or almonds for crunch.
- Make mini tartlets with puff pastry shells and a spoon of cranberry, Brie, and a drop of honey on top.
These small changes keep the same basic method while giving new flavor choices for different tastes.
Common Questions About Mini Cranberry Brie Bites with Puff Pastry
Q: Can I use frozen puff pastry straight from the freezer?
A: It is best to thaw puff pastry first so you can roll and cut it easily. If you try to cut frozen pastry, it may crack.
Q: Do I need to remove the Brie rind?
A: The rind is edible, but many people remove it for texture and a smoother melt. Cutting it off is optional.
Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Yes. You can prepare them and keep them in the fridge until baking time, or bake and reheat later. See the storage section for details.
Q: Can I make larger tartlets?
A: Yes. Use a regular muffin tin or a tart pan. Bake a few minutes longer until the pastry is golden.
Q: How do I prevent the cranberry sauce from making the pastry soggy?
A: Use a small amount of sauce and place the Brie between the sauce and the pastry if you worry about sogginess.
Final Thoughts
These Mini Cranberry Brie Bites with Puff Pastry give great flavor with small work. They look nice, taste rich, and fit many events. With a short list of steps and a quick bake, you can make a large batch that disappears fast. Try the simple garnishes to add color and texture. The recipe lets you use store-bought items or fresh-made sauces to match your time and goals. They are a good choice for cooks who want a fast but classy snack.
Ready to Give It a Try?
Gather your puff pastry, Brie, and cranberry sauce. Follow the steps, and watch the pastry puff and the Brie soften into a tasty center. These bites are forgiving and easy to scale, so make enough to share. They are a simple way to bring a warm, homey touch to any table.
Conclusion
If you want another take on a small baked Brie appetizer, see the detailed guide and tips in this useful recipe for additional ideas: WellPlated’s Brie Bites {Easy Puff Pastry Appetizer}.
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Mini Cranberry Brie Bites with Puff Pastry
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 bites 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious mini cranberry brie bites made with flaky puff pastry, creamy Brie cheese, and tangy cranberry sauce. Perfect for snacks, starters, or celebrations.
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed)
- 4 oz Brie cheese (rind removed and cut into cubes)
- 0.5 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
- 1 pinch salt and fresh ground pepper
- fresh thyme leaves or chopped pistachios (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a mini muffin tin or line with paper liners.
- Roll out puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Use a 2-inch round cutter to cut out 24 circles. Re-roll scraps as needed.
- Press each pastry circle into the muffin tin wells to form small cups.
- Place a cube of Brie in each cup. Top with about ½ teaspoon of cranberry sauce. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Brush the pastry edges with beaten egg for a golden finish.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes or until pastry is puffed and golden brown. Let cool for 2 minutes before removing from the tin.
- Garnish with thyme or pistachios if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
These bites can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in a hot oven for best texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bite
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg