Ready to steal the show at your next holiday gathering? These Mini Cranberry Brie Bites with Puff Pastry hit every sweet-and-savory note your taste buds crave. I first whipped up this recipe when I needed easy christmas appetizers for a last-minute family get-together, and voilà—total crowd-pleaser. Seriously, who doesn’t love bite-sized treats that look fancy but feel like a cheat code?
If you’re hunting for Christmas Party Food Appetizers or Christmas Finger Food Ideas For Parties, you’ve landed in the right spot. These little guys fit right in with Holiday Party Appetizers or Christmas Dinner Appetizers, and they require just five ingredients (six if you count your enthusiasm). IMO, they beat most Holiday Appetizers Easy recipes hands down because you barely break a sweat.
Ever wondered why puff pastry works so magic? It puffs, it crisps, it layers—kinda like a flaky cloud holding creamy brie and tangy cranberry. And if you’re curating a Christmas Charcuterie Board or searching for Xmas Appetizers, these bites add that “wow” factor. FYI, you can prep them ahead (trust me, we’ll cover that). Ready to dive in? 🙂
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed)
- 4 oz Brie cheese, rind removed and cut into cubes
- ½ cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Pinch of salt and fresh ground pepper
- Optional garnish: fresh thyme leaves or chopped pistachios
Mini Cranberry Brie Bites with Puff Pastry
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- 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.
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a mini muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease it. This ensures each bite pops right out—no battle with sticky pastry.
- Unfold and roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Use a 2-inch round cutter (or a glass) to cut out 24 circles. Re-roll scraps to maximize yield.
- Press each circle gently into the muffin tin wells, creating a mini cup. The edges can be uneven—that’s part of the charm!
- Fill each cup with a cube of Brie, then top with about ½ tsp cranberry sauce. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of salt and pepper over each. Want a twist? Add a drop of honey for extra sweetness.
- Brush the edges of the pastry with the beaten egg. This gives you that golden-brown glow we all secretly Instagram. 😉
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the pastry puffs and browns. Keep an eye on them around the 10-minute mark—nobody likes an overcooked cheese volcano.
- Let cool for 2 minutes, then gently remove each bite. Top with thyme or pistachios if you’re feeling fancy.
Tip for Perfect Puff Pastry
Work quickly and keep everything cold. Puff pastry loves chill conditions. If it starts feeling too soft or sticky, pop it back in the fridge for 5 minutes.
Variations
If you want to switch things up, try one of these creative spins:
- Goat Cheese Swap: Replace Brie with goat cheese for a tangier bite. Great for those hunting robust Holiday Party Appetizers.
- Herb Infusion: Mix a pinch of rosemary or thyme into the cranberry sauce. It screams Christmas Eve Appetizers with an herbal kick.
- Nutty Crunch: Top each baked bite with crushed pistachios or walnuts. It adds color and a lovely crunch—perfect for Christmas Snacks For Party grazing tables.
Serving & Tips
Serving Ideas: Arrange these on a festive platter alongside your Christmas Charcuterie Board. They pair beautifully with spiced apple cider, mulled wine, or even a crisp Prosecco. Who said you can’t combine bubbles and carbs?
Storage Tips: Got leftovers? Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat at 350°F for 5 minutes so the pastry crisps back up.
Prep-Ahead Hack: Assemble the bites (minus egg wash) and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When the party’s about to kick off, just brush, bake, and serve. Talk about last-minute heroics!
These are not just Xmas Appetizers—they become the talk of the party. Ever seen someone resist a bite of pastry, cheese, and fruit? Yeah, me neither.
Final Thoughts
Wrapping these up almost feels like gifting joy on a tray. I still remember my first holiday potluck where I nervously showed up with these little morsels. They vanished faster than snowflakes in a warm kitchen. If you want Holiday Appetizers Easy yet impressive, this recipe’s your secret weapon.
Give it a try next time you plan Christmas Dinner Appetizers or cozy gatherings. I promise these bites bring laughter, compliments, and perhaps even a few jealous glances. Now go forth and bake—your taste buds (and guests) will thank you!
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FAQs
How long can I store these bites?
You can keep them in the fridge for up to 2 days. Store in an airtight container and reheat at 350°F for 5 minutes to restore crispiness.
Can I make them ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the bites (skip the egg wash) and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, brush with egg wash and bake as directed.
Are these freezer-friendly?
Yes, freeze unbaked assembled bites on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding 2–3 extra minutes to the cook time.
What can I use instead of cranberry sauce?
You can swap cranberry sauce for fig jam, apricot preserves, or even caramelized onions for a savory twist. Each variation opens new doors in your holiday spread.
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