When it comes to holiday entertaining, there’s something magical about recipes that feel fancy but are secretly effortless. Brie Bites with Cranberry Crunch fall perfectly into that category. They’re buttery, gooey, sweet, and savory all in one bite—and the best part? They come together with just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep.

These little puff pastry cups are filled with creamy Brie cheese, topped with a mix of cranberries, brown sugar, and crunchy nuts, then baked until golden and bubbling. Whether you’re hosting a crowd, bringing a dish to a potluck, or just need something festive to snack on while decorating the tree, this recipe has you covered.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These bites aren’t just adorable—they’re dangerously addictive. Here’s why you’re going to want to make them for every gathering this season.

Key Benefits

• Quick to prepare – You’ll spend more time greeting guests than you will prepping these.

• Crowd-pleasing flavors – The combination of tangy cranberries, nutty crunch, and melty Brie is a holiday classic.

• Elegant presentation – They look fancy but don’t require any special skills.

• Perfect for make-ahead – You can prep them ahead and bake right before serving.

Suitable For

Brie Bites are a great option for so many occasions:

• Holiday parties like Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year’s Eve

• Casual gatherings where finger food is best

• Vegetarian guests (just make sure your puff pastry is vegetarian-friendly)

• Beginner cooks who want to impress without the stress

Ingredients for Brie Bites with Cranberry Crunch

This recipe uses ingredients that are easy to find, and once you’ve made it once, you’ll probably memorize it.

Core Ingredients

• Puff Pastry – One sheet, thawed. Store-bought is perfectly fine and saves loads of time.

• Brie Cheese – About 8 ounces, rind removed and cut into small cubes. You want it creamy and melty.

• Dried Cranberries – Chop them up so you can get that tart-sweet punch in every bite.

• Brown Sugar – Just a bit, to caramelize with the fruit and add warmth.

• Pecans or Walnuts – Finely chopped. Adds that nutty crunch that pairs so well with the Brie.

• Fresh Thyme (optional) – Adds a savory, aromatic twist. Totally optional, but a nice touch.

• Egg + Water – For the egg wash that gives the pastry its golden glow.

Substitutions and Tips

Don’t be afraid to swap ingredients depending on what you have on hand or your guests’ preferences:

• Cheese – Camembert works well too. Or try goat cheese for a tangier variation.

• Fruit – No cranberries? Dried cherries, raisins, or chopped dried apricots will work.

• Nuts – Almonds or hazelnuts make a great substitution if that’s what’s in your pantry.

• Herbs – Don’t have thyme? Try a small pinch of rosemary or just skip it entirely.

• Puff Pastry Alternatives – Phyllo dough can be used, though you’ll need to layer several sheets for structure.

Best Cheese for Brie Bites

Let’s talk cheese. Brie is a soft, creamy cheese that melts beautifully, which is exactly what you want in these bites. Here are a few quick tips when choosing your Brie:

• Double or Triple Cream Brie is ideal—it melts more smoothly and is rich without overpowering the other flavors.

• Pre-cut wedges are convenient, but if you can, buy a whole wheel and portion it yourself.

• Rind – Totally edible, but for this recipe, removing it helps the cheese melt more evenly and gives a smoother texture.

And yes, if you’re feeling experimental, Camembert or a soft goat cheese can give these a completely different flavor profile, but still work beautifully.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

You don’t need anything fancy for this recipe. Just a few basics will do the job perfectly.

Must-Have Tools

• Mini Muffin Tin – This is the key to shaping the puff pastry into perfect little cups.

• Rolling Pin – Helps flatten the puff pastry evenly.

• Pastry Brush – For brushing that golden egg wash around the edges.

• Sharp Knife – For cutting the pastry and Brie into small, even pieces.

• Mixing Bowl – For tossing the cranberry mixture together.

Nice-to-Have Tools

• Cookie Cutter or Pastry Wheel – If you want perfectly uniform squares or decorative edges on your pastry.

• Silicone Baking Mat – Great for rolling out the puff pastry without sticking.

• Kitchen Scale – If you like to be precise, especially when portioning the cheese.

How to Make Brie Bites with Cranberry Crunch

Ready to bake? Let’s walk through this step-by-step. You don’t need to be a pastry chef to pull these off. In fact, this recipe is one of the easiest appetizers you’ll ever make—and one of the most loved.

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

First things first—preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). You want it nice and hot so the puff pastry bakes up light and golden.

Then, take your thawed puff pastry out of the fridge and lightly flour your surface. Cold pastry is key here. If it’s too warm, it’ll get sticky and lose its puff in the oven.

Step 2: Roll and Cut the Puff Pastry

Use your rolling pin to gently roll the pastry out to about a ¼-inch thickness. Don’t go too thin—you want the bites to have some structure. Then, use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice the sheet into 24 equal squares, about 2 inches each.

No need to worry about perfect squares. They’ll still bake up beautifully.

Step 3: Assemble the Bites

Now the fun part. Grab a mini muffin tin and press each pastry square into a cup, gently molding it into shape. You’re creating little puff pastry baskets.

Drop a cube of Brie into each pastry cup. The cheese will melt down and fill the space, so no need to overstuff.

In a small bowl, stir together the chopped cranberries, chopped nuts, brown sugar, and thyme if you’re using it. This mix is your sweet, crunchy topping.

Spoon about a teaspoon of this cranberry-nut mixture on top of each piece of Brie.

Step 4: Egg Wash and Bake

In a small bowl, beat one egg with a tablespoon of water to make your egg wash. Use a pastry brush to gently brush the edges of each pastry. This step gives them that irresistible golden finish.

Slide the tin into the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Let the bites cool in the tin for a few minutes so they firm up a bit—this makes removing them easier. Then gently pop them out and transfer to a serving platter.

You can serve them warm (my favorite) or at room temperature. Either way, they’ll disappear fast.

Tips for Success

Here are a few tricks to make sure your Brie Bites come out perfect every time:

• Keep the pastry cold. If it gets too warm while you’re working with it, pop it back in the fridge for 10 minutes before baking.

• Use parchment under your cutting surface for an easy cleanup and no sticking.

• Don’t skip the egg wash—that golden color adds a lot of visual appeal.

• Chop everything finely. You want each topping spoonful to be balanced with fruit and nuts.

• Avoid overfilling. A little topping goes a long way, and too much can overflow and stick to the pan.

How to Store Brie Bites with Cranberry Crunch

If you somehow have leftovers—or you’re planning ahead—these bites are surprisingly forgiving.

At Room Temperature

You can leave them out for up to two hours on a party tray. Just be sure they’re on a plate or surface that allows a bit of airflow underneath so they don’t get soggy.

In the Refrigerator

Place the cooled bites in an airtight container and refrigerate for 2 to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in a 325°F oven for about 5–7 minutes to refresh the puff pastry and melt the cheese again. They’ll taste nearly as good as fresh.

Freezing Tips

Yes, these can be frozen—but it’s best to freeze them before baking. Assemble the bites in the muffin tin, then flash freeze the whole tin until firm. Once they’re solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag.

When ready to bake, place them back into the tin and bake from frozen, adding about 2 to 3 extra minutes to the baking time. They’re perfect for prepping days or even weeks ahead.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make these ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can assemble them fully and refrigerate them up to a day in advance, then bake just before serving. You can also freeze them before baking if you want to prep them even earlier.

Do I need to remove the rind from the Brie?

That’s totally up to you. The rind is edible and adds a subtle earthy note, but for smoother melting and a cleaner flavor, I recommend removing it—especially for bite-sized appetizers like this.

Can I make them gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you use a gluten-free puff pastry. There are several brands available in the freezer section at many grocery stores. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free.

What drinks go well with these Brie Bites?

These pair beautifully with sparkling wine or a crisp white like Sauvignon Blanc. If you prefer non-alcoholic, try a sparkling apple cider or a cranberry spritz. The flavors mirror the bites perfectly.

Related Recipes to Try Next

If you loved this Brie Bites with Cranberry Crunch recipe, you might enjoy these other festive and savory appetizers:

• Brie and Blackberry Puff Pastry Swirls with Honey Rosemary – Another puff pastry favorite with fruit and cheese.

• Easy Garlic Butter Cheese Bombs Recipe – Cheesy, buttery bites that melt in your mouth.

• Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Recipe – Sweet and creamy, ideal for pairing on a party platter.

Conclusion

Brie Bites with Cranberry Crunch are the kind of recipe you make once and immediately know it’s a keeper. They’re elegant enough for special occasions but easy enough to whip up on a whim. With their balance of creamy, tart, and crunchy, they check every box for the perfect appetizer.

So go ahead—grab a sheet of puff pastry, chop up some cranberries and nuts, and get baking. Whether you’re making these for a holiday party or a cozy night in, you’ll be glad you did.

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