Cranberry Brie Bites: A Festive, Elegant Appetizer

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cranberry Brie Bites are the kind of appetizer that disappear almost as quickly as you set them down. They combine creamy, melted Brie with sweet-tart cranberry sauce, all wrapped in a buttery, flaky base. I love this recipe because it feels effortlessly elegant while being incredibly simple to prepare. These bites are perfect for holiday gatherings, cocktail parties, or anytime you need a crowd-pleasing starter that looks impressive without requiring hours in the kitchen. I first made them for a holiday get-together when time was tight, and they quickly became a tradition. The contrast of textures and flavors is what makes them special: crisp pastry, rich cheese, and bright cranberry in every bite. They are warm, comforting, and festive, making them a reliable favorite for entertaining.

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Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Puff pastry or crescent dough
This forms the base of the bites. It bakes up golden and flaky, providing the perfect contrast to the soft filling.

Brie cheese
Brie is the star ingredient. Its mild, creamy texture melts beautifully and pairs wonderfully with the cranberry.

Cranberry sauce
Cranberry sauce adds sweetness and tang, balancing the richness of the cheese. Both homemade and store-bought work well.

Honey
Honey enhances the sweetness and adds a subtle floral note that complements the Brie.

Fresh rosemary
Rosemary adds a light herbal aroma and a festive touch, both in flavor and appearance.

Egg
An egg wash helps the pastry bake up golden and glossy.

Directions

Preheat the oven to 190°C and lightly grease a mini muffin tin. Roll out the pastry dough and cut it into small squares, pressing each piece gently into the muffin cups to form a shallow shell. Cut the Brie into small cubes and place one piece into each pastry cup. Spoon a small amount of cranberry sauce over the cheese, followed by a light drizzle of honey. Brush the exposed pastry edges with beaten egg. Bake until the pastry is puffed and golden and the cheese is melted. Remove from the oven and garnish with finely chopped rosemary. Allow them to cool slightly before serving.

Equipment needed

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.

large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.

Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.

Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.

Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.

9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.

knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes approximately twenty-four cranberry Brie bites. Preparation takes about 15 minutes, with a baking time of 12 to 15 minutes.

Storage/reheating

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.

large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.

Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.

Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.

Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.

9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.

knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.

Variations and Customizations

Pecan Cranberry Brie Bites
Add chopped pecans for extra crunch.

Spicy Cranberry Version
Mix a pinch of chili flakes into the cranberry sauce.

Fig and Brie Bites
Substitute fig jam for cranberry sauce.

Gluten-Free Option
Use gluten-free pastry dough.

Thyme Instead of Rosemary
Swap herbs for a slightly different aromatic note.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?

You can assemble them ahead and bake just before serving.

What type of Brie works best?

A firm wheel of Brie is easiest to cut and handle.

Can I remove the rind?

The rind is edible and melts well, but it can be trimmed if preferred.

Will the cheese leak out?

As long as portions are small, it stays contained.

Can I use phyllo dough?

Yes, but adjust layering to prevent dryness.

Are these very sweet?

They are balanced with sweet and savory notes.

Can I freeze them?

Freezing is not recommended due to texture changes.

What can I serve with them?

They pair well with wine and other small appetizers.

Can I make them dairy-free?

Use dairy-free cheese alternatives if available.

How do I keep them warm?

Serve shortly after baking or keep warm in a low oven.

Conclusion

Cranberry Brie Bites are a simple yet sophisticated appetizer that delivers festive flavor in every bite. With their flaky base, creamy center, and bright cranberry topping, they are a dependable choice for celebrations, holidays, and elegant gatherings of any size.

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