A festive 15-minute appetizer that disappears fast!
These cranberry brie bites are the ultimate Christmas party hack - ready in 15 minutes with just 5 ingredients. The flaky puff pastry cups are filled with melted brie, tangy cranberry sauce, and crunchy pecans for a perfect balance of textures and flavors.
Perfect for busy hosts who want to serve an elegant appetizer without spending hours in the kitchen. The golden pastry cups look festive and professional, while the combination of creamy cheese, sweet-tart cranberry, and toasted pecans creates a flavor explosion in every bite.
This easy recipe requires no special skills - just assemble, bake, and serve. The bites freeze beautifully for make-ahead holiday entertaining, and they're guaranteed to be the first appetizer to disappear at your Christmas gathering!
With the holiday season approaching, these cranberry brie bites are the perfect solution for last-minute party planning. They pair beautifully with sparkling wine or mulled cider, making them a complete festive menu item.
Get ready to impress your guests with this no-stress, high-impact appetizer that will have everyone asking for the recipe!
Why This Recipe Works
⏰ Quick & Easy
Ready in just 15 minutes with minimal effort - perfect for last-minute holiday entertaining.
💰 Affordable Ingredients
Uses common pantry staples and affordable specialty items for budget-friendly entertaining.
👥 Crowd-Pleasing
Combines sweet, salty, and savory flavors that appeal to a wide range of palates.
🌟 Festive Presentation
Golden pastry cups with vibrant cranberry and rosemary create a beautiful holiday display.
5-Ingredient Cranberry Brie Bites
Perfect for Christmas parties!
🛒 Ingredients
- - 1 sheet frozen puff pastry (18 oz)
- - 8 oz brie cheese (room temperature)
- - ½ cup cranberry sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- - ¼ cup chopped toasted pecans
- - Fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish
👨🍳 Instructions
Prepare Pastry: Thaw puff pastry according to package instructions. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
💡 Use a pizza cutter to create 24 equal squares for uniform bites.
Form Cups: Use a 3-inch round cutter to create 24 circles. Press each into a muffin tin to form cups. Bake for 10 minutes until golden brown.
💡 For extra flakiness, brush with a little melted butter before baking.
Add Filling: Remove from oven. Add 1 teaspoon brie to each cup. Spoon ½ teaspoon cranberry sauce over the cheese. Top with pecan pieces.
💡 For richer flavor, use a mix of brie and cream cheese.
Finish & Serve: Garnish with rosemary sprigs. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 24 hours before serving.
💡 These freeze beautifully - assemble, freeze until solid, then store in airtight containers.
Nutrition (per serving):
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Puff Pastry
Provides the flaky, buttery base that holds up to the cheese. You can substitute with store-bought pastry cups for even faster prep.
Substitutions: Frozen pie crust, biscuit dough
Brie Cheese
The soft, creamy brie melts beautifully and pairs perfectly with the tart cranberry sauce. Use room temperature cheese for even melting.
Substitutions: Camembert, Gouda
Cranberry Sauce
Adds tangy balance to the rich cheese. Both store-bought and homemade versions work well - just make sure it's not overly sweet.
Substitutions: Orange marmalade, fig jam
Pecans
Toasted pecans add delightful crunch and nutty flavor. Make sure to chop them finely for even distribution.
Substitutions: Walnuts, pistachios, toasted sliced almonds
Pro Tips for Perfect Cranberry Brie Bites
💡 Assembly Tip
Assemble all components first before filling the pastry cups. This prevents the cheese from melting prematurely.
🔥 Baking Tip
For extra golden pastry, brush with a little egg wash before baking.
🎄 Presentation Tip
Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs and cranberries for a festive touch.
⏰ Make-Ahead Tip
Prepare the pastry cups and fill just before serving for the best texture.
Variations & Customizations
Spicy Version
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the brie or use spicy cranberry sauce for extra kick.
Gluten-Free
Use gluten-free puff pastry and serve with a gluten-free cranberry sauce for dietary restrictions.
Mini Version
Use mini muffin tins for bite-sized versions that are perfect for larger parties.
Vegan Version
Substitute vegan brie cheese and use vegan puff pastry for a plant-based option.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
🍽️ Best Served With:
- Sparkling apple cider in mason jars for a festive touch
- Mini quiches or deviled eggs for a balanced appetizer spread
- Roasted turkey or ham for a main course pairing
🍷 Drink Pairings:
Pair with Prosecco, Riesling, or mulled wine for a holiday feel.
Make-Ahead Instructions & Storage
Make-Ahead Tips
Prepare the pastry cups up to 24 hours ahead. Store in an airtight container at room temperature.
Refrigerator Storage
Assembled bites can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours before serving.
Freezer Storage
Unfilled pastry cups can be frozen for up to 3 months. Fill just before baking.
Reheating Instructions
Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore crispness.
Troubleshooting & Common Questions
Q: How to prevent soggy pastry?
A: Make sure the pastry is fully baked before adding the cheese filling. For extra crispness, brush with egg wash before baking.
Q: Can I use pre-made pastry cups?
A: Yes! These work perfectly with store-bought mini tart shells for even faster preparation.
Q: How to make ahead?
A: Prepare the pastry cups up to 24 hours in advance. Store in an airtight container at room temperature.
Q: Can I freeze these?
A: Yes! Unfilled pastry cups can be frozen for up to 3 months. Fill and bake just before serving.
Final Thoughts
These cranberry brie bites are the perfect solution for busy holiday entertaining. With just 5 ingredients and 15 minutes of hands-on time, you'll have a festive appetizer that looks and tastes like it was made by a professional.
The combination of flaky pastry, creamy cheese, tart cranberry, and crunchy pecans creates a flavor profile that's sure to please even the pickiest guests. Whether you're hosting a large holiday party or just need a quick snack for family gatherings, these bites are guaranteed to be a hit.
