Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Bites

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I first made these Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Bites for a holiday gathering a few years ago, and they’ve become a staple ever since. There’s something magical about the way the tart cranberries melt into the creamy, gooey Brie, all nestled on a buttery, golden puff pastry square. They look fancy, taste incredible, and take hardly any time to make — that’s my kind of party food.

Whether I’m hosting brunch, putting together a wine and cheese board, or just craving something savory-sweet, these little bites never let me down. They’re elegant without being complicated and strike the perfect balance between sweet, savory, and rich. It’s hard to stop at just one, and honestly, I never try to.

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Why You’ll Love These Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Bites

• They’re effortlessly elegant. These little bites look like they came from a high-end bakery but take less than 30 minutes from start to finish.
• Perfect balance of flavors. Tart cranberries, buttery puff pastry, and creamy Brie come together with a touch of honey or herbs for the perfect bite.
• Crowd-pleasing. Whether it’s a holiday party, a brunch spread, or a wine night, these disappear fast.
• Customizable. Add nuts, herbs, jams, or spices — they’re easy to make your own.

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What Kind of Puff Pastry Should I Use?

When it comes to puff pastry, I always go for the frozen, store-bought kind — it’s one of those shortcuts that saves time without sacrificing quality. Look for all-butter puff pastry if you can find it (brands like Dufour are amazing), because it gives you that ultra-flaky, rich flavor. That said, any puff pastry will do — just make sure to thaw it according to the package instructions so it rolls out smoothly.

You can also use pre-cut puff pastry squares if your store carries them, which saves even more time. Just dock the center with a fork so it doesn’t puff too high and you’ll have the perfect base for your toppings.

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Options for Substitutions

One of the best parts about these Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Bites is how flexible they are. You can tweak the ingredients to fit your tastes or whatever you already have in the fridge. Here are some favorite swaps:

• Cheese: Don’t have Brie? Camembert works beautifully, or try goat cheese for a tangier bite. Even cream cheese or blue cheese can add a unique twist.
• Fruit: Swap out cranberries for fig jam, raspberry preserves, or thinly sliced apples or pears. Dried fruits like chopped apricots or dates are delicious too.
• Nuts: A sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts adds crunch and depth. Toast them for extra flavor.
• Herbs: Thyme is classic, but rosemary or even a little sage complements the cranberries nicely.
• Sweet Touch: If your cranberries are too tart, drizzle a bit of honey or maple syrup over the top before baking.

Feel free to mix and match — these bites are all about bold flavor in a small, flaky package.

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Ingredients for These Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Bites

• Puff Pastry: This is the golden, flaky foundation that makes each bite irresistibly light and crisp. Make sure it’s thawed but still cold before using.
• Brie Cheese: Creamy, rich, and melts beautifully. Its mild, buttery flavor pairs perfectly with tart cranberries.
• Cranberry Sauce or Whole Cranberries: You can use leftover cranberry sauce or simmer fresh or frozen cranberries with a touch of sugar. They add a punch of sweet-tart brightness.
• Fresh Thyme (optional): A tiny sprig adds fragrance and elevates the look and taste with earthy, herbal notes.
• Egg (for egg wash): Brushed on the pastry edges before baking to give them that gorgeous golden sheen.
• Honey or Maple Syrup (optional): A small drizzle right before serving adds a lovely touch of sweetness that balances the savory cheese and tart berries.
• Black Pepper or Cinnamon (optional): A little dash on top can add warmth or a subtle spicy kick, depending on your mood.

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Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper so nothing sticks and clean-up stays easy. Take your puff pastry out of the fridge or freezer and let it thaw just enough to handle easily — it should still be cold, not warm or sticky.

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Step 2: Cut the Puff Pastry

Unfold the puff pastry and cut it into 2.5 to 3-inch squares (you’ll get about 9–12 squares per sheet depending on the size). Place them on the lined baking sheet, leaving some space between each square for puffing up.

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Step 3: Score and Dock the Centers

Use a knife to lightly score a smaller square inside each piece — this creates a border. Then, prick the center with a fork (this keeps it from puffing too much in the middle while baking, allowing the toppings to sit nicely).

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Step 4: Add the Brie and Cranberries

Cut the Brie into small cubes and place one or two pieces in the center of each puff pastry square. Spoon a small amount of cranberry sauce (or a few cranberries) over the cheese. If using, sprinkle a bit of pepper or cinnamon on top.

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Step 5: Brush with Egg Wash

Beat one egg with a splash of water and brush the edges of each square with the egg wash. This helps the pastry bake to that perfect golden-brown color.

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Step 6: Bake

Bake the pastries for 14–18 minutes, or until the edges are puffed and deep golden. The cheese should be melted and the cranberries bubbling slightly.

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Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Remove from the oven and let cool for a couple of minutes. Add a sprig of fresh thyme and, if desired, a light drizzle of honey or maple syrup. Serve warm for maximum gooeyness and flavor.

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How Long to Cook the Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Bites

These puff pastry bites need to bake for about 14 to 18 minutes in a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven. Keep an eye on them after the 12-minute mark — once the edges are puffed and golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbling, they’re ready. If you’re using a darker baking sheet, check a bit earlier as they may brown more quickly.

Let them cool for 3–5 minutes before serving. This gives the cheese a moment to set slightly, so the bites aren’t too runny.

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Tips for Perfect Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Bites

• Keep the puff pastry cold. If it gets too warm while assembling, pop the tray in the fridge for 10 minutes before baking. Cold pastry puffs better.
• Score, don’t slice. When creating the inner border, make shallow cuts — you want the center to stay lower, not split apart.
• Use parchment paper. It prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.
• Cut uniform pieces. Equal-sized squares ensure even baking and presentation.
• Don’t overload the center. Too much cheese or cranberry can spill over during baking. A little goes a long way.
• Add herbs after baking. Fresh herbs like thyme can lose flavor and color if baked. Add them right at the end for the best impact.
• Serve warm. These bites are at their best fresh from the oven when the cheese is gooey and the pastry is crisp.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Even with a recipe this simple, a few easy missteps can throw things off. Here’s what to avoid when making Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Bites:

• Letting the puff pastry get too warm. If it’s too soft when you’re working with it, it won’t puff properly in the oven. Keep it chilled until you’re ready to assemble.
• Overfilling with cheese or cranberries. It’s tempting to pile it on, but too much filling can bubble over and create a mess. Use small portions — they go a long way.
• Skipping the fork-pricking. Docking the center is key to controlling how the pastry rises. Without it, you’ll end up with a big puffy dome.
• Not using egg wash. This small step gives you that gorgeous golden-brown edge. Without it, the pastry can look dull or uneven.
• Serving too soon. Hot cheese burns! Let them cool for a few minutes so the Brie sets slightly and you don’t lose the filling when picking them up.
• Forgetting parchment paper. These bites can stick to a bare tray — line it for easy removal and prettier presentation.

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What to Serve With Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Bites?

These bites shine on their own but pair beautifully with a variety of other dishes. Here are some of my favorite ways to serve them:

Cheese and Charcuterie Board

Tuck them among sliced cheeses, cured meats, fruits, and nuts for a gourmet snack board.

Sparkling Wine or Champagne

Their richness and tartness are amazing with something bubbly and crisp.

Light Greens Salad

A simple arugula or mixed greens salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness perfectly.

Fresh Grapes or Sliced Pears

Cool, juicy fruit acts as a natural palate cleanser between bites.

Warm Baguette Slices

Serve with extra Brie and cranberry sauce on the side for DIY snacking.

Mulled Wine or Red Wine

Especially during the holidays, a warm spiced drink complements the sweet-savory combo.

Marinated Olives or Pickles

The briny contrast adds a savory layer that pairs well with the creamy Brie.

Fig or Onion Jam

Offer small ramekins on the side so guests can mix and match flavor combos.

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Storage Instructions

These Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Bites are best served fresh and warm, but if you do have leftovers, they can be stored and reheated with decent results.

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven or toaster oven for 5–7 minutes to re-crisp the pastry. Avoid microwaving if possible — it makes the pastry soggy.
• Freezing (before baking): You can assemble the bites, place them on a tray to freeze individually, then transfer them to a zip-top bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
• Freezing (after baking): It’s possible but not ideal — the texture won’t be quite the same. If needed, freeze in a single layer and reheat in the oven until warm and crisp.

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Estimated Nutrition (per bite, assuming 24 bites total)

Please note this is a rough estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients used:

• Calories: 105
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Cholesterol: 20mg
• Sodium: 120mg
• Carbohydrates: 7g
• Fiber: 0.5g
• Sugar: 2g
• Protein: 3g

These are rich, indulgent little bites, so a few go a long way. But trust me — they’re worth every buttery, cheesy, cranberry-filled calorie.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of cranberry sauce should I use?

You can use either homemade or store-bought cranberry sauce — both work well. Whole berry sauce gives a chunkier texture, while smooth sauce spreads more evenly. You can even use fresh cranberries simmered with sugar and orange juice for a homemade touch.

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Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the bites up to a day ahead, cover them tightly, and refrigerate. Just bake right before serving. You can also freeze them before baking and pop them into the oven straight from the freezer.

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Can I use phyllo dough instead of puff pastry?

Technically yes, but the result will be different. Phyllo is thinner and crispier, while puff pastry is rich and flaky. If you use phyllo, be sure to layer it with melted butter for structure and flavor.

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How do I keep the puff pastry from getting soggy?

Avoid adding too much cranberry sauce, and don’t skip the fork-pricking (docking) step. Also, serve them soon after baking — that’s when the texture is best.

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Is the Brie rind edible?

Absolutely! The Brie rind is completely safe to eat and melts along with the cheese. If you don’t like the texture, you can cut it off, but I recommend leaving it on for flavor.

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Can I use crescent roll dough instead?

You can, but expect a softer, breadier texture instead of the flaky crunch from puff pastry. If puff pastry isn’t available, crescent dough is a decent backup.

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How do I prevent them from sticking to the pan?

Use parchment paper or a nonstick baking mat. Puff pastry contains butter, which can caramelize and stick to unlined metal trays.

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Can I serve these at room temperature?

Yes, they’re still tasty at room temp, but they’re best when warm and melty. If possible, keep them in a warm oven until ready to serve.

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Conclusion

Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Bites are proof that the simplest ingredients can make the most impressive appetizers. With just a handful of pantry staples and under 30 minutes, you get a bite-sized snack that’s sweet, savory, flaky, and downright irresistible. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering, brunch, or casual wine night, these bites bring elegance and flavor without any stress. Customize them, prep them ahead, and watch them vanish — they’re that good.

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