Name: Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries; ½ cup granulated sugar; ¼ cup fresh orange juice; 1 tsp orange zest; ⅓ cup water; ½ tsp ground cinnamon; ½ tsp vanilla extract; ⅛ tsp salt; 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed); 1 small wheel brie cheese (about 8 oz), cut into small cubes; 1 cup homemade cranberry sauce; 1 egg; 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash); 4 tablespoon chopped walnuts; fresh rosemary sprigs (to garnish)

There's something truly irresistible about the blend of flaky pastry, ooey-gooey brie, and that bright pop of cranberry all tucked into one bite. This Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for holiday parties or anytime you want an elegant appetizer without fuss.

There are eight small pastries with golden, flaky crusts arranged on a round white marble slab. Each pastry is filled with a deep red jam or fruit filling, topped with chopped walnuts and a small sprig of rosemary, adding green contrast. In the background, there is a white bowl filled with bright red cherries, and a piece of rustic bread is partially visible on the left side. A few whole walnuts are scattered on the marble surface. The overall look is sharp and colorful, highlighting the textures of the crust and the filling. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Honestly, I can't get enough of how simple and elegant these cranberry brie bites come together. They look fancy but practically make themselves, which means you'll impress guests without breaking a sweat.

No-fuss ingredients: Uses simple pantry staples and fresh cranberries for a fresh, seasonal flavor that shines.
Quick assembly: Ready in about 35 minutes from start to finish, so you can prep just before guests arrive.
Perfect balance of flavors: The tartness of cranberry sauce pairs beautifully with creamy brie and buttery puff pastry.
Versatile for occasions: These bites are great as an appetizer, snack, or party finger food — anytime you want to wow with minimal effort.

Ingredients & Why They Work

One of the joys of this Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe is how thoughtfully the ingredients play off each other. The puff pastry gives a light flakiness, while the brie adds creaminess, and the cranberry sauce cuts through with tangy sweetness. Here are the key players and why I love them.

Flat lay of fresh whole cranberries scattered beside a small white ceramic bowl of granulated sugar, a small white bowl filled with bright orange juice, fresh orange zest curls on a white plate, a small white bowl with clear water, a tiny heap of ground cinnamon on a white saucer, a small white bowl with clear vanilla extract, a pinch of salt elegantly displayed on a white dish, a square sheet of golden puff pastry, small cubes of creamy pale brie cheese on a white ceramic plate, a whole brown egg with a smooth shell, a small white bowl of water for egg wash, roughly chopped walnuts piled on a white plate, and fresh sprigs of vibrant green rosemary arranged neatly, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Fresh or frozen cranberries: They bring that signature tartness and vibrant color, plus they're super easy to cook down into a sauce.
Granulated sugar: Just enough sweetness to balance the tart cranberries without overpowering the bite.
Orange juice and zest: Adds a fresh, citrusy brightness that makes the cranberries pop even more.
Ground cinnamon: A warm, cozy note that complements the fruit and cheese beautifully.
Vanilla extract and salt: They round out the flavors and create depth, making this more than just a simple fruit sauce.
Puff pastry sheet: The star for flaky, buttery pockets that hold everything together perfectly.
Brie cheese: Creamy, mild, and slightly nutty, it melts just right without being too sharp.
Egg and water (for egg wash): Gives your bites a golden, shiny finish that looks as good as they taste.
Chopped walnuts: Adds crunch and a hint of earthiness that contrasts beautifully with the softness of the brie.
Fresh rosemary sprigs: A fragrant herbal touch to finish and garnish, tying all the flavors together and making your presentation pop.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One thing I love about the Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe is how easy it is to tweak to your taste or occasion. Play around with different nuts, add a drizzle of honey, or swap out the puff pastry for phyllo dough if you're feeling adventurous.

Variation: Sometimes I add a sprinkle of chopped dried apricots or fresh thyme to give a new twist — it adds a subtle sweetness and herby aroma that’s delightful.
Dietary tweak: For a dairy-free option, you can try vegan cheese alternatives; just expect a slightly different mouthfeel but still delicious.
Seasonal swap: In summer, I substitute the cranberry sauce with a fig jam for a different but equally luxurious experience.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe

Step 1: Whip Up the Cranberry Sauce

Start by combining fresh or frozen cranberries, sugar, orange juice and zest, cinnamon, vanilla extract, salt, and water in a saucepan. Bring it to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and stir occasionally until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens, about 10-15 minutes. This sauce is the soul of your bites — don’t rush it! Let it cool to room temperature before assembling.

Step 2: Prep Puff Pastry and Brie

While your sauce cools, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Cut the sheet into evenly sized squares — I find 24 pieces about 2 inches by 2 inches works perfectly. Cut your brie into small cubes so each bite gets a creamy surprise. Pro tip: If the brie gets too soft while cutting, pop it back in the fridge for a few minutes to firm up.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

Place a brie cube on each pastry square, spoon in some cranberry sauce, and sprinkle with chopped walnuts. Then, fold the edges of the pastry squares slightly upwards to create little “bites.” Give them a quick brush with egg wash for that gorgeous golden shine. Bake on a parchment-lined tray for about 12-15 minutes until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Once out of the oven, let the bites cool for a couple minutes. Add a tiny sprig of fresh rosemary on top of each one — it looks elegant and adds a lovely aroma. Serve warm and enjoy the melty, tart, crunchy magic.

Top Tip

From making this Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe multiple times, I’ve learned a few tricks that make all the difference between “meh” and “wow” bites that disappear fast:

Chill the pastry: Keep your puff pastry cold until the last moment to ensure it stays flaky and rises beautifully in the oven.
Don’t overload filling: Too much cranberry sauce can make the pastry soggy; a small spoonful is just right for balance.
Use quality brie: A creamy brie that’s not too aged melts perfectly without overpowering the other flavors.
Bake at proper temp: 375°F is ideal — hot enough for puffing but gentle enough to melt the cheese without burning the pastry edges.

How to Serve Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe

cranberry brie bites - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I always reach for fresh rosemary sprigs because they add a subtle piney fragrance that pairs beautifully with brie and cranberry. Sometimes I scatter a few extra chopped walnuts on top for texture and visual appeal. Little touches like this elevate the whole appetizer experience.

Side Dishes

These bites are fantastic alongside a crisp green salad with vinaigrette or a simple bowl of mixed olives. If it’s holiday season, I pair them with a charcuterie board featuring cured meats, honey, and a variety of crackers to create an inviting spread.

Creative Ways to Present

I like serving these on a rustic wooden board garnished with extra rosemary and whole cranberries for a festive look. For a party, arranging them around a small bowl of cranberry sauce for dipping adds a fun interactive element. They’re also great in mini cupcake liners to keep things tidy and colorful on the platter.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover cranberry brie bites in an airtight container in the fridge. Because of the puff pastry, they’re best eaten within 1-2 days for optimal texture. When ready to serve again, just gently reheat them so the pastry regains a bit of crispness.

Freezing

You can freeze unbaked assembled bites in a single layer on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. When you want to bake them, no need to thaw—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time. I haven’t tried freezing them after baking, though, as they tend to lose their flakiness.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop them in a 350°F oven for about 5-7 minutes, watching closely so they don't burn but get the pastry crispy again. Avoid the microwave, as it can make them soggy and the cheese rubbery.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen cranberries for this recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work just as well as fresh in this Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe. Just thaw them slightly before cooking the sauce to help them break down more easily.

What type of brie cheese is best?

I recommend using a mild, creamy brie that isn’t too aged or strong-flavored. This keeps the balance perfect with the tart cranberry sauce and buttery pastry.

Can I make these bites ahead of time?

You can assemble the bites ahead and freeze them unbaked. Bake them fresh when needed to get that perfect flakiness. Once baked, it’s best to enjoy them the same day or store in the fridge for a day or two.

How do I prevent soggy pastry?

Avoid overfilling with cranberry sauce and make sure to keep the puff pastry cold until baking. Baking at the correct temperature helps the pastry crisp up quickly, sealing the filling inside and preventing sogginess.

Final Thoughts

Making this Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe always feels like a little festive celebration in my kitchen. The combination of textures and flavors is just so satisfying — and it’s lovely to share something this pretty and delicious with friends. Give it a try next time you want an easy, elegant appetizer that’ll get everyone talking (and reaching for seconds).