Save Golden, flaky puff pastry filled with creamy Brie and tangy cranberry sauce—an irresistible, bite-sized appetizer perfect for festive gatherings.
I made these for a holiday party last winter, and every tray disappeared within minutes. Guests kept asking for the recipe, and it has become my go-to appetizer for gatherings ever since.
Ingredients
- Brie cheese: 200 g (7 oz), rind trimmed, cut into 24 cubes
- Puff pastry: 1 sheet (250 g / 9 oz), frozen and thawed
- Cranberry sauce: 120 g (1/2 cup), homemade or store-bought
- Chopped pecans or walnuts (optional): 2 tbsp
- Fresh rosemary, finely chopped (optional): 1 tbsp
Instructions
- Prepare your oven:
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a mini muffin tin with nonstick spray or parchment squares.
- Shape the pastry:
- On a lightly floured surface, roll puff pastry into a 30 x 30 cm (12 x 12 in) square, then cut into 24 equal squares.
- Fill the muffin cups:
- Press each pastry square gently into the mini muffin cups.
- Add cheese and sauce:
- Place a cube of Brie in each pastry shell then top with a heaping 1/2 teaspoon of cranberry sauce.
- Add garnishes (optional):
- Sprinkle each with chopped nuts and rosemary, if using.
- Bake:
- Bake for 13–15 minutes, until pastry is golden and cheese is bubbling.
- Serve:
- Cool slightly, then serve warm.
Save Making these with my kids has become a fun holiday tradition—they love helping to fill and decorate each bite with nuts and herbs.
Tool Tips
A mini muffin tin yields perfect bite-sized portions, and a sharp knife makes it easier to cut the pastry into even squares.
Flavor Variations
Try switching cranberry sauce with fig jam, apricot preserves, or add a sprinkle of orange zest for something different.
Storage & Serving Suggestions
These bites are best served warm, but you can reheat them in the oven for five minutes at 180°C (350°F). Leftovers keep for up to two days in an airtight container.
Save Serve fresh from the oven for the best flavor—they disappear fast at any party!
Recipe Help & FAQs
- → Can I substitute the cranberry sauce with other toppings?
Yes, fig jam or apricot preserves can be used instead for different flavor profiles that complement the creamy Brie.
- → Is it necessary to include nuts in the bites?
Nuts are optional; they add crunch and flavor. For nut-free versions, omit or replace them with pumpkin seeds.
- → What is the best way to bake these puff pastry bites?
Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F) and bake bites for 13–15 minutes until the pastry is golden and cheese bubbles.
- → Can these bites be reheated after serving?
Yes, they can be reheated in a 180°C (350°F) oven for 5 minutes to restore crispness and warmth.
- → What tools are needed for preparation?
A mini muffin tin, rolling pin, sharp knife, and small spoon are essential for shaping and filling the bites.