If you’re looking for an easy yet elegant appetizer that wows your guests, these Cranberry Brie Appetizers are the answer. Buttery, flaky pastry, creamy brie, and a sweet-tart cranberry topping come together for the perfect bite-sized treat. Whether you’re making these for a holiday gathering or just want a quick snack, they’re effortless to put together and taste absolutely amazing.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy – Ready in under 30 minutes.
- Perfectly balanced flavors – Creamy, sweet, and a little tangy.
- Great for any occasion – Perfect for parties, holidays, or a simple snack.
- Customizable – You can switch up the toppings to match your taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a quick look at the key ingredients:
- Puff pastry, thawed
- Brie cheese, cut into small pieces
- Cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- Chopped pecans or walnuts (optional for crunch)
- Fresh rosemary for garnish
- Honey for a touch of sweetness
Full list of ingredients and measurements are in the recipe card below.
How to Make Cranberry Brie Appetizers
Prep the Pastry
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the puff pastry and cut it into small squares. Press each square into a mini muffin tin.
Add the Brie
Place a small piece of brie into each pastry cup. Don’t worry if the cheese looks small—it will melt beautifully.
Top with Cranberry Sauce
Spoon a bit of cranberry sauce over the brie. If you like a little crunch, sprinkle some chopped pecans or walnuts on top.
Bake to Perfection
Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and the cheese is melty.
Garnish and Serve
Drizzle with honey, sprinkle fresh rosemary on top, and serve warm.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Use pre-cut brie – It saves time and melts evenly.
- Don’t overfill – Too much cranberry sauce can make the pastry soggy.
- Serve fresh – These are best enjoyed warm right out of the oven.
- Thaw puff pastry properly – Let it sit in the fridge overnight for best results.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Use phyllo cups – For an extra crispy texture.
- Try a different cheese – Goat cheese or camembert work well.
- Add a savory twist – A pinch of black pepper or a tiny bit of balsamic glaze.
- Make it nut-free – Skip the pecans or replace with pumpkin seeds.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
- With a glass of wine – A crisp white wine or a light red pairs perfectly.
- On a charcuterie board – Serve alongside meats, nuts, and fruit.
- As part of a holiday spread – Great with other small bites like stuffed mushrooms or deviled eggs.
- With a side of fig jam – Adds even more depth of flavor.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Refrigerate leftovers – Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Reheat in the oven – Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes.
- Microwave for a quick option – Heat in 15-second intervals.
- Freeze before baking – Assemble and freeze for up to 1 month, then bake straight from frozen.
FAQs
1. Can I use crescent roll dough instead of puff pastry? Yes! Crescent roll dough will be softer but still delicious.
2. How do I keep the puff pastry from getting soggy? Don’t overload with cranberry sauce, and bake until golden brown.
3. Can I make these ahead of time? Yes! Assemble and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve.
4. What can I use instead of cranberry sauce? Fig jam, apricot preserves, or raspberry jam are great alternatives.
Conclusion
These Cranberry Brie Appetizers are the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving them for the holidays or just treating yourself, they’re easy to make, incredibly tasty, and always a hit. Give them a try, and watch them disappear in no time!
PrintSimple and Delicious Cranberry Brie Appetizers: The Perfect Holiday Bite
These Cranberry Brie Appetizers are a perfect blend of buttery, flaky pastry, creamy brie cheese, and sweet-tart cranberry sauce. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, this bite-sized treat is ideal for holiday gatherings, parties, or an easy snack. The contrast of textures and flavors makes them a crowd-pleasing favorite!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12–16 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 6 oz brie cheese, cut into small pieces
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- 1 tbsp honey, for drizzling
- Fresh rosemary, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven & Prepare Pastry: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the puff pastry and cut it into 12 small squares. Press each square into a mini muffin tin.
- Add Brie: Place a small piece of brie into each pastry cup.
- Top with Cranberry Sauce: Spoon a small amount of cranberry sauce over the brie. Sprinkle with chopped pecans or walnuts if using.
- Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
- Garnish & Serve: Drizzle with honey, top with fresh rosemary, and serve warm.
Notes
- Let the puff pastry thaw in the fridge overnight for the best texture.
- Don’t overfill with cranberry sauce to prevent sogginess.
- These appetizers are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg