Flaky, buttery puff pastry filled with creamy melted Brie and sweet-tart cranberry sauce makes these elegant little bites perfect for holiday entertaining. Finished with pecans and a touch of rosemary, they look impressive while remaining wonderfully simple to prepare.
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a 24-cup mini muffin pan or coat it with nonstick cooking spray.
- Unfold the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and gently roll it just enough to smooth the seams. Cut into 24 equal squares.
- Press one pastry square gently into each mini muffin cup, allowing the corners to extend slightly above the pan.
- Place one small piece of Brie into the center of each pastry cup.
- Spoon approximately 1 teaspoon cranberry sauce over each piece of Brie.
- Sprinkle each bite with chopped pecans and a small amount of fresh rosemary.
- Whisk together the egg and water. Lightly brush the exposed puff pastry edges with the egg wash.
- Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and deeply golden and the Brie is melted.
- Allow the bites to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before removing. If desired, finish with a light drizzle of honey and a few tiny rosemary leaves. Serve warm.
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🔄 Variations
🍎 Apple Brie: Replace the cranberry sauce with finely chopped apple preserves.
🌶️ Sweet & Spicy: Add a tiny drizzle of hot honey before serving.
🥜 Nut-Free: Leave out the pecans and add a little extra cranberry sauce.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
🥂 Serve warm as a holiday cocktail appetizer.
🧀 Add to a festive cheese and charcuterie board.
🎄 Arrange on a large platter with fresh rosemary and cranberries for holiday entertaining.
🧊 Storage
Refrigerate cooled leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat at 350°F until the pastry is crisp and the Brie is warm.
💡 Pro Tips
Keep the puff pastry cold while assembling the bites.
Cold pastry produces better-defined, flaky layers when baked
❓ FAQs
Can I make Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Bites ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the bites a few hours ahead, cover the muffin pan, and refrigerate.
Bake just before serving for the best flaky texture.
Do I need to remove the rind from the Brie?
No. The Brie rind is edible and softens as it bakes.
You can remove it if you prefer a completely smooth, creamy filling.
Can I use homemade cranberry sauce?
Absolutely. Homemade or store-bought whole-berry cranberry sauce both work well.
Avoid an overly runny sauce, which can make the pastry soggy.
Can I make these without pecans?
Yes. Simply leave them out for a nut-free version, or replace them with another topping you enjoy.
Can I reheat the bites?
Yes. Reheat them in a 350°F oven for several minutes until warmed through and the pastry becomes crisp again.