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Lighter Cranberry Brie Bites with Puff Pastry (Easy Appetizer)

cranberry brie bites - featured image

These Lighter Cranberry Brie Bites with Puff Pastry are quick, easy, and perfect for entertaining. Flaky pastry cups filled with creamy brie and tart cranberry sauce come together in under 30 minutes for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
  • 4 ounces brie cheese, rind removed and cut into small cubes
  • 1/3 cup whole berry cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling
  • Optional: Fresh thyme leaves, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place a baking sheet on the middle rack to preheat as well. Lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray or butter.
  2. On a lightly floured surface, gently roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet into a 12×12-inch square. Cut into 12 equal squares (about 3×3 inches each).
  3. Gently press each square into a cup of the muffin tin, letting the corners poke up slightly. Place the muffin tin on the preheated baking sheet.
  4. Drop a cube of brie into the center of each pastry cup. Top with about 1 teaspoon of cranberry sauce. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of chopped rosemary over each one.
  5. In a small bowl, whisk together the beaten egg and a teaspoon of water. Lightly brush the exposed edges of the pastry with the egg wash. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt over the tops.
  6. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and deeply golden brown and the brie is bubbly and melted.
  7. Let the bites cool in the pan for 2-3 minutes. Use a small offset spatula or butter knife to gently lift them out of the tin. Transfer to a cooling rack, garnish with fresh thyme leaves if using, and serve warm.

Notes

Don’t skip the preheated baking sheet—it ensures crispy bottoms. Keep the pastry cold for best flakiness. Do not overfill the cups. Let them rest 2-3 minutes before serving to avoid burning your mouth. You can assemble up to 2 hours ahead and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Nutrition

Keywords: cranberry brie bites, puff pastry appetizer, easy appetizer, holiday appetizer, brie bites, cranberry appetizer