Cranberry Brie Bites are an easy appetizer recipe that looks (and tastes) fancy. Tart cranberry sauce brightens and gooey baked brie are tucked into a buttery pastry in tidy bite-sized portions.

We love baked brie and even brie grilled cheese, but these are the perfect finger food for holiday gatherings or quick homemade snacks (and they take only minutes to prep). It’s the perfect way to use your homemade cranberry sauce following the holidays!

What is the Best Pastry to Use?

Cranberry brie bites will accommodate several kinds of pastry. There are several ready-made options, or you can mix up your own pastry dough if have the time. Here are some of the best pastries to use:

Canned Crescent Rolls – This is my personal favorite and the one I recommend in this recipe for the perfect balance between tastiness and convenience. Any kind of canned dough could be substituted.
Puff Pastry – Here’s another convenient one that’s yummy and easy, straight from the frozen food aisle. You will have to allow time for it to thaw, which isn’t always an option if you’re in a rush. Puff pastry is easy to work with and to cut into pretty shapes for decorating your brie bites.
Phyllo Dough (or Filo) – This dough also needs to be thawed and is a bit tricky to work with. Cut into squares and brush each layer with melted butter or clarified butter as you layer them into the tins. Use three or four layers. Extra time? Try making homemade phyllo cups!
Homemade Pastry – Always delicious and this recipe takes only minutes to put together from the classic pastry proportions of 3-2-1. As in 3 parts white flour, cut in with 2 parts butter, lard or shortening, held together with 1 part water (or less; just enough to bind ingredients). Roll it out to 1/8-inch-thick and cut into circles or squares large enough to fit into your muffin tins.

How to Make Cranberry Brie Bites

This recipe is as easy as 1, 2, 3! No prep and practically no cleanup!

Line mini muffin tins with pastry cut into squares.
Fill with brie chunks and top with cranberry sauce.
Bake until the pastry is golden brown.

Wait until cool enough to sample and dig in. Yum!

How to Make Ahead

When you need something fast to contribute to a last-minute party or dinner invite, cranberry brie is just the ticket. They are also ideal for make-ahead convenience. They’ll keep in the fridge, tightly covered for up to 3-4 days.

To reheat, place in a 350°F oven, tented with foil until warmed through. Keep eye on them to prevent the pastry burning.
To freeze, assemble in the tins, but don’t bake. Freeze until hardened, then transfer to freezer bags or containers. They will keep 3 – 4 months. Thaw before baking.

Be sure to make a bunch of these yummy cranberry brie bites, because when those hungry party guests show up, these will be the first to disappear!

Yummy Make-Ahead Appetizers

Cranberry Feta Pinwheels – a crowd favorite!
Bacon Jalapeño Cheese Ball – can even be frozen!
Baked Brie with Cranberries & Pecans – 5 mins prep
Bacon Wrapped Dates – easy & elegant appetizer
Sour Cream Cranberry Bars – fruity, sweet, and tart!
Cranberry Salsa – perfect for dipping!

5 from 11 votes↑ Click stars to rate now!
Or to leave a comment, click here!