Last Christmas, I hosted my first holiday cocktail night. Shaym here, and let me tell you, I was in over my head. Between mixing drinks and chasing down mistletoe mishaps, I needed appetizers that could practically make themselves. That’s when I discovered the magic of Brie & Cranberry Puff Pastry Bites. Buttery, flaky, sweet, and savory. These little two-bite wonders disappeared faster than the eggnog. Since then, they’ve become a SoolFood staple every December.
Whether it’s your first Christmas dinner or your annual holiday potluck, these are the bites that get recipe requests every time.
Why Everyone’s Obsessed with Brie & Cranberry Puff Pastry Bites
They check every holiday box:
- Easy to prep
- Melt-in-your-mouth cheesy
- Packed with sweet cranberry zing
- Wrapped in flaky golden pastry
- Totally elegant for entertaining
Best part? You only need five ingredients and about 30 minutes to make a full batch.
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed if frozen)
- Brie cheese (cut into cubes)
- Cranberry sauce (homemade or canned)
- Fresh thyme or rosemary (optional)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
How to Make Brie & Cranberry Puff Pastry Bites
- Prep the Puff: Roll out the pastry and cut it into 2-inch squares. Press each square into a mini muffin tin.
- Add the Cheese: Place a cube of Brie in each pastry cup.
- Top with Cranberry: Spoon about 1/2 tsp of cranberry sauce on top of the cheese.
- Add Herbs (Optional): Sprinkle a little chopped rosemary or thyme for a pop of green and flavor.
- Brush & Bake: Lightly brush the edges of the pastry with egg wash. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15–18 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Let them cool slightly, molten cheese is no joke, then plate and serve!
Hosting Tip: Pair These With…
Looking to build a full Christmas Eve spread? Add a mix of textures and colors with some savory Blooming Onion bites or sweet roasted Air Fryer Carrots tossed in maple glaze. Both can be made ahead and bring color to the holiday table.
Holiday Make-Ahead Tips
✔️ Assemble the night before: Just cover and chill in the tin, then bake fresh.
✔️ Freeze: These freeze well unbaked. Pop them straight into the oven and add a couple extra minutes to the bake time.
✔️ Reheat: Already baked? Warm them up in a 300°F oven for 5–8 minutes. Still flaky, still fabulous.
Festive Variations to Try
- Fig Jam instead of Cranberry
- Add pecans for crunch
- Drizzle with honey before serving
- Use phyllo dough for extra crisp layers
These bites are so flexible, you could serve them at Thanksgiving, Christmas brunch, or even New Year’s Eve.
The Bottom Line
When your guests take that first bite, warm, buttery pastry with creamy Brie and tart cranberry. You’ll know it was the right choice. And when the tray empties in under 10 minutes? That’s your standing ovation.