Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe: Tips for Making the Appetizer

Cranberry Brie bites are a holiday appetizer made with flaky puff pastry, a spoonful of tart cranberry sauce, and creamy Brie cheese. These bites, prepared in a mini muffin tin, have all the flavor and crisp-yet-creamy texture of baked Brie but take just minutes to prepare.

Use homemade cranberry sauce or store-bought whole berry cranberry sauce instead of jelly for the best texture.

This easy appetizer recipe lends itself to all kinds of variations. Just follow the simple formula of melty cheese plus tangy fruit:

1. 1. Cheddar and apple butter: This holiday party-ready appetizer is a nod to apple pie served topped with a slice of melted cheddar. Use sharp cheddar cheese and rich apple butter for this North American take on fruit-and-cheese bites.
2. 2. Camembert and stone fruit: A cousin of Brie, Camembert is slightly earthier and pairs well with a stone fruit jam like apricot or cherry. Add chopped pecans or pistachios for an extra crunch.
3. 3. Manchego and quince: For a Spanish-leaning take on this hors d'oeuvre, use salty manchego cheese and cubes of rosy candied quince paste. Garnish the pairing with thyme instead of sprigs of rosemary.
4. 4. Bleu cheese and fig: Bleu cheese and fig jam balance each other in this slightly funkier variation.

Here are some tips to consider when putting together this satisfying appetizer:

1. 1. Keep the puff pastry chilled: Like any laminated or butter-based dough, puff pastry is best chilled until it’s time to bake, as the butter will leak out of the dough when left at room temperature. For best results, thaw frozen puff pastry in the refrigerator and chill it once portioned.
2. 2. Use quality ingredients: There are only four ingredients in this recipe, so quality is key. Seek out an all-butter puff pastry or crescent dough. You want to taste the creamy, grassy notes of the Brie, so check out your local cheese shop for recommendations and guidance on which variety is best for baking.
3. 3. Serve hot: If you’re making these for a party, prepare the ingredients beforehand. You can even assemble the bites in advance and bake them once your guests arrive. Serving the appetizer straight out of the oven ensures each bite is crisp on the outside and gooey on the inside.