The holiday season is filled with joy, laughter, and gatherings, but it can also bring the pressure of hosting. Finding the perfect holiday appetizers that are both elegant and effortless can feel like a daunting task. That’s where these Cranberry Brie Bites come in to save the day. They are the ultimate solution for any host looking to impress without the stress. These bites are incredibly simple to assemble, can be prepared in advance, and their festive colors make them a beautiful addition to any party spread.
This recipe is more than just a dish; it’s your secret weapon for successful holiday entertaining. With flaky puff pastry, creamy brie, tangy cranberry, and a hint of savory prosciutto and sage, each bite is a perfectly balanced explosion of flavor. Get ready for this to become your new go-to recipe for every festive occasion.
Simple to assemble, even easier to enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Festive Starter
When it comes to holiday appetizers, the best recipes are those that deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort. These Cranberry Brie Bites check every box, making them an indispensable part of your holiday menu.
Incredibly Easy: With just a few simple ingredients and less than 20 minutes of prep time, you can create a truly impressive appetizer.
Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The combination of creamy, melted brie and sweet cranberry sauce is a classic for a reason. It’s a flavor profile that guests of all ages will adore.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare these bites ahead of time and simply pop them in the oven before your guests arrive. This frees you up to enjoy the party. For more make-ahead magic, try these Rolo Pretzel Turtles for the dessert table.
Visually Stunning: The vibrant red from the cranberry and the green from the sage create a naturally festive look that brightens up any appetizer platter.
The Perfect Holiday Appetizers for Any Occasion
Whether you’re hosting a cozy Christmas Eve gathering, a large Thanksgiving dinner, or a lively New Year’s Eve party, these brie bites are the perfect fit. Their elegant appearance makes them feel special, while their simple, comforting flavors make everyone feel at home. They are the definition of versatile party food, pairing wonderfully with a glass of champagne or sparkling cider. They also sit beautifully alongside other classic starters, like a warm bowl of spicy buffalo chicken dip (coming soon).
Essential Ingredients
The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Here’s what you’ll need:
Puff Pastry: One sheet of frozen puff pastry, thawed. This creates the flaky, buttery cups that hold all the delicious fillings.
Brie Cheese: A round of brie, rind on. The rind helps the cheese keep its shape while baking.
Cranberry Sauce: Use your favorite whole-berry cranberry sauce for a pop of festive color and tartness.
Prosciutto: Thinly sliced prosciutto adds a salty, savory counterpoint to the sweet and creamy elements.
Fresh Sage: A few fresh sage leaves provide an earthy, aromatic note that ties everything together.
Egg: For a simple egg wash to give the pastry a beautiful golden-brown finish.
Golden-brown and delicious, straight from the oven.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create the perfect holiday appetizers that will have everyone asking for the recipe.
Preheat and Prepare: First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 24-cup mini muffin tin.
Cut the Pastry: Gently unfold your thawed puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Cut it into 24 equal squares.
Form the Cups: Press each pastry square into a cup of the prepared muffin tin, creating a small tart shell.
Add the Brie: Cut the brie into small, 1/2-inch cubes. Place one cube into each puff pastry cup.
Assemble the Toppings: Top the brie in each cup with about half a teaspoon of cranberry sauce. Then, add a small, torn piece of prosciutto and a single fresh sage leaf.
Egg Wash and Bake: In a small bowl, whisk the egg with a splash of water. Brush the edges of the puff pastry with the egg wash. Bake for 13-15 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and the brie is melted and bubbly.
Cool and Serve: Let the bites cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a serving platter. Serve warm and watch them disappear!
Pro Tips for the Best Holiday Appetizers
To ensure your Cranberry Brie Bites are absolutely perfect, keep these simple tips in mind.
Keep the Pastry Cold: Work with cold puff pastry. If it gets too warm, it can become sticky and won’t puff up as nicely.
Don’t Overfill: Be careful not to add too much filling to each cup, as the brie will melt and expand during baking.
Serve Warm: These bites are best enjoyed warm from the oven when the brie is perfectly gooey and melted.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is wonderfully adaptable. For a vegetarian version, simply omit the prosciutto. You can also swap the cranberry sauce for fig jam or apricot preserves. For an extra crunch, sprinkle some chopped nuts on top—the ones used in these delicious pecan desserts would work perfectly. If you’re planning a larger spread, consider adding other finger foods like Fancy Pigs in a Blanket for a savory contrast.
Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions
To make your hosting duties even easier, you can assemble these brie bites ahead of time. Prepare them fully in the muffin tin, then cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready, simply bake as directed, adding a minute or two to the cooking time. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated in the oven.
While classics like shrimp cocktail and dips are always popular, bite-sized finger foods are a universal favorite. These Cranberry Brie Bites are exceptionally popular because they combine beloved holiday flavors in an easy-to-eat format.
Absolutely! You can assemble the brie bites completely, cover them in the muffin tin, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When your guests are on their way, just bake them straight from the fridge.
If you don’t have puff pastry, you can use crescent roll dough. Simply press a small triangle of dough into each muffin cup. The texture will be softer and less flaky, but still delicious.
To make a vegetarian-friendly version of this recipe, simply omit the prosciutto. The combination of brie, cranberry, and sage is still incredibly flavorful on its own.
The Ultimate Holiday Appetizer Recipe
FL Recipes
Holiday Appetizers: The Easiest Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe
These Cranberry Brie Bites are the ultimate holiday appetizers. With flaky puff pastry, creamy brie, and tangy cranberry, this easy recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any festive occasion.
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 24-cup mini muffin tin.
On a lightly floured surface, gently unfold the thawed puff pastry. Cut into 24 equal squares.
Press each pastry square into a cup of the mini muffin tin.
Place a cube of brie into each pastry cup. Top with approximately 1/2 teaspoon of cranberry sauce, a small piece of prosciutto, and a fresh sage leaf.
Brush the visible edges of the puff pastry with the egg wash. Bake for 13-15 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and puffed.
Allow the bites to cool in the tin for a few minutes before moving them to a serving platter. Serve warm.
Nutrition
Calories: 85kcalProtein: 3gFat: 6gFiber: 0.5g
Notes
Tip 1: Keep the puff pastry cold while working with it for the best, flakiest results. Tip 2: For a vegetarian option, simply omit the prosciutto. Tip 3: These can be fully assembled up to 24 hours in advance. Store covered in the refrigerator and bake straight from the fridge.
These Cranberry Brie Bites are more than just holiday appetizers; they’re a way to create delicious memories with your loved ones. We know they’ll be a star at your next gathering. If you make them, we would love to see! Share a photo of your beautiful creations and tag us on Pinterest. Happy holidays!
These Cranberry Brie Bites are the only holiday appetizer recipe you'll need this season!
Hi, I’m Emily Carter, and welcome to FL Recipes! I share simple, healthy recipes that make cooking easy, fun, and delicious for everyone. more about me »
