Looking for easy, festive christmas appetizers that make you look like a culinary rock star? You’re in the right place. I first tried these Mini Cranberry Brie Bites with Puff Pastry at a friend’s holiday soirée, and let me tell you, they vanished faster than Santa sliding down a chimney. Seriously, if you need last-minute Christmas Party Food Appetizers or crave standout Christmas Finger Food Ideas For Parties, these bites deliver every single time.
What makes them so magical? Imagine a flaky, buttery puff pastry cup hugging a melting wedge of brie, crowned with tart cranberry sauce and a hint of fresh thyme. It’s like a mini Christmas charcuterie experience in each bite—without the fuss of assembling a full board. And hey, if you’re on the hunt for Holiday Party Appetizers that require minimal effort but maximum “wow,” stick around. I’ll walk you through every step with tips, tweaks, and even a dash of sarcasm (because who doesn’t love a witty recipe guide?).
Ever wondered why people line up for popular Christmas Dinner Appetizers at holiday buffets? I’ve got the inside scoop. These little gems blend sweet, savory, and tangy notes in under 30 minutes. Plus, they fit perfectly on a Christmas Charcuterie Board alongside meats, cheeses, and Xmas Appetizers like spiced nuts or festive dips. Ready to elevate your next gathering? Let’s get pastry-rolling and cranberry-scooping—FYI, it’s easier than untangling Christmas lights 🙂
Table of Contents
Mini Cranberry Brie Bites with Puff Pastry
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a mini muffin tin or line with paper liners.
- Roll out puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Use a 2-inch round cutter to cut out 24 circles. Re-roll scraps as needed.
- Press each pastry circle into the muffin tin wells to form small cups.
- Place a cube of Brie in each cup. Top with about ½ teaspoon of cranberry sauce. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Brush the pastry edges with beaten egg for a golden finish.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes or until pastry is puffed and golden brown. Let cool for 2 minutes before removing from the tin.
- Garnish with thyme or pistachios if desired. Serve warm.
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Ingredients
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 4 ounces brie, rind removed and cut into 16 small cubes
- ¼ cup cranberry sauce (homemade or canned)
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Optional: chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 24-cup mini muffin tin or line with silicone mini molds.
- Unfold the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to cut it into 16 equal squares (about 2½ inches each).
- Gently press each pastry square into the mini muffin cups, creating little cups with slightly overlapping corners.
- Place one cube of brie into each pastry cup. Lightly brush the exposed pastry edges with the beaten egg to ensure a golden finish.
- Top each brie cube with about 1 teaspoon of cranberry sauce. Sprinkle fresh thyme leaves over the top, and add chopped nuts if you like an extra crunch.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the pastry turns puffed and golden brown, and the brie starts to ooze.
- Let the bites cool for 2–3 minutes, then carefully remove them with a small spatula. Serve warm and watch them disappear!
Variations
Feel free to get creative—these bites practically beg for a remix. Here are a few ideas to jazz them up:
- Spicy Kick: Swap cranberry sauce for pepper jelly or add a tiny pinch of red pepper flakes on top for a sweet-heat combo.
- Herby Upgrade: Mix chopped rosemary and parsley with the thyme. The extra greens add color and an earthy aroma that screams “holiday feast.”
- Fruit Swap: Try raspberry jam or fig preserves instead of cranberries. IMO, fig gives a luxe twist—perfect for a fancy Holiday Appetizers Easy spread.
- Cheese Twist: Replace brie with goat cheese or Camembert for a tangier flavor profile. Goat cheese works especially well if you prefer a firmer texture.
Serving & Tips
These bites shine as part of your Christmas Eve Appetizers or alongside other Christmas Appetizers Finger Foods. Here’s how I serve and store them:
- On a Platter: Arrange atop a wooden board or festive platter. Add sprigs of rosemary, extra thyme, and a few fresh cranberries for color pops.
- Pairing: Offer alongside mulled wine, sparkling cider, or a rich red wine like Merlot. The acidity cuts through the cheese’s richness—genius combo!
- Make-Ahead: You can assemble these bites a day in advance. Keep them covered in the fridge, then bake just before your guests arrive.
- Storage: Freeze leftover baked bites in an airtight container. Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes to revive crispiness. Perfect for midnight snacking or Christmas Snacks For Party emergencies.
Final Thoughts
I still remember unwrapping my first brie wheel years ago and thinking, “What tasty mischief can I cook up?” These Mini Cranberry Brie Bites became my go-to. They’re quick, impressive, and insanely delicious. Whether you’re curating a full Christmas Charcuterie Board or just need bite-sized joy, these gems never disappoint.
So next time you’re hunting for crowd-pleasing Xmas Appetizers, skip the stress and whip up these beauties. Trust me, your guests will be asking for the recipe faster than you can say “Happy Holidays!”
FAQs
Can I make these bites ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the pastry cups with brie and cranberry sauce up to 24 hours before baking. Store them covered in the refrigerator. When guests arrive, just pop them in a preheated oven for about 15 minutes. This hack saves you precious party time—no one will suspect you didn’t scramble at the last minute 😉
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Leftover bites taste great cold or reheated. Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them laid out on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to eat, bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 7 minutes to restore the flaky pastry texture.
Can I use crescent roll dough instead of puff pastry?
Yes, you can substitute crescent roll dough for puff pastry. The flavor will be slightly richer, and the texture less flaky—but still delicious. Just press the dough gently into mini muffin cups. Keep an eye on the baking time since crescent dough may brown faster.
Are these gluten-free or dairy-free options available?
For a gluten-free version, grab a store-bought gluten-free puff pastry sheet. Ensure the cranberry sauce and other ingredients are also gluten-free. Dairy-free lovers can try a vegan brie alternative—brands like Miyoko’s make plant-based spreads that melt nicely. The result still feels indulgent without dairy drama!
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