A few years ago I shared this simple, crowd-pleasing appetizer — Cranberry Brie Bites — on my Instagram stories. The response was so enthusiastic that I wanted to give the recipe a permanent home here. These bite-sized pastry cups combine warm, melty brie with a bright spoonful of cranberry jelly and the crunch of chopped hazelnuts. They’re easy to prepare, elegant to serve, and a guaranteed hit at holiday gatherings or casual parties.
Think of these as mini versions of the beloved pastry-wrapped brie often seen at holiday parties. Each little cup is a perfect balance of sweet, savory, creamy, and crunchy — a classic appetizer that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. They require only a handful of ingredients and come together quickly, making them ideal for last-minute entertaining or as a make-ahead option for a big event.
Ingredients
- Cooking spray
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 3 ounces brie cheese (cut into twelve 1/2-inch squares)
- 1/2 cup spicy cranberry jelly (regular cranberry jelly, fig jam, or wild blueberry jam can be substituted)
- 1/4 cup loosely chopped hazelnuts
Recipe details
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 15 minutes
- Total time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 12
- Calories per serving: 170 kcal
Step-by-step Instructions
Step one: Prep the muffin tin
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray a mini muffin tin with cooking spray so the pastry cups release easily after baking.
Step two: Cut the puff pastry
On a lightly floured surface or cutting board, unfold the thawed puff pastry. Cut the dough into three equal strips, then cut four even squares from each strip to yield 12 squares total.
Step three: Shape the pastry cups
Gently press each pastry square into the prepared mini muffin tin cavities, forming small baskets that will hold the brie and jelly.
Step four: Prepare the brie
Slice the brie into twelve 1/2-inch squares. Place one piece of brie into the center of each puff pastry cup.
Step five: Add the jelly and nuts
Spoon approximately 1 teaspoon of spicy cranberry jelly onto each piece of brie. Sprinkle chopped hazelnuts over the top for texture and a toasty flavor contrast.
Step six: Bake and serve
Bake the bites for 12–15 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and the brie has softened and begun to melt. Serve warm for the best texture and flavor.
Tips & Variations
- Substitutions: If you can’t find spicy cranberry jelly, regular cranberry jelly works well. For a different flavor profile, try fig jam or wild blueberry jam.
- Nuts: Hazelnuts add a lovely flavor, but chopped pecans, walnuts, or pecan praline would also be delicious.
- Make-ahead: Prepare through Step Five and store the filled, unbaked bites covered in the refrigerator. Bake just before serving to preserve the crispness of the pastry.
- Presentation: Arrange the finished bites on a platter garnished with fresh rosemary sprigs or a few whole cranberries for seasonal appeal.
Nutrition (per serving)
- Calories: 170 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 7 mg
- Sodium: 96 mg
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sugar: 4 g
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be considered an approximation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these in advance?
Yes. Prepare the pastry cups, fill them with brie, jelly, and nuts, then cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. Finish with the baking step just before serving for the best texture.
What can I use instead of spicy cranberry jelly?
Regular cranberry jelly, fig jam, or wild blueberry jam are all excellent alternatives that complement the creamy brie.
Serving & Storage
Serve Cranberry Brie Bites warm as an appetizer alongside cocktail Napkins or small plates. Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 days; reheat briefly in a warm oven to restore the pastry’s crispness.
Author & Credits
Recipe author: Alex Snodgrass
Photography credit: Eat Love Eats (photography provided).