The Most Festive Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe for Holiday Joy

Bite-sized magic happens when creamy cranberry brie bites meet your appetizer dreams.

Popping these delectable morsels at your next gathering.

Delicate pastry cradles smooth brie and tangy cranberry in perfect harmony.

Guests will swoon over these elegant little treats that feel both luxurious and approachable.

Festive gatherings call for something special, and these nibbles deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Crisp edges, melted cheese, and bright fruit create a symphony of textures that dance across your palate.

These irresistible bites promise to become your new favorite party starter.

Whip them up and watch how quickly they disappear from the serving platter.

What’s Fun About Cranberry Brie Bites

• Burst with Flavor Combinations: These bites deliver an incredible taste explosion where creamy brie melts perfectly with sweet-tart cranberry sauce, creating a delightful balance that dances on your taste buds.
• Quick and Elegant Party Appetizer: Whip up these sophisticated bites in just 20 minutes, making them ideal for spontaneous gatherings, holiday parties, or last-minute entertaining without complex cooking skills.
• Texture Sensation: Experience a delightful contrast between crispy, flaky puff pastry and soft, gooey brie cheese, topped with crunchy nuts that add an unexpected textural dimension to each bite-sized morsel.
• Effortless Crowd-Pleaser: Minimal ingredients and simple preparation make these cranberry brie bites a foolproof recipe that looks and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, impressing guests with minimal effort.

What You’ll Need For Cranberry Brie Bites

• Puff Pastry: Light and flaky base that creates a delicate crispy shell for the appetizer. Best when using all-butter, pre-rolled sheets for convenience.
• Flour: Helps prevent pastry from sticking during rolling and preparation.

• Brie Cheese: Creamy, rich cheese that melts beautifully and provides a luxurious center. Choose a soft, ripe wheel for maximum flavor.
• Cranberry Sauce: Adds sweet-tart burst of flavor and festive color. Homemade or high-quality store-bought works well.

• Pecans, Walnuts: Provide a delightful crunch and nutty undertone. Optional but recommended for added texture.
• Fresh Rosemary, Thyme: Aromatic herbs that bring a subtle, elegant herbal note to the appetizer.
• Egg: Used for brushing pastry to create a golden, shiny exterior.

Steps To Prepare Cranberry Brie Bites

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 400°F. Grab a mini muffin tin and give it a light spray of cooking oil or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Prepare The Pastry Canvas

Sprinkle some flour on your work surface. Gently unfold the puff pastry and smooth out any stubborn wrinkles. With a sharp knife, slice the pastry into 12 neat squares. Carefully tuck each square into the muffin tin cups, pressing softly to create little pastry nests.

Step 3: Create Flavor Layers

• Creamy brie chunks
• Tangy cranberry sauce
• Crunchy chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts)

Nestle a brie cube right in the center of each pastry square. Dollop a small spoonful of cranberry sauce on top. For extra crunch, sprinkle some chopped nuts over the bites.

Step 4: Add Golden Shine

Grab a beaten egg and brush the pastry edges. This will give your bites a beautiful golden-brown glow when baked.

Step 5: Bake To Perfection

Slide the muffin tin into the hot oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the pastry puffs up and turns a gorgeous golden color.

Step 6: Final Touches

Pull the bites out of the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. For a fancy finish, add a tiny sprig of fresh rosemary or thyme on top. Serve these little flavor bombs warm or at room temperature.

Pro Tip: These bite-sized treats are perfect for parties, holiday gatherings, or when you want to impress your friends with minimal effort!

Tips For Perfect Cranberry Brie Bites

• Pastry Perfection: Roll out puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to prevent sticking and ensure smooth, even squares for consistent bite sizes.
• Cheese Tip: Cut brie into uniform cubes to guarantee even melting and prevent overflow during baking.
• Nut Crunch Enhancement: Lightly toast pecans or walnuts before adding to intensify their flavor and provide extra crispiness.
• Egg Wash Magic: Brush pastry edges with beaten egg for a beautiful golden-brown finish that adds shine and helps seal the edges.
• Make-Ahead Hack: Prepare these bites up to a day in advance and reheat in the oven for 5-7 minutes before serving to maintain their crispy texture.

How To Store And Reheat Cranberry Brie Bites The Easy Way

• Refrigerate: Store leftover cranberry brie bites in an airtight container and keep them chilled for up to 3 days. The cool environment preserves their delicate texture and prevents rapid spoilage.
• Reheat in Oven: Warm bites at 180C (350F) for 5-7 minutes to restore their crispy pastry and melty cheese. Spread them on a baking sheet in a single layer for even heating.
• Avoid Microwave: Skip microwaving as it can make the pastry soggy and compromise the delicate texture. The oven method ensures the bites remain crisp and delicious.
• Quick Tip: If serving for a gathering, you can prepare these bites ahead of time and quickly reheat just before guests arrive for a fresh-from-the-oven experience.

Best Things To Eat With Cranberry Brie Bites

• Pair with Sparkling Wines: Pop open a crisp champagne or prosecco to complement the rich brie and sweet-tart cranberry flavors. The bubbles cut through the creamy cheese and cleanse the palate between bites.
• Match with Herbal Cocktails: Create a rosemary gin fizz or thyme-infused martini that echoes the herb garnish and adds a sophisticated twist to these elegant appetizers. The herbal notes will harmonize beautifully with the cranberry and brie.
• Serve Alongside Charcuterie: Arrange these bites on a board with cured meats like prosciutto or salami. The salty meats contrast wonderfully with the sweet-creamy bites, creating a balanced and impressive appetizer spread.
• Recommend Light Red Wines: Choose a pinot noir or beaujolais with light tannins that won't overpower the delicate pastry. These wines bring out the nutty pecan flavor and complement the richness of the brie.

New Ideas For Cranberry Brie Bites

• Savory Mediterranean Morsel: Replace cranberry sauce with sun-dried tomato tapenade and swap brie for crumbled feta cheese, adding a zesty Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.
• Herbal Woodland Bite: Use goat cheese instead of brie, substitute cranberry sauce with fig jam, and sprinkle with fresh thyme leaves for an earthy woodland-inspired appetizer.
• Spicy Southwestern Nibble: Switch brie with pepper jack cheese, top with chipotle cranberry sauce, and garnish with chopped jalapeños for a kick of southwestern heat.
• Apple Cinnamon Fusion: Trade cranberry sauce for caramelized apple compote, use camembert cheese, and dust with ground cinnamon for a sweet and warm autumn-inspired treat.

All You Need To Know About Cranberry Brie Bites

• What makes these Cranberry Brie Bites special?

These bite-sized appetizers combine the creamy richness of brie cheese with the sweet-tart flavor of cranberry sauce, all nestled in a crispy puff pastry shell. They’re perfect for holiday parties or elegant gatherings.

• Can I make these bites ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the bites and refrigerate them unbaked for up to 2 hours before baking. This makes them great for preparing in advance when you’re hosting guests.

• Do I need any special equipment to make these?

All you’ll need is a mini muffin tin, which helps create the perfect bite-sized shape. If you don’t have one, you can carefully shape the pastry on a baking sheet, though the results might be less uniform.

• Are these bites vegetarian-friendly?

Yes, these Cranberry Brie Bites are vegetarian. They’re made with puff pastry, brie cheese, cranberry sauce, and optional nuts, making them a great option for vegetarian appetizers.

Easy Chicken Fried Rice Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Delightful Chicken Fried Rice brings sizzling Asian-inspired comfort straight to your kitchen. Crispy chicken, fragrant rice, and colorful vegetables dance together in a quick one-pan meal perfect for satisfying hungry diners.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 1 lb (450 g) chicken breast or thighs, diced
• 3 large eggs, beaten

Grains and Base:

• 3 cups (450 g) cooked and chilled rice (day-old works best)

Vegetables and Seasonings:

• 1 cup (150 g) frozen peas and carrots mix, thawed
• ¼ cup (40 g) diced onion
• 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce (or to taste)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (divided)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Sear the chicken in a sizzling large skillet or wok, heating vegetable oil over medium-high flame. Cook the diced chicken until it develops a golden-brown exterior and reaches complete doneness, approximately 5-6 minutes. Transfer the cooked chicken to a separate plate.
2. Utilize the same skillet and add another splash of oil. Gently pour the whisked eggs into the pan, creating soft, fluffy scrambled eggs. Once they are just set, remove and place alongside the chicken.
3. Introduce diced onions, vibrant green peas, and julienned carrots to the skillet. Allow these vegetables to dance and soften, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until they become tender and slightly translucent.
4. Carefully fold the pre-cooked rice into the vegetable mixture, using a spatula to break apart any stubborn clumps. Continuously stir the rice to ensure even heating and prevent sticking, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes.
5. Reunite the reserved chicken and scrambled eggs with the rice and vegetable medley. Drizzle soy sauce and sesame oil across the mixture, gently tossing to distribute flavors comprehensively. Allow the rice to absorb the aromatic seasonings for another 2 minutes.
6. Sprinkle freshly chopped green onions as a final garnish, creating a burst of color and zesty flavor. Serve the fried rice immediately while piping hot, inviting everyone to enjoy this classic comfort dish.

Notes

• Prepare chicken in advance by marinating it in garlic, ginger, and light soy sauce for extra flavor depth and tenderness.
• Use day-old cold rice to prevent mushy texture; freshly cooked rice contains too much moisture and can make fried rice clumpy.
• Customize vegetables based on seasonal availability or personal preference, keeping consistent bite-sized chopping for even cooking.
• Create a vegetarian version by replacing chicken with tofu, tempeh, or additional mixed vegetables like bell peppers and edamame.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg