When it comes to easy, crowd-pleasing holiday appetizers, nothing compares to these Cranberry Brie Bites. Imagine buttery puff pastry filled with creamy brie, tangy cranberry sauce, and a sprinkle of pistachios for crunch — all baked to golden perfection. These little gems combine sweet, salty, and savory flavors in every bite, making them one of the most popular Thanksgiving Brie Bites around. Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving, or a festive brunch, this Cranberry Brie Bites Appetizer will steal the show and keep guests coming back for seconds.
The Story & Inspiration Behind Cranberry Brie Bites
Memories from the First Holiday Batch
The first time I made Cranberry Brie Bites Appetizer, I was in a rush. Thanksgiving prep was chaotic — the turkey timer was beeping, and the gravy was refusing to thicken. Out of desperation, I threw together some puff pastry, leftover cranberry sauce, and a small wheel of brie. When the timer dinged, the kitchen smelled like heaven. I served them warm, and they disappeared faster than anything else on the table.
Why They’re a Must for Thanksgiving Gatherings
This appetizer is simple but sophisticated — perfect for both traditional Thanksgiving dinners and modern Friendsgiving spreads. The buttery layers of puff pastry cradle the creamy brie, while the cranberry adds brightness and color that instantly say “holiday.” What I love most about this recipe is how versatile it is — elegant enough for adults, yet easy enough for kids to grab and enjoy. Plus, you can prepare these Thanksgiving Cheese Appetizers ahead of time and bake them right before serving, saving precious oven space on the big day.
These New Holiday Appetizers combine texture, flavor, and festive flair in a way that feels both nostalgic and new. Every bite feels like the season — a balance of comfort and celebration wrapped into one irresistible package.
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Cranberry Brie Bites Appetizer
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Sweet and tangy puff pastry cranberry brie bites topped with pistachios – the perfect Thanksgiving appetizer.
Ingredients
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2 sheets puff pastry, thawed
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8 oz brie cheese
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1 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
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0.5 cup chopped pistachios
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0.5 teaspoon sea salt flakes
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4 sprigs fresh rosemary, cut into small pieces
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 375°F and position racks in upper and lower thirds.
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Unroll puff pastry on a floured surface and cut into 24 squares (2.5 inches each).
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Spray a mini muffin pan with non-stick spray and press one square into each cup.
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Cut the brie into 24 small pieces and place one in each pastry cup.
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Add 1 teaspoon of cranberry sauce on top, sprinkle with sea salt flakes and chopped pistachios.
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Bake for 18–20 minutes or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
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Let cool 3–5 minutes before removing from the pan. Garnish with rosemary and serve warm.
Notes
Store in refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
Freeze baked or unbaked bites up to 2 months.
Reheat in a 350°F oven until hot and crisp.
Brie rind should remain on for easier cutting and melting.
Substitute pistachios with pecans or walnuts if preferred.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Why Cranberry Brie Bites Are Perfect for the Holidays
The Ideal Thanksgiving Cheese Appetizer
If there’s one thing that makes the holidays easier, it’s having an appetizer that checks every box. These Cranberry Thanksgiving Appetizers are:
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Quick to assemble (only 10 minutes of prep!)
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Elegant enough for any Thanksgiving brunch or dinner
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Easy to customize with your favorite nuts or herbs
The brie melts perfectly into the puff pastry, creating a rich and creamy texture that pairs beautifully with the tart cranberry. A sprinkle of chopped pistachios adds crunch and color, while rosemary gives it that signature festive aroma.
Sweet, Savory, and Simply Addictive
Every element plays its part. The puff pastry delivers that flaky crunch, the brie offers creamy indulgence, and the cranberry brings the tangy-sweet contrast. Together, they create the kind of Thanksgiving Savory Appetizer guests can’t resist.
Want to make them your own? Try adding a drizzle of honey for sweetness or swapping pistachios for pecans. You can even use a homemade orange cranberry sauce to elevate the flavor. This recipe is proof that simple ingredients can turn into something extraordinary.
Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect Cranberry Brie Bites
Getting Started: Ingredients at a Glance
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Puff Pastry (thawed) | 2 sheets |
| Brie Cheese | 8 oz |
| Cranberry Sauce | 1 cup |
| Chopped Pistachios | ½ cup |
| Sea Salt Flakes | ½ tsp |
| Fresh Rosemary | 4 sprigs (cut) |
Step-by-Step Directions
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Preheat your oven to 375°F and position racks in the upper and lower thirds.
-
Unroll the puff pastry on a floured surface and cut it into 24 squares (2.5 inches each).
-
Spray a mini muffin pan and press one square into each cup.
-
Cut the brie into 24 small pieces and place one in each pastry cup.
-
Add a teaspoon of cranberry sauce on top, sprinkle with sea salt and pistachios.
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Bake for 18–20 minutes, until the pastry is puffed and golden.
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Cool for 3–5 minutes before gently removing from the pan. Garnish with rosemary.
Pro Tip: If your brie is too soft to cut, freeze it for 15 minutes to firm it up.
This easy process ensures every Cranberry Brie Bites Appetizer turns out flaky, gooey, and perfectly golden.
Serving, Storing, and Make-Ahead Tips
Serving for Maximum Appeal
Serve your Cranberry Brie Bites Appetizer hot out of the oven or at room temperature. Arrange them on a rustic wooden board with sprigs of rosemary and crushed pistachios scattered around for color. They pair beautifully with sparkling cider, white wine, or even a festive cranberry cocktail.
For Thanksgiving brunches, serve them alongside other Easy Appetizers Thanksgiving style — think mini quiches, deviled eggs, or charcuterie cups.
Make-Ahead and Storage Magic
These bites are a host’s best friend because they can be prepped in advance. Assemble them in the muffin tin, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and refrigerate for up to three days. On the big day, bake them straight from the fridge.
For long-term storage, freeze baked or unbaked bites until solid, then transfer to an airtight container. Reheat in a 350°F oven until warm and crispy.
| Storage Method | Duration | Reheating |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | 3 days | 350°F for 10 min |
| Freezer | 2 months | 350°F until hot |
Whether for a Thanksgiving Friendsgiving Food party or a cozy evening, these Thanksgiving Recipes Brie bites always deliver.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other nuts instead of pistachios?
Yes! Pecans and walnuts both work beautifully and add a warm, toasty crunch.
Can I remove the brie rind?
Keep it on — it melts perfectly and helps the cheese hold its shape.
Can I use canned cranberry sauce?
Absolutely. Both store-bought and homemade work, but whole cranberry sauce adds texture.
Can I make these ahead for a large crowd?
Yes! Assemble them the night before, refrigerate, then bake just before serving.
How do I keep them from sticking to the pan?
Always use a metal muffin tin with nonstick spray. Avoid silicone pans; metal browns the pastry better.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free puff pastry, and the rest of the ingredients remain the same.
Conclusion
These Cranberry Brie Bites embody everything we love about the holidays — rich, buttery, tangy, and perfectly portioned. They bring elegance to your table without the stress of complicated prep. With their festive colors and indulgent flavors, they’re guaranteed to become a new Thanksgiving tradition. Whether you’re planning an intimate dinner or a big Friendsgiving bash, these bite-sized delights are the one dish everyone will ask for again next year.
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