Cranberry Brie Bites

Ask any guest: Cranberry brie bites are one of the most popular party appetizers during the holidays. They're adorably bite-sized and so much easier to devour than brie en croute. Plus, they're basically foolproof! This recipe calls for four main ingredients: flaky puff pastry, cranberry sauce, brie, and pistachios. Because the brie is so soft and creamy, it can be tricky to cut at room temperature, but freezing your wheel or wedge for 20 minutes makes slicing a breeze. This quick finger food idea is easy enough to make for short-notice visitors but elegant enough to serve at a the holiday cocktail party. From start to finish, they're ready to enjoy in under an hour. Just be sure to make plenty because they always go fast!

What pairs well with brie?

Rich brie is wonderful alongside something sweet, tart, and fruity, such as cranberry sauce in this recipe! Because it's a soft, creamy cheese, brie also pairs well with contrasting textures, such as crunchy nuts and flaky puff pastry. Basically, this easy appetizer has everything you could want!

Should you use homemade or store-bought cranberry sauce?

What we love most about these bites is just how easy they are to make. Do yourself a favor a grab a can of cranberry sauce to whip 'em up in a flash. Of course, if you have leftover cranberry sauce—whether it's homemade cranberry sauce or store-bought—this is also a great way to use it up! After all the eating on turkey day, sometimes a simple snack is all you need for dinner, and these would certainly satisfy.

Do you take the rind off the brie before baking?

It's totally up to you. The rind is 100% edible and can be left on, but if you prefer eating brie without it, slice it off before cutting it up into cubes (and after it's been frozen for a bit).

Is this recipe adaptable?

Cranberry brie bites are endlessly customizable. Swap pepper jelly for the cranberry sauce, or sub in your favorite nut—almonds, pecans, or walnuts would be delicious. Want a pop of freshness? Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or tarragon.

What can you use instead of puff pastry for cranberry brie bites?

If you don't have any puff pastry handy, refrigerated crescent roll dough will work in a pinch. Just grab an eight-ounce can of crescent rolls. Flour your work surface, roll out the dough, pinch the seams together, and cut into 24 equal squares! If you can find a crescent roll dough sheet, that's even better because you don't have to worry about pinching the seams.

How do you store leftover cranberry brie bites?

Place the bites in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat the bites in an air fryer or oven until warmed through.

Can you freeze cranberry brie bites?

Yes! Line the muffin tin with pastry squares and stuff with cheese as directed, then cover with plastic wrap and freeze for up to one week. Top with cranberry sauce and pistachios right before baking.