Brie Bites with Cranberry Sauce and Pecan Topping Recipe

If you’re looking for a show-stopping appetizer that’s both elegant and unexpectedly simple, you’re going to adore this Brie Bites with Cranberry Sauce and Pecan Topping Recipe. These little parcels of buttery puff pastry, creamy Brie, tangy cranberry, and crunchy pecans come together to create such a festive flavor explosion—you’ll want to make them for every holiday party (or just a cozy night with friends). I absolutely love how they balance sweet, salty, creamy, and crunchy all in one bite. Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through how to nail this recipe with tips I’ve picked up along the way.

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient here plays a special role to build layers of taste and texture. I love using thawed puff pastry because it gives those flaky, buttery little cups that hold everything perfectly. And don’t skip the flaky sea salt—it’s a small touch that truly elevates the flavors.

• Frozen Puff Pastry Sheets: Make sure to thaw them overnight in the fridge for easy handling and the best puff.
• Brie Cheese: A creamy, soft Brie is key; I like to firm it up in the freezer briefly to make cutting easier.
• Cranberry Sauce: Homemade is fantastic here, but whole berry store-bought cranberry sauce or even a good-quality jam works well too.
• Flaky Sea Salt: Using Maldon or fleur de sel adds that wonderful crunchy pop and enhances the sweet and savory flavors.
• Raw Pecans: Finely chopped pecans give a lovely crunch and nutty depth to the topping.
• Fresh Rosemary: Small sprigs or leaves for garnish add an herbaceous freshness that brightens every bite.

Variations

One of my favorite things about this Brie Bites with Cranberry Sauce and Pecan Topping Recipe is how easily you can swap in your own flavors or adapt it for different occasions. Here are a few personal tweaks I’ve enjoyed that might inspire you.

• Swap the Nuts: I once used toasted walnuts instead of pecans, which gave the bites a deeper, toasty flavor and my guests loved the change.
• Fruit Jam Twist: Try fig or apricot jam instead of cranberry for a subtly different sweet note with the creamy Brie.
• Herb Variations: Fresh thyme or sage can replace rosemary if you want to experiment with other herbal aromas.
• Dietary Adjustments: For a nut-free version, skip the pecans and go heavier on the flaky sea salt or add a little drizzle of honey on top before baking.

How to Make Brie Bites with Cranberry Sauce and Pecan Topping Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Brie

First, get your oven racks positioned in the upper and lower thirds and preheat to 375°F. While it heats, pop your Brie in the freezer for 15 minutes. I discovered this trick because cutting soft Brie can get messy, and chilling it makes dicing way cleaner and easier. Meanwhile, coat your mini muffin pans generously with nonstick spray—this prevents any sticky surprises later.

Step 2: Shape Your Puff Pastry Cups

Roll out one sheet of thawed puff pastry to roughly a 10×14 inch rectangle. Slice this into 24 squares by cutting lengthwise into 4 strips, then crosswise into 6 strips. Gently press each square into the muffin cups to form little cups, and prick the bottoms a couple of times with a fork. Don’t rush this—handle the puff pastry gently so it keeps its light, flaky texture!

Step 3: Fill with Brie, Cranberry, and Pecans

Cut your Brie into 24 small cubes and place one cube into each puff pastry cup. Top each Brie piece with a teaspoon of cranberry sauce—this is where the sweet-tart magic happens. Sprinkle half a teaspoon of flaky sea salt over each cup, then scatter about half of your chopped pecans on top. Repeat these steps with your second sheet of pastry and remaining ingredients. I like to refrigerate the filled pans while I prepare the second batch so everything stays chilled and holds its shape when baking.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Arrange your muffin pans on a baking sheet to catch any cheesy overflow and bake them—one pan on the upper rack, the other on the lower rack. Around 18 to 20 minutes is perfect; halfway through, swap the pans between racks to get evenly golden bites. Watch for the puff pastry to rise and turn a beautiful golden brown. Once done, let them cool for 3 minutes in the pan. If anything bubbled out, I gently poke it back in with a fork—no one will know, but it keeps things tidy!

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Carefully lift the Brie bites out of the pans with a fork or small spatula and arrange them on a serving plate. I always top each one with a tiny sprig of fresh rosemary for that fresh, piney finish—it just makes them look as good as they taste. You can serve these warm or at room temperature, and trust me, they never last long either way!

How to Serve Brie Bites with Cranberry Sauce and Pecan Topping Recipe

Garnishes

I’m a huge fan of fresh rosemary sprigs here because they add a pop of color and that lovely, piney aroma that balances richness. Sometimes, I sprinkle a little extra flaky sea salt right before serving for that unexpected crunchy burst, especially when these go at a fancy holiday party.

Side Dishes

These Brie bites are fantastic alongside a crisp green salad or a platter of roasted vegetables. I also love pairing them with a glass of chilled white wine or champagne—it really elevates the whole experience if you’re entertaining.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I arrange the Brie bites on a wooden board lined with fresh rosemary and scatter some pecans around for that rustic, festive look. You could also stack them on tiered serving trays or surround them with mini glass bowls of extra cranberry sauce and honey for dipping.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftover Brie bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They keep their texture nicely, and it’s easy to pull them out for a quick snack or second round at a party!

Freezing

After baking and cooling completely, I freeze these bites in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe container. This prevents them from sticking together and keeps them fresh for up to 2 months—perfect for prepping ahead for big events.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop the Brie bites back into a mini muffin tin and bake at 350°F until warmed through—usually 8 to 10 minutes. This method keeps the puff pastry crispy and the Brie melty, just like fresh from the oven. Alternatively, they’re great served at room temperature if you’re short on time.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Brie Bites with Cranberry Sauce and Pecan Topping Recipe is one of those recipes I return to when I want to impress without the fuss. It’s elegant, approachable, and every bite packs a little joyful surprise. My family goes crazy for these, and when I serve them, guests always ask for the recipe—so I knew I had to share it with you! Give it a try next time you want a simple yet spectacular appetizer—your friends and taste buds will thank you.

Print