Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Bites are a sweet and savory appetizer made with creamy Brie, cranberry jam, crushed walnuts, and fresh rosemary tucked into flaky gluten-free puff pastry. They bake up golden, melty, and full of flavor, making them an easy and elegant bite for the holidays or any gathering.
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These gluten-free puff pastry bites come together in minutes and can be prepped ahead, making them ideal for easy entertaining. The flaky crust, creamy Brie, and sweet jam feel indulgent without being complicated, which is exactly what you want when guests are on the way.
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Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Bites At A Glance
- ⏱ Total Time: 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 min bake)
- 🍴 Servings: 24 bites (6-8 servings)
- 🌿 Cuisine Type: Mediterranean-Inspired Holiday Appetizer
- 🧀 Flavor Profile: Buttery puff pastry, creamy Brie, cranberry jam, walnuts, and fragrant rosemary
- 📖 Dietary Info: Gluten-free (using gluten-free puff pastry); vegetarian-friendly
- 📦 Storage Notes: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to crisp up again.
- ⭐ What Makes It Special: Elegant yet effortless, these bite-sized appetizers bring together sweet and savory flavors in a golden, flaky pastry. Perfect for holiday parties, wine nights, or any gathering.
If you love simple appetizers that impress, try a few of my other favorites like Prosciutto Wrapped Dates, Crab Stuffed Mushrooms, Marinated Mozzarella Balls, or Easy Greek Spanakopita Triangles with Spinach and Feta. Each one pairs beautifully on an appetizer board and brings its own mix of Mediterranean flavor and texture to the table.
Ingredients
You will need the following ingredients to make this brie bites puff pastry:
Ingredient Notes
- Gluten-Free Puff Pastry: I always keep a box of gluten-free puff pastry in the freezer for recipes like this. It bakes up beautifully crisp and golden, and no one ever guesses it's gluten-free. The key is to keep it cold but pliable. If it warms up too much while you're cutting or shaping it, place it back in the fridge for a few minutes.
- Brie Cheese: Creamy and rich, Brie melts beautifully and pairs perfectly with fruit jams. I tested this recipe with the rind on and the rind off without much of a difference. You can leave the rind on for extra texture and flavor.
- Cranberry Jam: The sweet, jammy mix adds depth and complements the buttery pastry and mild Brie. You can substitute fig or apricot preserves for a seasonal twist. You can also use a fig jam that has raspberry or orange in the mix. They are all delicious!
See the recipe card for quantities.
How To Make Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Bites: Step-By-Step
Here are some quick visual instructions. Remember that full instructions with the exact ingredients are in the printable recipe card:
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray a 24 mini-muffin pan with a non-stick spray. Cut the puff pastry into 2-inch squares and place each square into a muffin hole, pressing down gently.
Step 2: Cut small pieces of brie, about 2 teaspoons each and add them on top of the pastry.
Step 3: Top with the jam and walnuts.
Step 4: Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden and cooked through.
Pro Tip
Keep the pastry cold. Cold puff pastry is what gives these bites their flaky lift. If it starts to feel soft while you're working, place it back in the fridge for a few minutes before baking.
Variations
- Switch the jam: Try fig, apricot, or cherry preserves instead of cranberry. Each one brings a slightly different sweetness that still pairs beautifully with Brie.
- Add a drizzle: A touch of honey, hot honey, or balsamic glaze after baking adds shine and a hint of extra flavor.
- Try a different nut: Swap the walnuts for pecans or pistachios for a Mediterranean touch and a little extra crunch.
- Make it savory: Skip the jam and add a spoonful of caramelized onions or olive tapenade for a rich, savory version.
- Add herbs: If you don't have rosemary, thyme or fresh parsley work just as well and keep the flavor bright.
If you're planning an appetizer spread, these bites pair perfectly with a few other Mediterranean favorites. Try serving them alongside my Mediterranean Citrus Olives, Herbed Mixed Nuts, Cinnamon Almonds, or my creamy Spinach and Crab Dip. Together they make an easy and elegant mix of flavors that's ideal for holiday entertaining or a casual evening with friends.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. You can assemble them up to a day ahead and keep them covered in the refrigerator. When you're ready to serve, bake them straight from the fridge until golden and melty.
Look for a brand that uses real butter for the best flavor and rise. I like to keep a few sheets in the freezer so I can make these on short notice.
Other Delicious Appetizers
Let me know your thoughts on Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Bites by leaving a star rating below or by sharing it on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest!
Thank you!
Gwen
Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Bites (Gluten-Free)
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Equipment
Ingredients
- 6 ounces Brie cheese
- 5-6 tablespoons cranberry jam any flavor
- 3 tablespoons walnuts toasted, crushed
- 2 sheets puff pastry gluten-free or regular
- 1 fresh rosemary spring
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375℉.
- Spray oil or a non-stick spray on a 24 mini-muffin pan, or brush it with melted butter.
- Cut the puff pastry into 2-inch squares. Arrange the squares into each hole of the muffin tin, pressing down gently.2 sheets puff pastry
- Cut small pieces of brie, about 2 teaspoons each and add them on top of the puff pastry.6 ounces Brie cheese
- Top with the jam and some crushed walnuts. Top with some rosemary.5-6 tablespoons cranberry jam, 3 tablespoons walnuts, 1 fresh rosemary spring
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden and cooked through.
- Let them cool for a few minutes before removing them from the pan.
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