Discover the perfect flavor combination of cranberry and brie encased in flaky puff pastry. This irresistible appetizer recipe is an easy-to-make addition to holiday gatherings.
Want to save this post?
Enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox. Plus, I'll send you the latest recipes and tips every week!
Jump to:
These tasty bites are a crowd-pleasing favorite, guaranteed to impress your guests. With just a few simple ingredients like cranberry sauce, creamy brie cheese, and buttery puff pastry, you can create an irresistible appetizer that will have everyone coming back for more.
If you want a delicious appetizer that combines the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, you must try these little treats. My bacon-wrapped onion rings and bacon-wrapped pineapple are sweet and savory bites, too.
Reasons to Love
- Easy to make. Just cut the pastry into squares, place a slice of brie and a dollop of cranberry sauce in the center, fold it up, brush on beaten, egg and bake until golden brown. It's a quick and easy appetizer that will impress your guests.
- Perfect combination of flavors. The creamy and buttery taste of brie cheese pairs beautifully with the sweet and tangy flavor of cranberries. Wrapping in flaky puff pastry creates a delightful explosion of flavors in every bite.
- Crowd-pleaser. These tasty bites are sure to be a hit. The combination of flavors and the elegant presentation will impress everyone. Plus, they are easy to eat with your hands, making them perfect for any gathering.
Ingredients
It's so simple to prepare this delicious finger food. To assemble your cranberry brie puff pastry tarts, follow these simple steps
Here are the items you'll need to have on hand to make the recipe:
- sheet of frozen puff pastry (thawed)
- cranberry sauce
- wheel of brie
- egg
- fresh rosemary, optional
Scroll down to the recipe card for quantities used.
Instructions
To make this recipe, you'll first want to preheat your air fryer or oven. If you are using frozen pastry dough, it's also essential to have the sheet of puff pastry thawed before starting.
Cut puff pastry into 12 equal pieces.
Place silicone muffin cups on the baking sheet. Lightly press one piece of puff pastry into each cup. Prick each slice with a fork. Place a piece of brie in the center of the puff pastry.
Top with 1 teaspoon cranberry sauce.
Brush puff pastry with egg.
Air fry or bake until the pastry is golden on top.
Garnish with fresh rosemary, if desired, and enjoy.
Hint: I find it helps to have the puff pastry well chilled before baking. The easiest way to do this is to put the assembled bites in the freezer for about ten to fifteen minutes.
Variations
You can get creative with your cranberry brie bites by experimenting with various flavor combinations. Here are a few things you can try:
- Nuts - walnuts or pecans can provide a delightful crunch and complement the creamy texture of the cheese.
- Balsamic vinegar - drizzle a balsamic reduction over the Brie and cranberries after baking.
- Caramelized onion - Sauté thinly sliced onions until caramelized and layer them over the Brie and cranberry.
- Prosciutto - Place a slice of prosciutto on top for a savory twist.
- Honey - Drizzle honey over the prepared bites before baking to add a natural sweetness that enhances the overall flavor.
Try adding diced air fryer apples to the brie and cranberry filling. The sweet apples are a nice contrast to the tart cranberries.
Tips
Top tip: Brushing the pastry with an egg wash before baking gives it a beautiful shine and color. You can also sprinkle some sea salt on top to add an extra burst of flavor.
- Homemade cranberry sauce tends to have the best flavor. If you do use canned, choose a whole berry sauce.
- Freeze the assembled tarts for about 15 minutes before baking them. This helps the pastry hold its shape and prevents it from shrinking too much during baking.
Serving suggestions
I like to arrange the mini pastries on a wooden board or rustic platter with a sprinkling of cranberries and a few sprigs of rosemary for an inviting and visually appealing presentation. The bites can also be served with crackers or crusty bread for added texture.
Sometimes, I'll turn it into a charcuterie board with complementary snacks like olives, nuts, or dried fruits. You can even add a baked brie wrapped in pastry!
Storage
If you have leftover brie and cranberry puff pastry bites, you can refrigerate them for up to 3-4 days. However, it's important to note that the puff pastry may lose its crispness over time. To reheat them, simply place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes until they are heated through and the pastry is crispy again.
FAQs
While brie is the traditional choice for cranberry brie tarts, you can certainly experiment with other cheeses like camembert or even goat cheese. The flavor profile may be slightly different, but it can still result in delicious bites.
Related Recipes
If you're hosting a small gathering with friends or family, you may want to include some of these snacks and appetizers too.
- Air fryer candied almonds are a classic treat during the holidays.
- Hawaiian bun sliders are simple mini sandwiches every will love.
- Air fryer pasta chips were inspired by a recipe on social media.
- Turkey tortilla roll ups are quick and easy to make for last-minute bites.
- Air fryer lumpia is a crisp and delicious Filipino spring roll.
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest to see more recipes.
Recipe
Brie & Cranberry in Puff Pastry
Ingredients
- ½ sheet thawed puff pastry
- ¼ cup cranberry sauce
- 6 slices of brie cut in 2 per slice
- 1 small beaten egg
- 1 to 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary optional
Instructions
- Preheat Air Fryer at 370°F (188°C) or oven to 395°F. Set air fryer at 16 to 18 minutes or set baking timer to 18 to 20 minutes.
- Cut puff pastry into 12 equal pieces.
- Place silicone muffin cups on the baking tray. Lightly press one piece of puff pastry into each cup. Prick each slice with a fork.
- Place a piece of brie on top of the puff pastry. Top with 1 teaspoon cranberry sauce. Brush puff pastry with egg.
- Place tray into the middle of air fryer or oven. Air Fry 16 to 18 minutes or bake 18 to 20 minutes until golden.
- Garnish with fresh rosemary.
Melissa
I made these last night and they were absolutely glorious. We had some friends over and I wanted something quick and easy to make to put out on the table, and everyone commented how delicious and more-ish they were! A definite success so I'll be making these again - thanks!