There’s something magical about bite-sized appetizers that combine all the best flavors into one perfect little package. These Cranberry-Brie Pie Crust Bites are that kind of magic. Think buttery, flaky pie crusts, creamy Brie cheese that melts in your mouth, and a sweet-tart cranberry sauce for a festive touch. They’re the perfect blend of savory and sweet, and they come together in no time—seriously, no culinary degree required!
I first discovered these little gems a few years ago when hosting my annual holiday gathering. I was in a panic trying to balance fancy, crowd-pleasing snacks with my limited time. That’s when I stumbled upon the idea of combining store-bought pie crusts and some leftover cranberry sauce. Add a touch of Brie, and voila—an appetizer that looked (and tasted!) like I’d spent hours in the kitchen.
The best part? These are super versatile. You can dress them up with fresh thyme or a drizzle of honey or keep them simple with just the cranberry and cheese combo. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, contributing to a potluck, or just want a quick treat for yourself, these bites deliver every time.
Why You’ll Love This Cranberry-Brie Pie Bites Recipe
These Cranberry-Brie Pie Crust Bites are perfect for so many reasons, and here’s why they’ll quickly become your go-to appetizer:
- Quick and Easy: You’ll spend more time sipping cider than stressing in the kitchen. With just 15 minutes of prep and 15 minutes of baking, these come together in under 30 minutes.
- Festive Flair: The cranberry sauce adds a pop of color and flavor that screams holiday season.
- Crowd-Pleasing: They’re great for all ages—kids love the buttery crust and sweet cranberry sauce, while adults can’t get enough of the creamy Brie.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can bake the pie crust rounds ahead of time, so when your guests arrive, all you have to do is assemble and serve.
- Customizable: Swap out the cranberry sauce for fig jam or apricot preserves if you’re feeling adventurous.
Preparation Time and Servings
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: Makes about 42 bites (perfect for a small crowd or to keep extras for yourself).
- Calories per Serving: Approximately 70 (depending on the size of your bites and exact ingredients).
Ingredients of this Cranberry-Brie Pie Bites
To make these Cranberry-Brie Pie Crust Bites, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients:
- 2 refrigerated pie crusts: These save so much time and are perfectly flaky every time.
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil: For brushing the crusts and adding a hint of richness.
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: A light sprinkle is all you need to enhance the flavors.
- 1 wedge Brie cheese: Cut into 1-inch pieces. This will be the creamy star of the show.
- Cranberry sauce: Homemade or store-bought, it’s all about that sweet-tart burst of flavor.
- Fresh thyme leaves (optional): For a fragrant garnish that adds a little something extra.
Step-by-Step Instructions to make the Cranberry-Brie Pie Bites
Prepare the Pie Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 450°F. While the oven heats, roll out the pie crusts on a lightly floured surface. Using a 2-inch round cookie cutter (or a small glass if you don’t have a cutter), punch out as many circles as you can—about 42 total from both crusts.
Place the pie crust circles on parchment-lined baking sheets, making sure they have a bit of space between them so they bake evenly.
Season and Bake
Next, brush each circle lightly with olive oil. Sprinkle a pinch of salt and a crack of black pepper over the tops for a savory touch. To prevent the crusts from puffing up too much, use a fork to gently poke a few holes in the center of each round.
Pop the trays into the oven and bake for 5–7 minutes, or until the circles are golden brown and slightly puffed. Keep an eye on them—they can go from golden to too dark pretty quickly!
Assemble the Bites
Once the pie crust circles are baked, it’s time to assemble the bites. Place a small piece of Brie on each crust while they’re still warm from the oven. The heat will help the cheese melt slightly and become irresistibly gooey.
Next, add a small spoonful of cranberry sauce on top of the Brie. Don’t go overboard—a teaspoon is enough for each bite. If you’re using thyme, sprinkle a few leaves on top for an herby, aromatic touch.
Serve
These bites are best served warm, but they’re just as tasty at room temperature. Arrange them on a festive platter, and watch them disappear!
Tips for Success
- Don’t Skip the Fork Pokes: Poking the crusts with a fork ensures they stay flat and crispy, rather than puffing up into mini balloons.
- Make It Your Own: Swap cranberry sauce for other jams or chutneys to match your flavor preferences. Fig jam pairs beautifully with Brie, and apricot preserves bring a sunny sweetness.
- Prep Ahead: You can bake the pie crust rounds a day or two ahead of time. Just store them in an airtight container at room temperature.
- Use Fresh Thyme Sparingly: A little goes a long way—just a sprinkle adds a subtle hint of freshness without overpowering the other flavors.
- Experiment with Cheese: While Brie is classic, you can also try Camembert or a creamy goat cheese for a slightly different taste.
How to Serve this Cranberry-Brie Pie Bites
These bites shine on their own, but you can elevate them even more with thoughtful pairings:
- On a Platter: Serve alongside a charcuterie board with cured meats, nuts, and fresh fruit.
- With Beverages: Pair with a hot cup of spiced tea or sparkling water with a hint of cranberry juice.
- As Part of a Meal: These work beautifully as a starter before a roast chicken or turkey dinner.
Freezing and Storage
If you have leftovers (though, honestly, that’s rare), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 5–7 minutes to crisp up the crust and warm the Brie.
You can also freeze the baked pie crust circles before assembling. Place them in a freezer-safe bag, and they’ll keep for up to two months. When you’re ready to serve, just thaw, warm them up, and assemble with Brie and cranberry sauce.
Special Equipment
While this recipe is super simple, a few tools can make the process even smoother:
- 2-inch round cookie cutter: For perfectly sized bites.
- Parchment Paper: Keeps the crusts from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
- Pastry Brush: Makes it easy to evenly coat the pie crusts with olive oil.
FAQ
Can I use puff pastry instead of pie crust?
Yes! Puff pastry will give you an even flakier and more buttery base. Just keep an eye on the bake time as it may puff more quickly.
What if I don’t have a cookie cutter?
No worries! A small glass or jar lid works perfectly for cutting the dough into rounds.
Can I use canned cranberry sauce?
Absolutely. Canned cranberry sauce works just as well and is a huge time-saver.
How far in advance can I make these?
You can bake the pie crust circles a day or two ahead of time. Assemble with Brie and cranberry sauce just before serving for the best texture.
What other cheeses can I use?
If you’re not a fan of Brie, try goat cheese, Camembert, or even a creamy blue cheese.
Conclusion
There you have it—your new go-to holiday appetizer! These Cranberry-Brie Pie Crust Bites are everything you could want in a party snack: easy, delicious, and oh-so-festive. I promise, once you try them, you’ll wonder how you ever hosted a gathering without them.
If you give this recipe a try, let me know how it turns out! Snap a photo, tag me on social media, and share your festive creations. I can’t wait to see your versions of these irresistible bites. Happy hosting!
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Cranberry-Brie Pie Crust Bites: Your New Favorite Holiday Appetizer
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: About 42 bites 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cranberry-Brie Pie Crust Bites are the perfect quick and elegant appetizer for any occasion. With flaky pie crust, creamy Brie cheese, and tangy cranberry sauce, they’re bursting with festive flavors. Ready in under 30 minutes, they’re ideal for holiday gatherings or a casual get-together.
Ingredients
- 2 refrigerated pie crusts
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1 wedge Brie cheese, cut into 1-inch pieces
- Cranberry sauce
- Fresh thyme leaves (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 450°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll out pie crusts and use a 2-inch round cutter to make circles.
- Place circles on baking sheets, brush with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Poke each with a fork.
- Bake for 5–7 minutes or until golden brown.
- Top each crust with Brie, cranberry sauce, and optional thyme leaves.
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Substitute cranberry sauce with fig jam or apricot preserves for a different flavor.
- Make crust rounds ahead of time to save prep time before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American