There’s something irresistibly festive about buttery puff pastry filled with gooey brie and sweet-tart cranberry sauce. Add a drizzle of infused thyme honey and you’ve got a show-stopping bite-sized treat that’s perfect for the holidays. These Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Bites with Thyme Honey are everything you want in Christmas appetizers—elegant, easy to make, and incredibly delicious. Whether you're hosting a holiday party or contributing to a Christmas charcuterie board, these bites are guaranteed to disappear fast.
Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Bites with Thyme Honey
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 15 minutes mins
Total Time 30 minutes mins
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Mini muffin tin This is ideal for forming the pastry into bite-sized cups. If you don’t have one, you can use a regular muffin tin and adjust the size of your pastry squares and filling.
Sharp knife or pizza cutter For slicing the puff pastry into even squares.
Small saucepan To infuse the honey with thyme.
Pastry Brush To apply the egg wash evenly for that golden-brown finish.
Cooling rack Helps keep the bottoms from getting soggy after baking.
- 1 sheet puff pastry thawed (preferably all-butter for best flavor)
- 6 oz brie cheese rind on, cut into small cubes
- 1/2 cup whole cranberry sauce homemade or store-bought
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves plus extra for garnish
- 1 egg beaten (for egg wash)
- Pinch of sea salt optional, for garnish
- Cooking spray or butter to grease muffin tin
Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 24-cup mini muffin tin with butter or cooking spray. Make sure your puff pastry is thawed but still cold—it should be pliable but not sticky.
Make Thyme Honey
In a small saucepan over low heat, warm the honey with the fresh thyme leaves for about 3–5 minutes. You don’t want the honey to boil—just gently infuse. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly. This step elevates the bites with a fragrant herbal note that plays beautifully against the rich cheese and sweet cranberry.
Cut and Form Puff Pastry
Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to smooth the seams. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the sheet into 24 equal squares. Gently press each square into a muffin cup, letting the corners stick up slightly.
Fill with Brie and Cranberry
Place a cube of brie into each puff pastry cup. Follow with a small spoonful (about 1 teaspoon) of cranberry sauce over each cube. Don’t overfill—these puff up beautifully and you want to avoid overflow.
Add Thyme Honey
Drizzle a little of the thyme-infused honey over the cranberry topping in each cup. Reserve a bit for post-baking garnish if desired.
Brush with Egg Wash
Lightly brush the exposed edges of the puff pastry with the beaten egg. This gives them a beautiful golden finish.
Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 13–15 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and puffed, and the brie is melted. Keep an eye on them after the 12-minute mark to avoid over-browning.
Cool and Garnish
Let the bites cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then carefully transfer them to a cooling rack. Drizzle with a touch more thyme honey and a sprinkle of sea salt or fresh thyme leaves for garnish, if desired.
Perfect Pairings
These bites are incredibly versatile and pair well with a variety of drinks and dishes, making them ideal for your holiday party food spread.
- Drinks: Serve with sparkling wine or prosecco to complement the creamy brie and tart cranberry. A dry rosé or a winter cocktail like a cranberry gin fizz would also be fantastic.
- Boards: Add them to your Christmas charcuterie board alongside cured meats, nuts, and dried fruits for a sweet-savory balance.
- Main Course: If you’re serving them as appetizers for Christmas party guests, they pair well before a glazed ham, roast turkey, or beef tenderloin.
- Sides: Offer alongside bowls of spiced nuts, marinated olives, or roasted vegetables for a complete xmas appetizers experience.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes! While brie is classic for its creamy texture and mild flavor, you can swap in camembert, triple cream, or even goat cheese. Just make sure it melts well and complements the cranberry and honey.
2. Do I have to use fresh thyme?
Fresh thyme gives the honey a lovely aroma and flavor, but you can substitute dried thyme (use half the amount). Alternatively, rosemary or sage-infused honey also works beautifully for a more woodsy profile.
3. Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can assemble the bites and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Or bake them completely, then reheat in a 350°F oven for about 5–7 minutes before serving. Just don’t drizzle with extra honey until after reheating.
4. What type of cranberry sauce should I use?
Both homemade and high-quality store-bought whole berry cranberry sauce work great. Avoid jellied cranberry sauce from a can, as it doesn’t hold up well during baking and lacks texture.
5. Can I use crescent dough instead of puff pastry?
Yes, crescent dough can be used as a substitute for puff pastry in a pinch. However, the texture will be slightly softer and less flaky. For a more rustic feel or if you’re short on time, it’s a great alternative.
