Why Everyone Loves Cranberry + Brie
If there’s one combo that never fails during the holidays, it’s buttery pastry, creamy brie, and tart cranberry. Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving or a cozy Friendsgiving, these three easy variations deliver major wow with minimal effort.
🧁 Option 1: Mini Cranberry-Brie Bites
Perfect for potlucks or grazing boards, these two-bite beauties disappear fast.
You’ll need:
- Mini phyllo shells or mini muffin pan with puff pastry squares
- Brie cheese, cut into ½-inch cubes
- Whole-berry cranberry sauce (or homemade compote)
- Fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Fill each shell with a cube of brie and ½ tsp cranberry sauce.
- Bake 8–10 minutes until cheese melts and edges crisp.
- Garnish with rosemary and serve warm.
👉 Product spotlight:
- Mini Phyllo Shells, 15-Count Pack – saves time and cleanup.
- Silicone Mini Muffin Pan – reusable and easy release.
🍞 Option 2: Baked Brie Wheel with Cranberry Glaze
The show-stopper for your appetizer table.
You’ll need:
- 8 oz round of brie
- ¼ cup cranberry sauce
- 2 tbsp chopped pecans or walnuts
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
How to make it:
- Place brie in center of puff pastry. Top with cranberry sauce and nuts.
- Fold pastry edges over to seal; flip seam-side down.
- Brush with egg wash and bake at 400°F for 25–30 minutes.
- Cool 5 minutes before cutting.
👉 Product spotlight:
- Brie Baker Dish – keeps presentation warm and elegant.
- Pastry Brush Set – ensures even egg-wash shine.
🌀 Option 3: Puff-Pastry Pinwheels
Quick to prep, freezer-friendly, and stunning on a platter.
You’ll need:
- 1 sheet puff pastry
- 3 tbsp cranberry sauce
- 4 oz brie, sliced thin
- 1 tsp fresh thyme
Steps:
- Spread cranberry sauce over pastry; top with brie and thyme.
- Roll up and chill 10 minutes for clean slicing.
- Cut into ½-inch rounds and bake at 375°F for 15–18 minutes.
👉 Product spotlight:
- Stainless Dough Cutter – makes uniform pinwheels easy.
- Non-Stick Baking Sheet – prevents cheesy messes.
🛒 Quick Product Recap
- Mini phyllo shells
- Silicone mini muffin pan
- Brie baker dish
- Pastry brush
- Dough cutter
- Non-stick baking sheet
All are affordable and deliver fast prep + easy cleanup—ideal for busy holiday kitchens.
🔗 Internal Link Suggestions
- Want some more kitchen inspiration? Check out our recipes page -> Recipes – Stir Studio
- Check out these holiday appetizers that are super simple to make and guests love them -> 5 Sheet-Pan Holiday Party Appetizers – Stir Studio
- Need a kitchen assistant? Check out how you can leverage ChatGPT in the kitchen -> 5 Ways ChatGPT Can Help You in the Kitchen – Stir Studio
❓ FAQs
1. Can I make these ahead?
Yes! Prep and chill up to 24 hours before baking; bake right before serving.
2. Can I freeze the pinwheels?
Freeze raw slices on parchment, then transfer to a bag. Bake directly from frozen +5 min.
3. What can I substitute for brie?
Camembert or triple-cream cheeses melt beautifully too.
4. How do I keep the pastry from getting soggy?
Use minimal sauce and bake on a preheated sheet.
5. Are these kid-friendly?
Absolutely! Skip herbs or nuts for younger palates.
❤️ Conclusion + CTA
These cranberry-brie bites, wheels, and pinwheels prove that festive doesn’t have to mean complicated.
👉 Save this recipe on Pinterest so you have it handy for every holiday.
🛒 Click the product links above to grab your mini shells, pastry brush, and baking sheets before the Thanksgiving rush!
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