Name: Delicious Beef Sausage Cranberry Brie Bites for Parties
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Yield: 24 bites
Ingredients: 2 sheets (17.3 oz package) puff pastry, thawed; 1 lb ground beef breakfast sausage, mild or spicy; 4 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup dried cranberries, finely chopped; 8 oz Brie cheese, rind removed (optional), cut into 1/2-inch cubes; 1 large egg (for egg wash); 1 tbsp water (for egg wash); 1 tsp fresh thyme, chopped (or 1/2 tsp dried); 1/4 tsp black pepper; Pinch of salt, to taste; Optional: Pinch of cayenne pepper or 1 tsp maple syrup

Sausage Cranberry Brie Bites are the quintessential holiday appetizer, a culinary creation that perfectly encapsulates the festive spirit in one delectable mouthful. When I think of easy entertaining and truly impressive finger foods, these irresistible bites immediately come to mind. While they may not boast ancient origins like some traditional dishes, their modern-day popularity, especially during the autumn and winter entertaining seasons, speaks volumes. They have quickly become a staple at potlucks, family gatherings, and upscale cocktail parties, cherished for their sophisticated yet approachable flavor profile.

Why are Sausage Cranberry Brie Bites so universally adored?

It’s the sublime combination of textures and tastes: the rich, savory sausage provides a hearty base, perfectly complemented by the tart, sweet burst of cranberries. This delightful duo is then enveloped in a luscious, melted blanket of creamy brie cheese, all nestled within a flaky, golden puff pastry cup. The convenience of preparing them, often with make-ahead options, makes them an absolute dream for busy hosts. Each bite offers a harmonious balance that keeps guests coming back for more, making these Sausage Cranberry Brie Bites not just an appetizer, but a highlight of any celebration.

Ingredients:

Two sheets (one 17.3-ounce package) puff pastry, thawed according to package directions. I always recommend using a good quality, all-butter puff pastry if you can find it; it truly makes a difference in the flakiness and flavor of your Sausage Cranberry Brie Bites. Make sure it’s properly thawed but still cold, as this helps prevent it from becoming too sticky and difficult to work with.
One pound ground breakfast sausage, mild or spicy depending on your preference. I often opt for a mild sausage because the other flavors really shine through, but if you love a little kick, go for the spicy variety!
Four ounces cream cheese, softened at room temperature. This is our secret weapon for a creamy, cohesive filling that binds all the delicious flavors together.
One half cup dried cranberries, finely chopped. These little gems add a delightful tartness and chewiness that beautifully complements the savory sausage and rich brie.
Eight ounces Brie cheese, rind removed (optional, but I find it melts more evenly without it) and cut into approximately 1/2-inch cubes. The creamy, buttery flavor of brie is absolutely essential for these elegant bites.
One large egg, for an egg wash. This will give your Sausage Cranberry Brie Bites that gorgeous golden-brown, shiny finish.
One tablespoon water, to mix with the egg for the egg wash.
One teaspoon fresh thyme, finely chopped. If you don’t have fresh, a half teaspoon of dried thyme will work too. Thyme adds an earthy, aromatic note that really elevates the overall flavor profile.
One quarter teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground. Adjust to your taste, of course!
A pinch of salt, or to taste. Remember to taste your sausage mixture before adding too much salt, as most breakfast sausages are already seasoned.
Optional: A pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra layer of warmth, or a teaspoon of maple syrup for a touch of sweetness in the sausage mixture, if you like that sweet and savory combination.

Crafting the Flavorful Sausage and Cranberry Filling

This is where the magic begins, dear friends! We’re going to create a filling that is bursting with savory, sweet, and tangy notes, perfectly balanced to make these Sausage Cranberry Brie Bites utterly irresistible.

Begin by thawing your puff pastry sheets. This is a crucial first step, so please follow the package instructions diligently. Most brands suggest thawing in the refrigerator overnight, or at room temperature for about 30-40 minutes. You want the pastry to be pliable but still cold. If it gets too warm, it becomes sticky and difficult to work with, losing some of its flakiness potential. I usually lay mine out on a lightly floured surface or a piece of parchment paper to ensure it thaws evenly.
Next, let’s get that sausage cooked. In a large skillet, over medium-high heat, crumble the pound of ground breakfast sausage. Cook it thoroughly, stirring occasionally and breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s beautifully browned all the way through. This typically takes about 7-10 minutes. It’s super important to make sure there’s no pink left. Once cooked, carefully drain any excess fat from the pan. You don’t want greasy bites, trust me! I like to transfer the cooked sausage to a plate lined with a paper towel for an extra drain, just to be sure.
Now for the delicious mixing! In a medium bowl, combine the cooked and drained sausage with the softened cream cheese. Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature; this makes it so much easier to incorporate smoothly into the sausage. Add in your finely chopped dried cranberries, the fresh thyme, freshly ground black pepper, and a pinch of salt. If you’re feeling adventurous, this is the moment to toss in that optional pinch of cayenne for a subtle kick or a teaspoon of maple syrup for a hint of sweetness. Mix everything together really well until all the ingredients are evenly distributed. I find a sturdy spoon or even clean hands work best for this part to ensure everything is thoroughly combined.
Allow the filling to cool completely. This step might seem like a small detail, but it’s absolutely vital for the success of your Sausage Cranberry Brie Bites. If you try to fill the puff pastry with warm sausage mixture, it will melt the butter in the pastry, making it soggy and difficult to handle, and ultimately compromising that beautiful flaky texture we’re aiming for. You can speed this process up by spreading the mixture onto a plate and popping it in the fridge for about 15-20 minutes. Cool filling equals happy pastry!

Assembling Your Perfect Sausage Cranberry Brie Bites

Now that our filling is ready and cooled, it’s time for the fun part: assembling these delightful little parcels! This stage requires a bit of patience and a gentle touch, but the results are so worth it.

Prepare your workspace. Lightly flour a clean, dry surface – your countertop or a large cutting board works perfectly. Unroll one sheet of your thawed puff pastry onto this floured surface. If your pastry is a bit sticky, you can lightly dust the top with flour as well. Remember, we want it cold and workable, not warm and gummy. Use a rolling pin to gently roll out the pastry just a little, perhaps to a 10×10-inch square, ensuring an even thickness throughout. This slight rolling helps to seal any minor cracks that might have formed during thawing and makes it easier to cut.
Time to cut the pastry! Using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, carefully cut the puff pastry sheet into 12 squares. I aim for roughly 2.5-inch squares, which is a perfect size for a two-bite appetizer. You can use a ruler to ensure your cuts are even, but honestly, don’t stress too much about perfection; homemade charm is part of the appeal! Repeat this process with the second sheet of puff pastry, giving you a total of 24 squares. I often find it helpful to trim the edges slightly to get clean squares, even if it means sacrificing a tiny bit of pastry.
Prepare the Brie cheese. While the pastry is ready, make sure your Brie is cut into small, manageable cubes. Approximately 1/2-inch pieces are ideal. If you chose to remove the rind, now is the time to do so. I find that removing the rind can make the brie melt more smoothly into the filling, but it’s purely a matter of preference. Make sure the pieces are small enough to fit nicely inside your pastry squares without overflowing.
It’s filling time! Take one of your puff pastry squares. Place about a heaping teaspoon of the cooled sausage and cranberry mixture directly in the center of the square. Don’t overfill, or it will be difficult to seal later. Then, gently place one or two cubes of your Brie cheese on top of the sausage mixture. The Brie is the crowning jewel of these Sausage Cranberry Brie Bites, so make sure every bite gets a taste!
Folding and sealing the bites. This is where you bring your little pastry parcels to life! You have a couple of options here, depending on the look you prefer:
- Triangle Shape: Fold one corner of the square over to meet the opposite corner, forming a triangle. Gently press down on the edges to seal. You can use the tines of a fork to crimp the edges, which not only looks pretty but also helps to ensure a good seal, preventing any delicious filling from escaping during baking.
- Square Pocket (Pillow Shape): Bring all four corners of the square up to meet in the center, pinching them together firmly to seal. You can then gently pinch along the seams where the edges meet to create a more secure pocket. This method often results in a slightly puffier bite. Whichever method you choose, the key is a good seal, so take your time and make sure those edges are well-pressed. I usually lightly moisten my fingertips with a tiny bit of water before pressing the edges to help them adhere better.
Arrange on baking sheets. As you finish assembling each Sausage Cranberry Brie Bite, place them onto baking sheets that have been lined with parchment paper. Parchment paper is a lifesaver here, preventing sticking and making cleanup a breeze. Arrange the bites about an inch apart to allow for proper air circulation and puffing during baking. They don’t spread a huge amount, but giving them space ensures they bake evenly to a beautiful golden brown.
Prepare the egg wash. In a small bowl, whisk together the large egg and one tablespoon of water until well combined. This is your magical egg wash! This mixture will give your bites that professional, glossy, and deeply golden finish we all love. Make sure it’s thoroughly whisked so there are no streaks of egg white.
Brush with egg wash. Gently brush the tops of each assembled Sausage Cranberry Brie Bite with the egg wash. Be careful not to let too much egg wash drip down the sides onto the parchment paper, as it can cause the pastry to stick. A light, even coating is all you need. This step not only contributes to the gorgeous color but also helps create that satisfying crispness on the exterior of the pastry.

Baking to Golden Perfection and Serving Your Bites

The moment of truth! Baking these Sausage Cranberry Brie Bites is the final step before you get to enjoy their incredible flavors and textures. We want them perfectly golden, flaky, and with that irresistible melted Brie oozing just slightly.

Preheat your oven. Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). It’s vital to ensure your oven is fully preheated before putting the bites in. A hot oven delivers a shock to the cold puff pastry, which is essential for maximum lift and flakiness. Don’t rush this step!
Bake the bites! Carefully transfer your baking sheets into the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 15-20 minutes. The exact time can vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep a close eye on them. You’re looking for a beautiful transformation: the pastry should puff up significantly, turn a deep golden brown, and you might even see a little bit of the delicious Brie cheese bubbling and peeking out from the seams. That golden color is your signal for perfection! If you notice one tray browning faster than another, you can rotate the trays halfway through baking for more even results.
Cooling time. Once they are perfectly golden and puffed, carefully remove the baking sheets from the oven. Let the Sausage Cranberry Brie Bites cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool slightly further. This brief cooling period helps the pastry set and makes them easier to handle. While they are tempting to devour immediately, allowing them to cool for a few minutes prevents burnt tongues and allows the flavors to meld beautifully. They are truly best served warm, as the Brie will still be wonderfully gooey.
Serving suggestions. These delectable bites are fantastic on their own, but a light sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or an extra sprig of thyme over the top just before serving adds a lovely pop of color and freshness. They are perfect as an appetizer for any gathering, from casual get-togethers to more elegant holiday parties. They pair wonderfully with a crisp white wine or even a seasonal cranberry cocktail. These Sausage Cranberry Brie Bites are designed to be the star of your appetizer spread!
Storage and reheating. If by some miracle you have any leftovers (which rarely happens in my house!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 8-10 minutes, or until warmed through and the pastry is crisp again. Avoid the microwave for reheating, as it tends to make the pastry soggy.
Make-ahead tips for ease. You can assemble these Sausage Cranberry Brie Bites up to a day in advance! Simply prepare them through step 8 of the “Assembling” section (i.e., fill, seal, and place on parchment-lined baking sheets). Do not apply the egg wash yet. Cover the baking sheets loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, pull them out of the fridge, brush with the egg wash, and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if they are very cold, typically 3-5 minutes extra. This is a brilliant trick for entertaining, allowing you to enjoy your guests without being stuck in the kitchen!

Conclusion:

And there you have it! We’ve journeyed through the simple steps to create an appetizer that is truly more than the sum of its parts. If you’ve been looking for that one dish to truly elevate your next gathering, or simply want to treat yourself to something utterly delightful, then this recipe for Sausage Cranberry Brie Bites is an absolute must-try. What makes them so irresistible? It’s that perfect symphony of flavors and textures: the flaky, buttery embrace of the puff pastry, the rich, creamy melt of the brie, the savory depth of the sausage, and that vibrant, sweet-tart burst from the cranberry sauce. It’s a combination that hits all the right notes, surprising and satisfying with every single bite. They manage to be both incredibly sophisticated and wonderfully comforting all at once, making them a universal crowd-pleaser that will disappear from your serving platter in mere moments. I genuinely believe that once you taste them, you’ll understand why I’m so passionate about these little parcels of joy. They’re impressive enough for a holiday feast but straightforward enough for a casual weekend get-together. Plus, the aroma that fills your kitchen while they bake is simply divine, setting the perfect mood for any occasion.

One of the many beauties of these delectable treats is their versatility. While they are undoubtedly exquisite served warm straight from the oven, allowing that brie to be perfectly molten, they also hold up beautifully at room temperature, making them ideal for buffets where guests can graze at their leisure. For a truly elevated presentation, consider arranging them artfully on a wooden board, perhaps alongside a small ramekin of extra cranberry sauce for those who adore that sweet and tangy kick, or a scattering of fresh rosemary sprigs for an aromatic touch. If you’re looking to turn them into a more substantial offering, they pair wonderfully with a light, peppery arugula salad dressed with a simple vinaigrette, cutting through the richness of the pastry and cheese. Alternatively, they make a fantastic addition to a brunch spread, offering a savory counterpoint to sweeter pastries and fruits. Don’t be afraid to get creative with variations either! While the classic recipe is stellar, you could experiment with a different type of sausage, perhaps a spicy Italian for an extra kick, or a chicken apple sausage for a slightly sweeter profile. For cheese lovers, a sprinkle of crumbled goat cheese could add a tangy complexity, or a dollop of fig jam in place of cranberry sauce would offer a different kind of sweet fruitiness. A light dusting of toasted pecans or walnuts over the top before baking could introduce a delightful crunch, or a tiny sprig of fresh thyme placed on each bite before serving could enhance their aromatic appeal. The possibilities are truly endless, allowing you to tailor this fantastic foundation to your personal taste and whatever ingredients you have on hand.

Now It’s Your Turn: Create and Share Your Masterpiece!

I cannot stress enough how much I encourage you to set aside some time, gather your ingredients, and give this recipe a go. Whether you’re an experienced home cook or just starting your culinary adventures, the steps are approachable, and the results are consistently spectacular. Imagine the delighted smiles of your guests, or the pure joy you’ll experience savoring these yourself. There’s a certain magic in creating something delicious with your own hands, and these bites truly deliver that sense of accomplishment. Once you’ve whipped up your batch, please don’t keep your culinary triumph a secret! I absolutely adore hearing about your experiences in the kitchen. Did you stick to the original recipe, or did you venture into exciting new variations? What occasion did you make them for? Did they impress your family and friends as much as they impress mine? Share your thoughts, your tips, and especially your photos! Seeing your creations truly makes my day and inspires others to try their hand at these fantastic treats. Your feedback helps our community grow and discover new favorites. So, preheat that oven, embrace the joy of cooking, and get ready to fall in love with these easy, elegant, and utterly delicious Sausage Cranberry Brie Bites. I’m already looking forward to hearing all about your culinary success!