Looking for the ultimate party starter that looks stunning and vanishes in seconds? Let me introduce you to Cranberry Cream Cheese Appetizer Bites. These little morsels are the perfect combination of flaky pastry, creamy filling, tangy cranberry, and a lovely nutty crunch. Not only do they taste like a festive dream, but they’re also wonderfully easy to make and guaranteed to wow a crowd. Whether you’re planning a holiday feast or a casual get-together, this recipe is about to become your new go-to appetizer.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Cranberry Cream Cheese Appetizer Bites is in their simplicity—each ingredient shines, coming together in perfect harmony for taste, texture, and vibrancy. You’ll find that every item plays a distinct role, making these bite-sized treats both effortless and extraordinary.
- Puff Pastry: Flaky, buttery, and effortless—store-bought puff pastry delivers a satisfyingly crisp and golden base for the bites.
- Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese provides the creamy, tangy center that feels rich but not too heavy.
- Powdered Sugar: Just a touch adds sweetness and smoothness to balance the tart cranberry.
- Vanilla Extract: A hint of vanilla elevates the creamy filling with warmth and depth.
- Whole Cranberry Sauce: The sweet-tart burst from cranberry sauce is what gives these appetizer bites their signature holiday flair.
- Chopped Pecans: For crunch and a toasty, nutty note—these truly add magic on top. Feel free to swap in walnuts or almonds if you like!
- Fresh Rosemary (optional): A sprinkle of rosemary brings a pop of color and a subtle fresh aroma—totally optional, but so pretty for serving.
How to Make Cranberry Cream Cheese Appetizer Bites
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by gathering and prepping all your ingredients so the assembly is a breeze. Let your cream cheese come to room temperature for easy mixing, and thaw the puff pastry according to package instructions. This ensures the pastry rolls out smoothly and the cream cheese incorporates nicely with the powdered sugar and vanilla extract.
Step 2: Shape the Pastry Cups
Lightly flour your countertop and roll out the puff pastry into an even sheet. Then, using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the dough into 24 evenly-sized squares. Each square will nestle perfectly in a mini muffin tin cavity, pressed gently to form a little cup just waiting to be filled. This is where those iconic Cranberry Cream Cheese Appetizer Bites begin to take shape!
Step 3: Make the Filling
In a small bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and luscious with no lumps in sight. This sweet, tangy blend is the star of the show, providing creamy contrast to the fruity topping.
Step 4: Assemble the Bites
Now, spoon about one teaspoon of the cream cheese filling into each pastry cup. Top each with a teaspoon of whole cranberry sauce, then finish with a generous sprinkle of chopped pecans. The combination of colors and textures is pure holiday magic!
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), then slide the muffin tin onto the center rack. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the puff pastry is beautifully golden and puffed around the creamy, ruby-filled centers. Let the bites cool just enough to handle—about five minutes—before adding garnishes.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
For an extra festive flourish, tuck a little sprig of fresh rosemary into each warm puff. Serve your Cranberry Cream Cheese Appetizer Bites while they’re still slightly warm, or let them rest to room temperature for easy passing and nibbling. Every bite is buttery, tangy, nutty, and bursting with flavor!
How to Serve Cranberry Cream Cheese Appetizer Bites
Garnishes
Rosemary is the star garnish for these bites, not just for its gorgeous green pop but for the aromatic lift it brings. You can also add a little orange zest for a colorful accent, or dust with a touch of powdered sugar for a snowy finish. These simple extra touches take presentation to the next level without any fuss.
Side Dishes
Pair Cranberry Cream Cheese Appetizer Bites with a fresh green salad, crisp vegetable platter, or even a creamy soup as part of a holiday spread. They’re also wonderful alongside a cheese and charcuterie board, bringing a sweet-tart note that balances richer flavors. Don’t be surprised if these little bites disappear first!
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging the appetizer bites in a festive wreath shape on a round platter, tucking extra rosemary sprigs in between, or serve on a rustic wooden board for a cozy, casual vibe. For cocktail parties, use colorful mini cupcake liners or festive napkins to match your theme and make passing and sharing a breeze.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftover Cranberry Cream Cheese Appetizer Bites, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. The pastry will soften slightly as it sits, but the flavors hold up beautifully for snacking and lunchboxes.
Freezing
To freeze, assemble and bake the bites as directed, then let them cool completely. Place in a single layer in a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep well for up to one month—just be sure to separate layers with parchment paper so they don’t stick together.
Reheating
When you’re ready to serve, reheat the bites in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 8–10 minutes until warmed through and crisped up. For best texture, avoid microwaving. A quick oven refresh brings the pastry back to life and makes your Cranberry Cream Cheese Appetizer Bites taste like they’re fresh from the oven.
FAQs
Can I use homemade cranberry sauce instead of store-bought?
Absolutely! Homemade cranberry sauce brings a fresh, tart twist. Just make sure it’s thick and not too liquid, so your filling won’t run over. Sweeten to taste and let it cool before spooning onto the pastry.
What if I don’t have a mini muffin tin?
No worries! You can use a regular muffin tin and cut the pastry into larger squares for jumbo bites—just add a bit more filling and adjust baking time as needed, watching for that perfect golden color.
Are there nut-free options for this recipe?
For a nut-free version, simply leave off the pecans or replace them with toasted pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds for crunch. The bites are still utterly delicious without nuts.
Can I make Cranberry Cream Cheese Appetizer Bites ahead for a party?
Definitely! You can bake them a day ahead, refrigerate, then reheat briefly in the oven before serving. They also freeze beautifully, making party prep a breeze.
What’s the best way to transport these to a potluck?
Let the bites cool, arrange them in a lidded container in a single layer (or separate with parchment), and pack any garnishes separately. Reheat gently at your destination if possible—they travel like a dream!
Final Thoughts
If you’re eager to wow your friends and family with something as easy as it is irresistible, Cranberry Cream Cheese Appetizer Bites are the answer. With their festive looks and crave-worthy layers, these little bites are sure to earn a spot at every gathering you host. Give them a try, and watch them disappear—there’s a reason I make a double batch every time!
Print
Cranberry Cream Cheese Appetizer Bites Recipe
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 24 bites 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cranberry Cream Cheese Appetizer Bites are a delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors in a perfect party bite-sized form. The buttery puff pastry cups filled with creamy sweetened cream cheese, tangy cranberry sauce, and crunchy pecans make for a festive and delicious appetizer that’s sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients
Puff Pastry Cups:
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed)
Cream Cheese Filling:
- 4 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Toppings:
- 1/2 cup whole cranberry sauce
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare Puff Pastry: Lightly flour a surface and roll out the puff pastry. Cut into 24 squares and press into mini muffin tin cups.
- Make Cream Cheese Filling: Mix cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Spoon into pastry cups.
- Add Toppings: Top each cup with cranberry sauce and chopped pecans.
- Bake: Bake for 15–18 minutes until golden.
- Finish and Serve: Cool, garnish with rosemary, and serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- These bites can be made ahead and reheated.
- Substitute walnuts or almonds for pecans.
- For a savory twist, add a pinch of salt to the cream cheese mixture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bite
- Calories: 85
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 70 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
