Every good mahjong gathering deserves a snack that feels as thoughtful as the table setting but is blissfully easy to pull together. Enter Cranberry Brie Bites: warm, melty, a little sweet, a little savory, and always the first thing to disappear from the platter.
These bites are a Mahj Munchies staple for a reason. They strike that perfect balance between elegant and effortless, which is exactly the vibe we love for game night. No utensils, no crumbs on the tiles, and no stress in the kitchen while your guests arrive.
The Perfect Pairing for Play
Mahjong nights tend to stretch, hands blur together, and conversations linger. Cranberry brie bites fit right into that rhythm. They’re hearty enough to satisfy, small enough to snack between hands, and festive enough to feel special whether you’re hosting a holiday table or a casual weeknight game.
The creamy brie melts into the buttery pastry while the cranberry adds a pop of brightness. One bite and you’ve got comfort, contrast, and just a touch of indulgence. Think of them as the culinary equivalent of a well-played hand: simple, smart, and deeply satisfying.
Hostess Tips from the Mahj Table
One of the reasons I love this recipe is how friendly it is to hosts. You can prep the components ahead of time, assemble quickly, and bake just before your guests arrive. The aroma alone sets the tone, welcoming and warm, without pulling you away from the table.
Serve them on a small platter or tiered stand so guests can grab one between turns. They’re equally at home next to sparkling water, wine, or a festive cocktail, making them a versatile addition to your Mahj Munchies lineup.
A Little Extra Sparkle
If you want to dress them up, a sprig of fresh rosemary adds a finishing touch that feels intentional without being fussy. These small details mirror what we love about mahjong itself: tradition with room for personal flair.
A Bite Worth Repeating
Cranberry brie bites are the kind of recipe that quietly becomes part of your hosting repertoire. Once you make them for mahjong night, you’ll find yourself reaching for them again and again for holidays, book club, or anytime friends gather around a table.
Because at Mahj Styled, we believe the best moments happen when good food, good company, and a beautiful game come together. And these bites? They’re always a winning play.
Recipe Card
Cranberry Brie Bites
These Cranberry Brie Bites are an easy, crowd-pleasing appetizer that balances buttery pastry, creamy brie, and sweet-tart cranberry sauce in every bite. Perfect for holiday gatherings, mahjong nights, or casual entertaining, they come together quickly and look just as good as they taste.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Position oven racks in the upper and lower thirds of the oven and preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Place the Brie in the freezer for 15 minutes. VERY generously coat 24-cup mini muffin pan(s) with nonstick spray.
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Unroll 1 sheet puff pastry on a lightly floured work surface. Roll into a 10 x 14-inch rectangle. Cut the sheet lengthwise into 4 even strips then crosswise into 6 even strips to create 24 squares. Gently separate the squares and press them into the mini muffin tins to create a puff pastry cup. With the tines of a fork, prick the bottom of each puff pastry in 2 to 3 places.
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Cut the piece of Brie in half, then dice the half into 24 pieces. Place one piece of Brie in the center of each mini muffin cup. Top each piece of Brie with 1 teaspoon cranberry sauce. Sprinkle with salt and chopped pecans. Place in the refrigerator. Repeat with the second sheet of puff pastry, second half of Brie, and the remaining salt and pecans.
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Place each muffin pan on a baking sheet. Bake the pans on the upper and lower thirds of the oven for 18 to 20 minutes, until the pastry is puffed and the corners are golden brown, switching the pans’ positions halfway through. Let cool in the pans for 3 minutes.
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Gently transfer the bites to a serving plate. Garnish each with a small piece of fresh rosemary.
