I absolutely adore these Baked Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe because they bring together buttery puff pastry, gooey melted brie, and that perfect pop of sweet-tart cranberry sauce in one irresistibly small, elegant package. Every bite is like a little celebration in your mouth, and I find myself making them whenever I want to impress guests or just treat myself to something special. They’re so easy to whip up, yet they taste like you’ve spent hours in the kitchen crafting a fancy appetizer!
Why You'll Love This Baked Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe
From the moment I first baked this recipe, I knew it was going to be a favorite for years to come. The flavor profile is an absolute knockout – the rich, creamy brie melts beautifully into the flaky puff pastry, while the cranberry sauce adds that bright, tangy sweetness that cuts perfectly through the richness. If you're a fan of sweet and savory combos with a festive vibe, these bites will satisfy you like nothing else.
What really stands out to me is how simple it is to make these taste like they belong at a holiday feast or a fancy party. I love how minimal the prep is — and how quickly they bake to golden perfection. It’s totally stress-free entertaining food. Whether I’m hosting a casual get-together or an elegant holiday soirée, these bites fit the bill with their classy yet approachable appeal.
I’ve also found these bites are perfect for any occasion that calls for finger foods. Game night, cocktail parties, weekend brunches – you name it. They’re bite-sized, shareable, and disappear instantly, which makes them the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Plus, I love that you can easily double or triple the recipe when needed. Believe me, your friends will be asking for the recipe as soon as they take a bite!
Ingredients You'll Need
The beauty of this Baked Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe is in its simplicity and thoughtful ingredient selection. Each item adds a layer of flavor, texture, or festive color that brings the bites to life in the most delightful way.
TIP : You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below
- Puff pastry sheet: This flaky, buttery base crisps up perfectly to cradle the fillings.
- Brie cheese: I always use a creamy, mild brie that melts beautifully, creating that luscious texture everyone loves.
- Cranberry sauce: The sweet and tart punch from cranberry sauce balances the richness of the cheese spectacularly.
- Candied pecans (optional): Adding a little crunch with candied pecans gives these bites a delightful texture contrast.
- Fresh rosemary sprigs (optional): I like to use a tiny garnish of rosemary for a pop of color and a hint of herbal freshness.
Directions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a mini muffin tin well to keep the bites from sticking. I usually prefer using a non-stick spray for the easiest release.
Step 2: Roll out your thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface, and cut it into 12 equal squares that will fit neatly into the muffin cups. Press each square gently but firmly into the cups, making sure the corners come up slightly to hold the filling.
Step 3: Place a cube of brie cheese right in the center of each pastry-lined cup. This will melt into creamy bliss during baking, so get your cheese evenly distributed!
Step 4: Spoon about half a tablespoon of cranberry sauce over the brie in each cup – it’s key to balance the sweet and savory. If you love a little crunch, sprinkle on some chopped candied pecans now.
Step 5: Bake your bites in the preheated oven for about 15 to 18 minutes. You'll want to see the pastry turn golden brown and the brie start to bubble. Keep an eye on them toward the end so they don't over-bake.
Step 6: Once baked, let the bites cool in the tin for 5 minutes to set slightly, then gently remove them. If you like, top each with a tiny sprig of fresh rosemary for a festive finishing touch that looks beautiful on the platter.
Servings and Timing
This recipe makes 12 delightful bites, perfect for sharing or enjoying as an indulgent snack. The prep time is quick, just about 10 minutes to get everything ready. Bake time clocks in at 15 to 18 minutes, and then give the bites a 5-minute rest before serving so they’re warm but not too hot to handle. From start to finish, you’re looking at roughly 30 minutes to enjoy this show-stopping treat.
How to Serve This Baked Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe
I love serving these cranberry brie bites as part of an appetizer spread or alongside a light, fresh salad for a special brunch. They pair beautifully with crisp greens dressed simply with lemon vinaigrette, which complements the richness of the cheese.
For presentation, I like to arrange them on a rustic wooden board with extra fresh rosemary sprigs scattered around. It makes for an inviting centerpiece that guests can’t resist. Adding a drizzle of honey or a sprinkling of flaky sea salt right before serving can take them up a notch, too.
When it comes to beverages, these bites really shine with fruity white wines like a Riesling or a Pinot Gris. If you prefer cocktails, a sparkling cranberry mule or a festive holiday punch works wonders. For a non-alcoholic option, cranberry-ginger sparkling water is refreshing and thematic. I usually serve them warm, right from the oven, but they’re just as tasty at room temperature at casual gatherings.
Variations
One of the best things about this Baked Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe is how versatile it is. If you want to switch things up, try using goat cheese or camembert in place of brie for a slightly different creamy tang. You can also substitute the cranberry sauce with fig jam or apricot preserves if you want a different kind of sweetness.
For a gluten-free twist, use gluten-free puff pastry sheets available in many grocery stores. Vegan bakers can substitute the brie with a plant-based creamy cheese and use vegan puff pastry to make this recipe suitable for all dietary preferences. Adding fresh herbs like thyme or sage instead of rosemary also changes the flavor profile in a delicious way.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try baking these bites on a flat baking sheet as mini tartlets instead of in muffin tins—they'll still puff up and bake beautifully but have a different shape and more golden edges.
Storage and Reheating
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (which might be rare), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to 2 days. I recommend placing parchment paper between layers to keep the pastry from sticking and maintaining that perfect texture.
Freezing
I don’t typically freeze these bites because the puff pastry loses some of its flakiness when thawed and reheated, but if you want to prep ahead, freezing the unbaked assembled bites is a great option. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually until solid, then transfer to a sealed freezer bag for up to 1 month. When ready to bake, do not thaw—just add a couple extra minutes to the bake time.
Reheating
To reheat leftovers, I find the best method is to pop them in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 5 to 7 minutes until warmed through and the pastry regains some crispness. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make the pastry soggy and the brie rubbery. A warm bite is infinitely better than a cold one in my opinion!
FAQs
Can I make these bites ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the bites a few hours before baking and keep them covered in the fridge. Then bake just before serving for best results. As mentioned, you can also freeze them unbaked for longer prep.
What if I don't have mini muffin tins?
No problem! You can bake the bites on a lined baking sheet shaped like small tartlets or even make slightly larger pastry cups using a regular muffin tin. The baking time may vary slightly, so keep an eye on them.
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of cranberry sauce?
Using fresh cranberries is tricky since they’re quite tart and tough. If you want to use fresh, make a quick homemade cranberry sauce first by cooking the berries with sugar and water until softened and thickened.
Are these bites suitable for kids?
Yes! Most kids love these because of their fun size and sweet-savory flavors. Just be mindful of any nut allergies if you include candied pecans and adjust accordingly.
What can I substitute for candied pecans if I'm allergic or don't have them?
You can skip the pecans altogether or replace them with toasted walnuts, almonds, or pumpkin seeds for a different crunch. Even crispy fried onions can add an unexpected but tasty texture.
Conclusion
I can’t recommend this Baked Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe enough if you’re looking for a quick, impressive appetizer or snack with irresistible flavor. Its combination of creamy brie, sweet cranberry, and buttery puff pastry hits all the right notes and always earns me rave reviews. Give it a try, and I’m sure it’ll become one of your go-to recipes too!
Print
Baked Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 12 bites
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Baked Cranberry Brie Bites are irresistible holiday appetizers featuring flaky puff pastry filled with creamy brie cheese and tangy cranberry sauce. Enhanced with optional candied pecans for crunch and garnished with fresh rosemary, they are quick to make and perfect for entertaining or festive occasions.
Ingredients
Pastry
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
Filling
- 4 oz brie cheese, cut into 12 cubes
- ½ cup cranberry sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Optional Toppings
- 2 tbsp candied pecans, chopped
- Fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a mini muffin tin to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Puff Pastry: Roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface and cut it into 12 equal squares. Gently press each square into an individual muffin cup, shaping it to form a small pastry cup.
- Assemble Bites: Place a cube of brie cheese into the bottom of each pastry cup. Spoon about a tablespoon of cranberry sauce over the brie, then sprinkle chopped candied pecans on top if you are using them.
- Bake: Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake the bites for 15 to 18 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Cool and Garnish: Remove from the oven and allow the bites to cool for 5 minutes. Garnish each with a small sprig of fresh rosemary for a festive presentation before serving.
Notes
- Feel free to double the batch for larger gatherings as these bites are sure to disappear quickly.
- If you prefer, use homemade cranberry sauce for a fresher taste.
- Candied pecans add a pleasant crunch but can be omitted for a nut-free option.
- These bites are best enjoyed warm but can be reheated gently in the oven.
- Ensure your puff pastry is fully thawed for easy handling and even baking.
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