Prep Time: ~15 minutes | Cook Time: ~15–20 minutes | Total Time: ~30–35 minutes | Yield: ~24 bites
Introduction
Baked Cranberry Brie Bites are irresistible little appetizers featuring gooey Brie cheese, tangy cranberry sauce, and flaky golden puff pastry. They look elegant, taste incredible, and take very little time to make — perfect for holidays, parties, or cozy family nights.
Why These Bites Are So Loved
These bites blend creamy, sweet, salty, and flaky textures in one perfect mouthful. The Brie melts into a rich, buttery pool while the cranberry adds fruity brightness. The puff pastry bakes into a crisp, golden shell that holds everything neatly together. They’re simple to assemble, great for entertaining, and always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 8 oz Brie cheese, cut into small cubes
- ¾ cup cranberry sauce (whole-berry or smooth)
- Optional toppings: chopped nuts, rosemary or thyme, sea salt flakes, honey drizzle
The Art of Making Cranberry Brie Bites
The key to perfect bites is starting with cold puff pastry, cutting even squares, and fitting them neatly into a mini muffin pan. Brie provides a creamy base that melts beautifully, while the cranberry creates a pop of festive flavor. Baking at a high enough heat ensures the pastry puffs, crisps, and turns golden.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat & Prepare the Pan
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Lightly grease a 24-cup mini muffin pan.
Cut & Shape the Pastry
Roll puff pastry slightly if needed.
Cut into 24 even squares.
Press each square gently into a muffin cup to form a pastry shell.
Add Brie & Cranberry
Place a cube of Brie in each pastry cup.
Top with ½–1 teaspoon cranberry sauce.
Add nuts or herbs if desired.
Bake
Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden and the Brie is molten.
Cool & Serve
Let the bites cool for 2–3 minutes before removing from the pan.
Optional: drizzle with honey or sprinkle a little flaky salt for extra contrast.
Serve warm for the best texture and flavor.
Tips for Best Results
- Keep pastry cold until ready to cut — cold dough puffs best.
- Don’t overfill — a small amount of Brie and cranberry goes a long way.
- Use whole-berry cranberry sauce for the best texture.
- Brie rind is edible — no need to remove it unless you prefer to.
- Serve immediately or re-crisp in the oven if needed.
Creative Variations
- Use raspberry jam, fig jam, or apricot preserves instead of cranberry.
- Add chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch.
- Add rosemary or thyme for a savory herbal note.
- Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar for a sweet holiday twist.
- Replace Brie with Camembert or goat cheese for a different flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Refrigerate leftovers up to 2 days.
Reheat in the oven or air fryer at 325–350°F until crisp — avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.
Conclusion
Baked Cranberry Brie Bites are the perfect festive appetizer — simple, elegant, and packed with warm, creamy, fruity flavor. They come together quickly but taste gourmet, making them a must-try for any party or celebration.
