Jump to Recipe Print RecipeThe aroma wafting through the kitchen feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. As I prepare these Baked Cranberry Brie Bites, I can’t help but smile at the thought of sharing them with friends and family during the holidays. This festive delight combines the creamy richness of brie cheese nestled within flaky puff pastry, perfectly complemented by the tartness of cranberry sauce. What makes this recipe a true gem is its quick prep time—ready in under 30 minutes—and the fact that it’s a crowd-pleaser, making it ideal for gatherings. Whether you’re hosting a holiday soiree or simply craving a cozy night in, these little bites wrap up warmth and joy in each morsel. Curious about how to create these irresistibly easy treats and maybe even add your own twist? Let’s dive in! Why Are These Baked Cranberry Brie Bites Special? Festive Flavor: Each bite bursts with the rich creaminess of brie paired with tangy cranberry, making them the perfect holiday treat. Quick Prep: You can whip these up in under 30 minutes—perfect for those last-minute gatherings! Make-Ahead Magic: Assemble ahead of time, store in the fridge, and bake when guests arrive; it’s a true time-saver. Versatile Options: Try swapping out the cranberry sauce for your favorite jam or even a savory spread, like pesto. Crowd-Pleaser: A guaranteed hit at parties, these bites will have everyone asking for the recipe! Enjoy them with a refreshing drink like a sparkling cranberry mimosa for the ultimate pairing. Baked Cranberry Brie Bites Ingredients • For the Pastry Puff Pastry – Use one defrosted sheet to create that lovely flaky texture. • For the Filling Brie Cheese – Choose triple cream brie for an extra creamy experience that melts beautifully. Cranberry Sauce – Provides a deliciously sweet-tart flavor; both homemade and store-bought work splendidly! • For the Crunch Candied Pecans (optional) – Add a delightful crunch; store-bought or homemade, they elevate the bites! Fresh Rosemary Sprigs (optional) – Sprinkle on top for a fragrant touch and a pop of color. These Baked Cranberry Brie Bites are sure to impress during the holiday season! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Baked Cranberry Brie Bites Step 1: Preheat the Oven Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While your oven is warming up, grab a mini muffin tin and spray it lightly with non-stick cooking spray to ensure your Baked Cranberry Brie Bites release easily after baking. This preparation sets the stage for a perfect golden puff pastry crust. Step 2: Prepare the Puff Pastry Unroll the defrosted sheet of puff pastry on a clean surface and slice it into 16 equal squares. Gently place each square into the greased muffin tin, ensuring they fit snugly into each cup. Press down slightly in the center to create a small well, ready to hold the delicious filling of brie and cranberry sauce. Step 3: Add the Cheese and Cranberry Sauce Next, take your brie cheese and cut it into small cubes—about an inch in size. Place one cube of brie into the center of each puff pastry square, creating a creamy base. Then, spoon a small dollop of cranberry sauce on top of the brie in each cup, allowing the sweet-tart flavor to meld beautifully with the cheese during baking. Step 4: Bake to Perfection Now it’s time to bake your Baked Cranberry Brie Bites! Carefully place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes. Keep a close eye out for the pastries to puff up and turn a lovely golden brown—it’s the perfect sign that they are done and ready to bring warmth to your kitchen. Step 5: Cool and Garnish Once baked, remove the muffin tin from the oven and let the bites cool for about 5 minutes. This allows the brie to set a bit but still remain wonderfully gooey. To serve, use a knife to gently release the bites from the tin. Finally, if desired, garnish with crushed candied pecans and fresh rosemary sprigs for an aromatic and visually appealing touch. Make Ahead Options These Baked Cranberry Brie Bites are the perfect solution for busy cooks looking to save time during the holiday rush! You can assemble the bites up to 24 hours in advance—simply layer the brie and cranberry sauce inside the puff pastry and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake. This not only allows the flavors to meld beautifully but also saves you precious moments when guests arrive. When it’s time to serve, simply pop them in the oven straight from the fridge, baking for the same time until they’re golden brown and bubbly. Just remember to keep an eye on them as they bake so they remain just as delicious when served! Baked Cranberry Brie Bites: Customize Your Creation Feel free to unleash your creativity with these delightful bites—let’s elevate your appetizer game! Jam Swap: Try swapping cranberry sauce with raspberry, fig, or apricot jam for a fruity twist. Each alternative brings its own unique flavor profile, enhancing the bites in exciting ways. Savory Spin: Replace the cranberry sauce with a dollop of pesto or a spread of sun-dried tomatoes. This savory twist transforms the entire flavor, offering something unexpected and deliciously different. Nutty Crunch: Add crushed walnuts, hazelnuts, or cashews for an extra layer of texture. This delightful crunch pairs beautifully with the creamy brie, giving each bite a satisfying bite. Fruit Addition: Incorporate slices of fresh pear or apple right underneath the brie. The added freshness brings a sweet contrast that balances the richness and adds depth. Dairy-Free Option: Opt for a dairy-free cheese alternative to create vegan-friendly bites. With so many excellent choices available today, you won’t miss the traditional brie at all! Gluten-Free Baking: Use gluten-free puff pastry to accommodate dietary needs without compromising on flavor and texture. Everyone deserves to enjoy this festive treat! As you craft these Baked Cranberry Brie Bites, consider pairing them with a glass of sparkling cranberry mimosa or alongside a platter of Baked Beef Chiles for an exciting spread. Your appetizers will surely shine this holiday season! What to Serve with Baked Cranberry Brie Bites The delightful warmth of these bites creates the perfect opportunity to craft a full meal that sings with seasonal flavors. Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Silky and buttery, they provide a soothing contrast to the tangy cranberry flavor. Mixed Green Salad: A fresh salad with a citrus vinaigrette adds a bright, zesty touch to balance the rich bites. Charcuterie Board: Pairing with cured meats and cheese elevates your appetizer spread and offers delightful variety. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: These crispy, caramelized veggies introduce a nutty flavor complementing the bites’ richness. Sparkling Cranberry Mimosa: This refreshing drink echoes the cranberry theme and adds a touch of festive cheer. Stuffed Mushrooms: Earthy, savory stuffed mushrooms create an ideal flavor pairing that guests will adore. Apple Crisp: As a sweet ending, this warm dessert pairs the sweetness of apples with a crunchy topping—simply irresistible! Serve any combination and watch your gatherings become a feast for the senses! Expert Tips for Baked Cranberry Brie Bites Puff Pastry Handling: Keep it cool: If the puff pastry gets too warm, it can become sticky and hard to work with. Keep it chilled until you’re ready to use it for your Baked Cranberry Brie Bites. Cheese Quality: Choose wisely: Opt for a high-quality triple cream brie for optimum creaminess and flavor; it makes a world of difference in your appetizer. Avoid Overfilling: Less is more: Don’t overstuff the pastry with cranberry sauce. A small dollop goes a long way and helps prevent overflow while baking. Garnish Delight: Add texture: Crushed candied pecans enhance flavor and provide a delightful crunch—don’t skip this step for your Baked Cranberry Brie Bites! Baking Time: Watch closely: Ovens can vary, so keep an eye on your bites and remove them as soon as they are golden and puffed to ensure they don’t overbake. How to Store and Freeze Baked Cranberry Brie Bites Fridge: Store any leftover Baked Cranberry Brie Bites in an airtight container for up to 2 days. This keeps them fresh while maintaining their delicious flavor. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the bites in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 1 month. Reheating: When ready to enjoy them again, reheat the bites in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until warmed through and crispy. Make-Ahead Tip: You can prepare the Baked Cranberry Brie Bites up to 24 hours in advance; simply store them in the fridge and bake when you’re ready to serve! Baked Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe FAQs What type of brie cheese is best to use? I recommend using triple cream brie for these Baked Cranberry Brie Bites. It provides a lusciously creamy texture that melts beautifully and enhances the flavors of the bites. If you’re looking for a lighter option, double cream brie can work well too, but the richness of triple cream truly takes these bites to the next level! How should I store leftover Baked Cranberry Brie Bites? Absolutely! Store any leftover bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. This keeps them fresh and maintains their delightful flavors. Just make sure they’re cooled completely before sealing to avoid condensation. Can I freeze Baked Cranberry Brie Bites? Yes, you can! To freeze, place the cooled bites on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to an airtight container or a freezer bag for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until warmed through. What can I do if my puff pastry is getting too warm while I prepare the bites? If the puff pastry becomes too warm and sticky, it can be tricky to handle. Just pop it back in the fridge for about 10-15 minutes to chill slightly before continuing. This will help keep it manageable and ensure your Baked Cranberry Brie Bites puff up perfectly in the oven. Can I substitute cranberry sauce with other ingredients? Very much so! You can swap out the cranberry sauce for any favorite jam, like raspberry or fig, for a sweeter alternative. Alternatively, try a savory spread like pesto or a sundried tomato paste for a unique twist! Adding slices of fresh fruit like pear or apple can also elevate the flavor experience. Are there any dietary considerations to keep in mind? Of course! If you’re hosting friends with dietary restrictions, you can opt for dairy-free cheese to make these bites vegan-friendly. For a gluten-free option, look for gluten-free puff pastry available in many stores nowadays. Always check the labels to ensure they meet any specific allergies or dietary needs! Baked Cranberry Brie Bites: A Quick Festive Delight Baked Cranberry Brie Bites are a quick crowd-pleasing appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 10 minutes minsCook Time 18 minutes minsCooling Time 5 minutes minsTotal Time 33 minutes mins Servings: 16 bitesCourse: AppetizersCuisine: AmericanCalories: 150 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Pastry1 sheet Puff Pastry defrostedFor the Filling8 ounces Brie Cheese triple cream for extra creaminess1/2 cup Cranberry Sauce homemade or store-boughtFor the Crunch1/4 cup Candied Pecans optional2 sprigs Fresh Rosemary optional Equipment mini muffin tinOven Method Step-by-Step InstructionsPreheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and spray a mini muffin tin lightly with non-stick cooking spray.Unroll the defrosted puff pastry and slice into 16 equal squares. Place each square into the muffin tin, pressing down slightly to create a well.Cut brie cheese into small cubes and place one cube into each puff pastry square. Spoon a small dollop of cranberry sauce on top.Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes until puffed and golden brown.Remove and cool for 5 minutes before gently releasing them from the tin. Garnish with crushed candied pecans and fresh rosemary if desired. Nutrition Serving: 1biteCalories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 3gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 220mgPotassium: 50mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 5IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 1mg NotesPuff pastry should be kept cool until ready to use. Choose high-quality brie for the best flavor. Do not overfill with cranberry sauce to avoid overflow during baking. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
