Irresistible Baked Cranberry Brie Bites

At our neighborhood holiday swap, where everyone brings a finger food to share, Mia showed up with a pan of Baked Cranberry Brie Bites still warm from the oven. Kids were darting between tables, grandparents parked near the punch bowl, and her tray vanished before it even hit the table. Ever since that winter night, I knew I had to remake those buttery gems.

The following weekend, I invited my college friend Theo over for a casual wine night. We’d been meaning to catch up and swap stories, and I figured these bites would make the perfect nosh with a chilled bottle of white. I laid the puff pastry squares into the tin while Theo chopped candied pecans with an enthusiasm that made us both laugh. The brie started to melt just as the cranberry sauce bubbled at the edges. The aroma was rich and nostalgic like holidays wrapped in pastry.

A few weeks later, my cousin dropped in unexpectedly, arms full of last-minute wrapping paper and bows. I popped a tray of these into the oven while she vented about shipping delays and glitter-covered cats. We shared warm bites at the kitchen counter, their crisp edges flaking into buttery crumbs, tangy cranberry mingling with creamy brie. These Baked Cranberry Brie Bites are proof that good things don’t have to be complicated especially when shared.

Short Description

These Baked Cranberry Brie Bites are a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s ready in under 30 minutes.

Key Ingredients

• 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
• 4 oz brie cheese, cut into 12 cubes
• ½ cup cranberry sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 tbsp candied pecans, chopped (optional)
• Fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish (optional)

Tools Needed

• Mini muffin tin
• Sharp knife
• Rolling pin
• Small spoon
• Cooling rack

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pastry
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a mini muffin tin. Roll out the puff pastry on a floured surface and cut into 12 equal squares. Press each square into a muffin cup to form pastry shells.

Step 2: Fill the Cups
Add a cube of brie to each pastry shell. Top with 1 teaspoon of cranberry sauce and a sprinkle of chopped candied pecans, if using.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 15–18 minutes until the pastry turns golden and the cheese starts to bubble. The tops should look glossy and slightly crisp.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Let the bites cool for 5 minutes before removing from the tin. Garnish with a sprig of rosemary for a festive finish. Serve warm.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fast and elegant for holiday entertaining

Combines sweet, savory, and buttery notes in one bite

Can be made with store-bought or homemade cranberry sauce

Kid-friendly and adult-approved

Requires only 5 ingredients

Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions

Pastry too warm? Keep the puff pastry chilled before working with it. If it softens too quickly, pop it back in the fridge for 5 minutes.

Sticky brie? Use a sharp, cold knife and wipe between cuts for clean brie cubes.

Too much filling? Overfilling will lead to overflow. Stick to 1 teaspoon of sauce.

Soggy bottoms? Bake on the middle rack and avoid too much sauce to keep the pastry crisp.

Difficult removal? Grease the muffin tin well or use nonstick spray to prevent sticking.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Serve on a wooden board with dried fruits and crackers

Pair with a crisp sauvignon blanc or sparkling cider

Offer as part of a holiday buffet with meatballs and veggie skewers

Dress up for cocktail hour with pomegranate seeds on top

Enjoy as a solo snack with a cup of spiced tea

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge up to 3 days

Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes until warm and crisp again

Avoid microwaving they’ll turn soggy

Freeze unbaked bites in the tin, then bake straight from frozen at 375°F for 20 minutes

FAQs

1. Can I use phyllo dough instead of puff pastry?
Yes, layer 3–4 phyllo sheets with melted butter between each, then cut and press into the tin. It’ll be flakier but just as delicious.

2. What if I don’t have cranberry sauce?
You can use raspberry jam or fig preserves for a similar sweet-tart flavor.

3. Can I prepare them ahead of time?
Assemble them up to a day in advance and refrigerate unbaked. Bake right before serving.

4. Can I make these gluten-free?
Use gluten-free puff pastry (available in many stores) and follow the same steps.

5. Do I need to remove the rind from the brie?
No, the rind is edible and adds a lovely earthy flavor. If you prefer, trim it lightly before cubing.

Tips & Tricks

Chill the pastry slightly before cutting for sharper edges

Use a silicone mini muffin pan if you’re worried about sticking

For a touch of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cranberry sauce

Keep a second sheet of puff pastry on hand—they go fast at parties

Try cutting the pastry slightly larger and folding the corners over the top for a “gift-wrap” look

Recipe Variations

Apple Fig Brie Bites: Swap cranberry sauce for fig jam and add a thin slice of apple under the brie. Bake as usual.

Savory Thyme & Caramelized Onion: Replace cranberry with a spoon of caramelized onions and fresh thyme.

Spicy Jalapeño-Cranberry: Stir a little diced jalapeño into the cranberry sauce for a sweet-heat version.

Mushroom & Gruyère: Use cooked mushrooms and a cube of gruyère cheese for an earthy, savory spin.

Apricot Almond: Replace the cranberry with apricot preserves and top with slivered almonds instead of pecans.

Final Thoughts

Every time someone bites into one of these Baked Cranberry Brie Bites, it sparks a little moment of joy. From wine nights to impromptu gift wrapping marathons, this recipe has shown up as more than just a snack it’s a way of saying “I’m glad you’re here.” The combo of tart-sweet cranberries and buttery pastry delivers all the cozy notes without much effort.

I’ve kept the ingredients simple so anyone can pull it off, even when the house is buzzing with guests. It’s the kind of appetizer that disappears fast, which is always a good sign. Whether you’re setting the table for something formal or just need something warm to pass around in your kitchen, this little bite brings big flavor no fuss required.