When the holidays roll around, there’s something magical about the cozy glow of the oven and the aroma of sweet and savory treats wafting through the kitchen. These Baked Cranberry Brie Bites capture all of that festive warmth in one perfect bite. They’re elegant enough to impress at a dinner party, yet simple enough for a casual family gathering or a cozy evening at home.
This recipe shines because it’s:
- Effortless: Just five ingredients and minimal prep time.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can assemble them ahead of time and bake right before serving.
- Beautifully Balanced: Buttery puff pastry, creamy brie, and tart cranberry sauce make a perfect trio.
- Versatile: Works for Christmas, Thanksgiving, New Year’s Eve, or even a Sunday brunch.
Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or bringing an appetizer to a potluck, these little bites will always be the first to disappear.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple, familiar pantry staples come together to make a bite-sized holiday classic.
Main Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed according to package directions, usually about 30–40 minutes)
- 6 oz brie cheese (rind on or off, depending on preference; cut into small cubes)
- ½ cup cranberry sauce (homemade or canned, whole berry preferred)
- 1 large egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon water
Optional Garnishes (Highly Recommended)
- Fresh rosemary sprigs (for aroma and garnish)
- Chopped pecans or walnuts (for texture)
- A drizzle of honey or maple syrup (for a hint of sweetness)
Pantry Notes
If you’re stocking up for the holidays, these ingredients are incredibly convenient. Puff pastry is available in the frozen aisle of most grocery stores, and brie can be found in the specialty cheese section. You can even substitute the cranberry sauce with raspberry jam or fig preserves if you’re looking for a twist.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). It’s important to give your oven enough time to reach full temperature so your puff pastry bakes evenly and rises beautifully.
While the oven is preheating, prepare your mini muffin tin. Lightly coat each cavity with nonstick cooking spray, or use a small pat of butter and a pastry brush to grease the wells. This prevents the pastry from sticking and makes removal easy later.
If you don’t have a mini muffin tin, you can also use a standard one—just note that your bites will be slightly larger and may need a few extra minutes of baking time.
Step 2: Thaw and Roll Out the Puff Pastry
If your puff pastry is frozen, allow it to thaw in the refrigerator for about 30 to 40 minutes, or until it’s pliable but still cold. You don’t want it too soft, as warm puff pastry can become sticky and difficult to handle.
Lightly flour your work surface to prevent sticking. Gently unfold the pastry sheet and, using a rolling pin, roll it out just enough to smooth any creases from the folds. The goal isn’t to make it thinner—just even and workable.
Take a sharp knife or a pizza cutter and cut the sheet into 24 equal squares, each roughly 2×2 inches. You should be able to get about 12 from each side of the sheet.
Tip: If your puff pastry starts to feel warm or sticky, place it in the fridge for a few minutes before continuing. Keeping the dough cold ensures the layers puff up beautifully in the oven.
Step 3: Shape the Pastry Cups
Now comes the fun part—shaping your little pastry cups!
Gently press each puff pastry square into one of the greased mini muffin tin wells. Use your fingers to lightly press down the center and tuck the corners so the pastry forms a small cup shape. The corners should stick up slightly—this helps them develop those pretty, golden edges as they bake.
Be careful not to tear the dough. If a square seems too large or uneven, you can trim it slightly to fit snugly.
Step 4: Prepare the Brie
Cut your brie cheese into small cubes, roughly ½ inch in size. You can decide whether to remove the rind or leave it on—it’s completely edible and softens nicely when baked. Leaving it on also helps the cheese hold its shape slightly better once melted.
Place one cube of brie into each pastry cup, pressing it gently into the bottom. The cheese will melt into a creamy pool of goodness as it bakes.
If you’re using an extra creamy brie or want a richer filling, feel free to add a slightly larger cube—but don’t overfill, as the cheese will expand and bubble when heated.
Step 5: Add the Cranberry Sauce
Using a small spoon or teaspoon, top each brie cube with about ½ teaspoon of cranberry sauce. You don’t need much—just enough to lightly cover the cheese. Too much filling can cause it to overflow during baking.
If your cranberry sauce is thick, give it a quick stir before spooning so it’s easier to handle. Whole berry cranberry sauce adds a lovely texture, while jellied sauce creates a smooth, glossy finish.
Tip: For a sweet twist, you can sprinkle a pinch of brown sugar or drizzle a touch of honey over the cranberry layer before baking.
Step 6: Brush with Egg Wash
In a small bowl, whisk together 1 egg and 1 tablespoon of water until smooth. This creates a simple egg wash that gives your puff pastry a beautiful golden shine.
Using a pastry brush, lightly coat the exposed edges of each puff pastry square with the egg wash. Avoid getting too much on the cranberry filling—just focus on the dough edges. This step makes all the difference between a dull crust and that irresistible, bakery-style golden color.
If you don’t have a pastry brush, you can dip your fingertip or use a piece of paper towel to dab the wash gently along the edges.
Step 7: Bake Until Golden and Puffy
Place the muffin tin on the center rack of your preheated oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the puff pastry has risen and turned a lovely golden brown around the edges.
You’ll notice the brie melting into the pastry and the cranberry sauce bubbling slightly—these are perfect signs that your bites are ready. The pastry layers should be crisp and flaky, not doughy in the middle.
If your oven tends to brown unevenly, rotate the pan halfway through baking for even color and texture.
Step 8: Add Finishing Touches
Remove the pan from the oven and let the bites cool for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack or serving platter. This brief cooling period allows the cheese to set slightly, so they’re easier to lift out without tearing the pastry.
Now, it’s time to dress them up for the occasion. Here are a few garnish ideas to elevate their flavor and presentation:
- Add a small rosemary sprig to each bite for a fragrant, festive touch.
- Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch and contrast.
- Drizzle a bit of honey or maple syrup over the tops to balance the tartness of the cranberry.
These little details make your cranberry brie bites look elegant and taste even better.
Step 9: Serve Warm and Enjoy
Serve the baked cranberry brie bites warm for the best experience. The brie should be soft and gooey, the cranberry sauce bright and tangy, and the puff pastry crisp on the outside but tender within.
Arrange them on a pretty platter or a holiday board surrounded by sprigs of rosemary, orange zest curls, or a dusting of powdered sugar for an extra festive look.
They’re delicious on their own or paired with light accompaniments like sparkling apple cider, herbal tea, or a fruit spritzer.
Step 10: Bonus – Make Ahead or Freeze for Later
If you’re planning for a big event or want to save time on the day of your gathering, here’s how to prep ahead:
- To Make Ahead (Unbaked): Assemble the pastry cups with brie and cranberry sauce, cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, brush with egg wash and pop them in the oven directly—no need to bring to room temperature.
- To Freeze (Baked or Unbaked): Arrange bites on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then store in a freezer-safe bag. Reheat straight from frozen at 350°F for 10–12 minutes until crisp and heated through.
Having a batch ready to go means you can enjoy freshly baked bites anytime with almost no effort.
Tips
Here are some helpful kitchen tips to ensure your brie bites turn out perfectly every time:
- Use cold puff pastry: Warm dough gets sticky and doesn’t rise as well. Keep it chilled until you’re ready to cut and shape.
- Don’t skip the egg wash: It adds shine and helps seal the pastry.
- Prep ahead: Assemble the bites, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
- Freeze leftovers: Once baked, you can freeze them in an airtight container for up to a month. Reheat at 350°F for 8–10 minutes.
- Switch up the cheese: Try camembert, goat cheese, or even cream cheese for a different flavor.
Flavor Variations
The beauty of this recipe is its customizable nature. Once you master the basic version, try these delicious spins:
- Apple Brie Bites: Replace cranberry sauce with apple butter and add a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar.
- Fig & Honey Brie Bites: Use fig jam instead of cranberry sauce and drizzle with honey before serving.
- Raspberry Almond Brie Bites: Swap cranberry sauce for raspberry preserves and sprinkle slivered almonds on top.
- Savory Twist: Replace cranberry sauce with caramelized onions and a bit of turkey bacon crumble for a more savory profile.
Serving Suggestions
These bite-sized pastries make the perfect addition to any holiday spread.
- Holiday Appetizer Board: Pair them with crackers, nuts, grapes, and sliced turkey ham for a complete platter.
- Brunch Buffet: Serve alongside mini quiches, fresh fruit, and herbal tea.
- Dinner Parties: Present them as the first course before roasted chicken, beef tenderloin, or a hearty stew.
- Festive Gatherings: They’re great finger foods for Christmas, Thanksgiving, or even New Year’s Eve celebrations.
If you want to dress them up, serve them on a wooden board lined with fresh rosemary sprigs and a small bowl of extra cranberry sauce for dipping.
Storing and Reheating
You can easily store and reheat your brie bites without losing their charm:
- Refrigerate: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Place them on a baking sheet and warm at 350°F for about 5–7 minutes until the pastry crisps up again.
- Freeze: Lay them on a parchment-lined tray until frozen solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Reheat directly from frozen at 350°F for 10–12 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble them the day before, refrigerate, and bake fresh before serving.
2. Can I use canned cranberry sauce?
Absolutely. Whole berry cranberry sauce works best for texture and flavor.
3. Do I have to remove the rind from the brie?
No, the rind is edible and softens when baked. If you prefer a smoother texture, you can trim it off.
4. Can I bake these without a muffin tin?
You can, but a mini muffin tin helps keep the shape uniform and ensures even baking.
5. What other toppings work well?
Try a sprinkle of chopped pecans, honey drizzle, or a rosemary sprig for a festive touch.
Final Thoughts
These Baked Cranberry Brie Bites are the kind of recipe that bring people together. They’re warm, comforting, and just the right blend of sweet and savory. Whether you’re hosting a big holiday dinner or a quiet family evening, these little bites of joy will make everyone feel welcome and cared for.
So, pull out that puff pastry, preheat your oven, and get ready to make a new holiday favorite that’s as easy to prepare as it is delightful to eat.
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Baked Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe
- Total Time: 28 minutes
Description
These golden, flaky Baked Cranberry Brie Bites are the perfect blend of sweet, creamy, and savory flavors wrapped in buttery puff pastry. Made with just five simple ingredients, they’re easy to prepare, elegant to serve, and always a hit at holiday gatherings, parties, or cozy family evenings. Each bite delivers creamy melted brie topped with tangy cranberry sauce—an irresistible combination that feels festive and comforting at the same time.
Ingredients
1 sheet puff pastry, thawed (about 8–9 oz)
6 oz brie cheese (rind optional), cut into ½-inch cubes
½ cup cranberry sauce (whole berry or jellied)
1 large egg
1 tablespoon water
Optional Garnishes
Fresh rosemary sprigs (for garnish)
2 tablespoons chopped pecans or walnuts
1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (for drizzling)
Instructions
Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a mini muffin tin with butter or nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.Prepare Puff Pastry:
On a lightly floured surface, unfold the thawed puff pastry sheet. Roll it gently to smooth the folds without thinning it too much.
Cut into 24 squares (2×2 inches) using a sharp knife or pizza cutter.Form Pastry Cups:
Press each puff pastry square into the mini muffin tin wells, shaping them into small cups with the corners slightly lifted.Add Brie:
Place a cube of brie into each pastry cup, pressing it gently into the center.Add Cranberry Sauce:
Spoon about ½ teaspoon of cranberry sauce over the top of the brie in each cup. Avoid overfilling.Make Egg Wash:
In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water. Brush the exposed edges of the puff pastry with this egg wash for a shiny, golden finish.Bake:
Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the puff pastry is puffed, golden brown, and the brie is melted.Cool & Garnish:
Allow to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then gently remove and place on a wire rack or serving platter.
Garnish with a rosemary sprig, a sprinkle of chopped nuts, or a drizzle of honey for an elegant touch.Serve Warm:
Serve the bites warm for the best flavor and texture. They pair beautifully with tea, cider, or sparkling juice.
Notes
Keep puff pastry cold until ready to cut and fill; this ensures flaky layers.
Whole berry cranberry sauce gives more texture, while jellied sauce provides a smoother finish.
No brie? Substitute with camembert, goat cheese, or cream cheese for a milder flavor.
Make-ahead tip: Assemble unbaked bites, refrigerate up to 24 hours, and bake just before serving for fresh, warm pastries.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 95 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 80 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Protein: 2 g