These bite-sized pastries pair warm, gooey Brie with bright cranberry sauce inside a flaky puff pastry shell. They smell buttery as they bake and offer a sweet-tart pop against creamy, soft cheese. Make them for holiday parties, casual get-togethers, or a cozy appetizer any time you want an easy, impressive bite. For another small Brie appetizer idea, see this gooey brie-stuffed dates recipe: Gooey Brie-Stuffed Dates.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Servings: 12 bites
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
(Approximate per serving — 1 bite)
- Calories per serving: 230 kcal
- Protein: 4 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fat: 15 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 140 mg
Why Make This Baked Cranberry Brie Bites
These bites are fast to make and look elegant. The puff pastry turns golden and flaky. The Brie melts into a creamy center. Cranberry sauce adds bright, tangy sweetness. They balance textures and flavors: crispy, soft, sweet, and savory. They warm up well and travel easily to parties. Use simple ingredients for a high-impact appetizer.
How to Make Baked Cranberry Brie Bites
This recipe is straightforward. You cut puff pastry into squares, line a muffin tin, add Brie and cranberry, then fold and bake. The steps are short and forgiving. You can make the filling ahead and assemble just before baking. The result is a warm, fragrant bite with a melted center and a glossy cranberry top.
Ingredients:
- 1 package of puff pastry
- 1 wheel of Brie cheese
- 1 cup of cranberry sauce
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Fresh rosemary or thyme (for garnish, optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
Step 1: Preparation
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly flour your work surface. Roll out the puff pastry and cut it into squares sized to fit your muffin tin slots. Place one square of puff pastry in each muffin tin slot so it forms a little cup.
Step 2: Mixing
Cut the Brie into small pieces. Season lightly with salt and pepper if desired. Place a piece of Brie on top of the pastry in each muffin slot. Add a spoonful of cranberry sauce on top of the Brie. The cranberry gives bright flavor and a pretty color.
Step 3: Baking
Fold the corners of the pastry over the filling so the Brie and cranberry are mostly enclosed but still visible. Beat the egg and brush the tops of the pastry with the egg wash for a golden finish. Bake in the oven for 15–20 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
Step 4: Finishing
Remove the bites from the oven and let them cool slightly in the tin for a few minutes. Transfer to a serving plate. Garnish with small sprigs of rosemary or thyme if desired. Serve warm so the Brie is soft and melty.
How to Serve Baked Cranberry Brie Bites
Serve warm on a platter. Add toothpicks for easy picking. Pair with crackers, sliced baguette, or raw vegetable sticks. Drizzle a little honey for extra sweetness, or add toasted walnuts for crunch. They work well as an appetizer, party finger food, or a festive starter.
How to Store Baked Cranberry Brie Bites
- Room temp: Let cool completely, then keep covered for up to 2 hours.
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 6–8 minutes to crisp the pastry.
- Freezer: Freeze baked bites in a single layer on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 1 month. Reheat from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for 12–15 minutes.
You can also assemble them, freeze unbaked on a tray, then transfer to a bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the time.
Expert Tips for Perfect Baked Cranberry Brie Bites
- Keep pastry cold. Work quickly so it stays chilled for best lift and flakiness.
- Cut the Brie into small, even pieces so each bite melts evenly.
- Don’t overfill. Too much filling can make the pastry soggy.
- Use whole-berry cranberry sauce for texture, or chopped fresh cranberries simmered with sugar for brightness.
- Brush egg wash carefully—use only a thin coat to get a golden color without running.
- If the Brie oozes too much, chill assembled bites 10 minutes before baking to help them hold shape.
- Rotate the pan halfway through baking for even color.
Delicious Variations
- Honey & Almond: Add a few drops of honey and a sliver of toasted almond on top.
- Fig & Prosciutto: Swap cranberry for fig jam and tuck a tiny piece of prosciutto with the Brie.
- Apple & Sage: Use a small cube of sautéed apple and fresh sage instead of cranberry.
- Spiced Cranberry: Stir a pinch of cinnamon or orange zest into the cranberry sauce.
- Mini Tartlets: Use tart shells instead of puff pastry for a sturdier base.
All variations are simple swaps and work with the same bake time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use frozen puff pastry?
A: Yes. Keep it frozen until you are ready to roll. Thaw in the refrigerator per package directions. Work quickly while it is cold.
Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: You can assemble them and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. For longer storage, freeze unbaked on a tray, then bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few minutes.
Q: What if my Brie oozes out while baking?
A: Chill the assembled bites for 10–15 minutes before baking. Use slightly smaller Brie pieces. Place in muffin tins so the pastry holds the filling.
Q: Can I use a different cheese?
A: Yes. Camembert or a mild goat cheese work well. Stronger cheeses will change the flavor. Balance with sweeter jams if the cheese is very sharp.
Q: How do I reheat leftovers?
A: Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 6–8 minutes to restore the crisp pastry and warm the cheese. Avoid the microwave; it makes pastry soggy.
Q: Are these vegetarian?
A: Yes, the base recipe is vegetarian. If you add prosciutto or other meats in variations, they are no longer vegetarian.
Q: Can I make mini or larger sizes?
A: Yes. Adjust baking time slightly: smaller bites may bake in 12–15 minutes; larger ones may need 20–22 minutes.
Conclusion
These Baked Cranberry Brie Bites are quick, tasty, and perfect for gatherings or cozy nights at home. They combine flaky pastry, melty Brie, and bright cranberry in one small, elegant package. For another similar recipe and inspiration, check out Baked Cranberry Brie Bites – Kalefornia Kravings. Give these a try — they are simple to make and always popular with guests.
Print
Baked Cranberry Brie Bites
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 12 bites 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These bite-sized pastries combine warm, gooey Brie with bright cranberry sauce inside a flaky puff pastry shell, making them a perfect appetizer for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 package of puff pastry
- 1 wheel of Brie cheese
- 1 cup of cranberry sauce
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Fresh rosemary or thyme (for garnish, optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly flour your work surface. Roll out the puff pastry and cut it into squares sized to fit your muffin tin slots. Place one square of puff pastry in each muffin tin slot to form a little cup.
- Cut the Brie into small pieces. Season lightly with salt and pepper if desired. Place a piece of Brie on top of the pastry in each muffin slot. Add a spoonful of cranberry sauce on top of the Brie.
- Fold the corners of the pastry over the filling so the Brie and cranberry are mostly enclosed but still visible. Beat the egg and brush the tops of the pastry with the egg wash for a golden finish. Bake in the oven for 15–20 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
- Remove the bites from the oven and let them cool slightly in the tin for a few minutes. Transfer to a serving plate. Garnish with small sprigs of rosemary or thyme if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
Serve warm on a platter with toothpicks. Pair with crackers, sliced baguette, or raw vegetable sticks. Optionally drizzle with honey or add toasted walnuts.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bite
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
