Baked Cranberry Brie Bites

Have you ever wished for a holiday appetizer that looks fancy but takes almost no effort to make? What if you could impress your guests with something sweet, creamy, and perfectly golden in under 30 minutes? That’s where Baked Cranberry Brie Bites come in — they’re the ultimate bite-sized treat that combines buttery pastry, creamy melted brie, and tangy cranberry sauce all in one perfect little cup.

These mini bites are the kind of appetizer that disappears fast at any gathering. Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a cozy winter night, they deliver the perfect mix of flavor and texture — crispy, creamy, and sweet all at once. The best part? They’re so simple to make, you might just start baking them all year long.

Print

Why you’ll love this recipe:

• Quick to make: Only about 25 minutes total from start to finish.
• Beginner-friendly: Perfect even if you’re new to baking.
• Crowd-pleasing: Everyone loves the mix of brie and cranberry.
• Beautiful presentation: They look elegant enough for any occasion.

These Baked Cranberry Brie Bites combine warm, gooey cheese with the bright, tart flavor of cranberries, all wrapped in a flaky, golden crust. They’re not only delicious but also visually stunning — a true holiday classic that feels like it came straight from a bakery.

Time required: 10 minutes prep + 15 minutes baking
Difficulty level: Easy
Servings: Makes about 24 bites

Essential Ingredients

What You’ll Need:

• 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed (you can also use crescent dough or phyllo cups)
• 8 oz brie cheese, rind on or off, cut into small cubes
• ½ cup cranberry sauce, homemade or store-bought
• 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for added sweetness)
• Fresh rosemary or thyme leaves, for garnish
• Cooking spray or butter, to grease the mini muffin tin

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions:

• Puff pastry: If you don’t have puff pastry, crescent roll dough works just as well. You can also use pre-baked phyllo cups for a crispier version.
• Brie cheese: Camembert or even cream cheese can replace brie if you want a milder flavor.
• Cranberry sauce: Try fig jam, raspberry preserves, or even apricot jam for a twist.
• Garnish: Fresh rosemary looks lovely, but parsley or chives work if that’s what you have.
• Sweetness: If you like it more savory, skip the honey. For a sweeter touch, drizzle a bit more after baking.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Lightly grease a mini muffin tin with butter or cooking spray.
3. Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to smooth it out.
4. Cut the pastry into 2-inch squares (a pizza cutter works great).

Step 2: Form the Cups

• Gently press each square into a mini muffin cup, forming a little pastry “cup.”
• Make sure the corners slightly overlap the edges — they’ll puff up beautifully when baked.

Step 3: Add the Brie

• Cut the brie into small cubes, about ½ inch each.
• Place one cube of brie into each pastry cup.

Step 4: Add the Cranberry Sauce

• Spoon about ½ teaspoon of cranberry sauce over the brie in each cup.
• If you like extra sweetness, drizzle a touch of honey over the top.

Step 5: Bake

• Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for 13–15 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and puffed, and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes — the pastry can brown quickly.

Step 6: Cool and Garnish

• Let the bites cool for 5 minutes before removing them from the tin.
• Garnish with small sprigs of rosemary or thyme for a festive touch.

Pro Tip: To remove them easily, use a small butter knife to gently lift each bite from the pan.

Assembly and Presentation Tips

• Arrange beautifully: Place the bites on a white platter and drizzle a little extra cranberry sauce on the side for color.
• Add a pop of green: Garnish with fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to make the colors stand out.
• For a warm appetizer tray: Keep them in a low oven (about 200°F) until ready to serve.
• Serving suggestion: These pair wonderfully with sparkling drinks, mulled wine, or cider.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

To make ahead:

• You can assemble the bites (without baking) a few hours ahead and keep them covered in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.

To store leftovers:

• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

To reheat:

• Warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5–7 minutes, or until the pastry crisps up again.
• Avoid the microwave if possible — it can make the pastry soggy.

To freeze:

• You can freeze unbaked bites on a tray, then transfer them to a zip-top bag once solid.
• Bake from frozen — just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Recipe Variations

Want to mix things up? Try these fun variations:

1. Savory Fig and Prosciutto Bites: Replace cranberry sauce with fig jam and top with small bits of prosciutto.
2. Apple Brie Bites: Use diced apples sautéed with cinnamon and brown sugar instead of cranberry sauce.
3. Raspberry Almond Bites: Add raspberry jam and sprinkle crushed almonds on top.
4. Caramelized Onion Brie Cups: For a deeper savory flavor, replace the cranberry sauce with caramelized onions.
5. Spicy Pepper Jelly Brie Bites: Swap cranberry sauce for pepper jelly for a sweet-and-spicy appetizer twist.

Health Benefits

While these little bites are definitely a treat, they do have a few redeeming qualities:

• Brie cheese provides calcium and protein.
• Cranberries are rich in antioxidants and vitamin C.
• Moderate portions — since they’re bite-sized, it’s easy to enjoy them without overindulging.

You can also lighten the recipe by using reduced-fat brie and whole wheat phyllo cups instead of puff pastry.

Conclusion

Baked Cranberry Brie Bites prove that the most delicious appetizers don’t have to be complicated. With only a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can create something that looks fancy, tastes gourmet, and makes everyone think you spent hours in the kitchen.

Whether you’re hosting a big holiday dinner or just want something special to snack on, these little bites bring a touch of joy to any table. So grab your puff pastry and brie — and get ready to impress your guests (or yourself) with the easiest, tastiest holiday treat ever!

FAQs

1. Can I make Baked Cranberry Brie Bites ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble them a few hours before baking and store them in the fridge until ready to cook.

2. Can I use canned cranberry sauce?
Absolutely. Canned or homemade both work great. If you prefer less sweetness, choose a whole-berry cranberry sauce.

3. Can I remove the rind from the brie?
Yes, it’s totally optional. The rind is edible and adds flavor, but if you prefer a smoother texture, you can cut it off.

4. How can I keep the pastry from getting soggy?
Don’t overfill the cups, and make sure the bites are baked until golden brown. Let them rest before serving so the cheese sets slightly.

5. What other toppings can I use instead of cranberries?
Try fig jam, cherry preserves, or even a small dollop of caramelized onions for a savory version.

6. Can I use phyllo cups instead of puff pastry?
Yes! Pre-baked phyllo cups make the process even faster — just fill and bake for 8–10 minutes.