Prep Time: ~15 minutes
Cook Time: ~15–20 minutes
Total Time: ~30–35 minutes
Yield: ~24 bite-sized appetizers
Introduction
Baked Cranberry Brie Bites are flaky, golden puff pastry cups filled with creamy melted Brie and tangy cranberry topping. They offer a perfect sweet-and-savory bite for holiday parties, appetizers, potlucks, or any celebration where you want something elegant yet easy to make. Each bite combines buttery pastry, rich cheese, and fruity brightness in a delightful combo.
Why These Bites Are So Popular
These little bites bring together flavors and textures that everyone loves: buttery puff pastry, silky melted Brie, and sweet-tart cranberry. The puff pastry cups bake up crisp and golden, while the Brie becomes oozy and creamy. They’re simple to assemble, look beautiful on a platter, and taste luxurious without a lot of effort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 8 oz Brie cheese, cut into small cubes
- ¾ cup cranberry sauce (whole-berry or smooth)
- Optional toppings: chopped pecans, fresh herbs (rosemary or thyme), a drizzle of honey, or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt
The Art of Making Cranberry Brie Bites
The trick is to press puff pastry into small cups, add just enough Brie so it melts perfectly, and top with cranberry sauce for that tangy counterpoint. Baking until the pastry is golden ensures a crisp exterior while the Brie inside becomes soft and gooey. Optional garnishes like nuts or herbs add texture and flavor complexity.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat & Prepare Pan
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Lightly grease a mini muffin tin or use parchment liners.
Cut & Form Pastry Cups
Roll out the thawed puff pastry slightly if needed.
Cut the pastry into 24 small squares big enough to line mini muffin cups.
Press each square gently into a mini muffin cup to form a small cup.
Add Brie & Cranberry
Place one cube of Brie in each pastry cup.
Top each with about ½ to 1 teaspoon of cranberry sauce — not too much, to avoid overflow.
Bake
Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the puff pastry is puffed and golden and the Brie is melted inside.
Cool & Garnish
Remove from oven and let the bites cool slightly so the filling sets just a little.
Optional: drizzle with honey, sprinkle with chopped pecans, fresh herbs, or a little flaky sea salt for extra flavor.
Tips for Best Results
- Keep puff pastry cold until you’re ready to cut it — cold pastry puffs better.
- Don’t overfill — a small amount of cranberry goes a long way and prevents leaking.
- Use whole-berry cranberry sauce for nice texture contrast against the creamy Brie.
- Serve warm — they’re at their best right out of the oven.
Creative Variations
- Use fig or apricot jam instead of cranberry for a different sweet-fruit twist.
- Add a small fresh herb leaf (like thyme or rosemary) for subtle herbal aroma.
- Swap Brie for Camembert or goat cheese for alternative creamy flavors.
- Sprinkle with chopped toasted nuts for crunch.
- Make a lightly sweet version with honey and a dusting of powdered sugar.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheat in a 325–350°F (160–175°C) oven for 5–7 minutes until warm and slightly crisp again. Avoid microwaving — pastry can become soggy.
Conclusion
Baked Cranberry Brie Bites are simple, elegant, and packed with flavor — buttery pastry, creamy melted cheese, and bright cranberry in every bite. They’re ideal for holiday menus, parties, or any festive occasion where you want an appetizer that looks and tastes special, without a lot of fuss.
