Baked Cranberry Brie Bites are one of the easiest and most elegant holiday appetizers you can make. Each bite-sized pastry is warm, flaky, gooey, and perfectly balanced between sweet cranberry sauce and creamy brie. They’re festive, bite-sized, and ready in just minutes—making them ideal for Christmas parties, Thanksgiving gatherings, New Year’s Eve snacks, or cozy holiday movie nights. These little pastries look fancy, yet require almost no effort, so they’re perfect for both beginners and busy hosts who want to impress without stress.
Why You’ll Love These Baked Cranberry Brie Bites
You’ll love this recipe because it’s quick, beautiful on any appetizer tray, and guaranteed to disappear in minutes. The combination of creamy brie and tart cranberry is classic, while the buttery puff pastry adds the perfect crunch. It takes only a handful of ingredients, and the bites can be assembled ahead of time—a huge bonus during the holiday rush.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
If you need a crowd-pleasing appetizer that requires minimal work, this is the one. The flavors are sophisticated, the ingredients are affordable, and the bites bake in just 12–14 minutes. They pair well with holiday cocktails, charcuterie boards, and festive drinks, making them a versatile addition to any celebration. Even better, you can customize the fillings with nuts, herbs, honey, or jams.
Ingredients You’ll Need
● 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
● 6 oz brie cheese, cut into small cubes
● ½ cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
● 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
● 1 tablespoon chopped rosemary or thyme (optional)
● Cooking spray or butter for greasing the pan
How to Make Baked Cranberry Brie Bites (Step-by-Step)
Step 1 – Prep the Pan
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a mini muffin pan with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Step 2 – Cut the Pastry
Slice the puff pastry sheet into 24 even squares. The pieces don’t need to be perfect—puff pastry expands beautifully in the oven.
Step 3 – Fill the Cups
Gently press each pastry square into a mini muffin cup. Add one cube of brie to each, then spoon about ½ teaspoon of cranberry sauce on top. If you’d like added sweetness, drizzle a touch of honey.
Step 4 – Add Herbs (Optional)
Sprinkle chopped rosemary or thyme over the top for a fragrant, festive finish.
Step 5 – Bake
Bake for 12–14 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and puffed, and the cheese is fully melted.
Step 6 – Serve Warm
Let the bites cool for 3–5 minutes, then transfer to a serving platter. Enjoy immediately while warm and melty.
Nutritional Information (per bite)
Calories: 95
Fat: 6g
Carbs: 7g
Protein: 2g
Tips for the Best Cranberry Brie Bites
- Keep the puff pastry cold for the best rise.
- Trim the brie rind if you prefer a milder flavor.
- Use homemade cranberry sauce for extra richness.
- Add a little orange zest for a citrusy twist.
- Press pastry into the muffin cups to avoid overflow.
- Don’t overfill—brie expands as it melts.
- Sprinkle flaky salt on top for a gourmet touch.
- Line the pan with parchment squares for easier removal.
- Serve immediately—puff pastry tastes best fresh.
- Make two batches; these disappear fast!
Variations & Substitutions
● Honey Walnut Brie Bites: Add chopped walnuts + honey.
● Raspberry Brie Bites: Swap cranberry for raspberry jam.
● Savory Herb Brie Bites: Add garlic butter + fresh thyme.
● Pecan Brie Cups: Add toasted pecans for crunch.
● Apricot Brie Bites: Use apricot jam instead of cranberry sauce.
● Crescent Dough Version: Substitute puff pastry with crescent dough for a softer bite.
● Spicy Cranberry: Add a pinch of chili flakes for heat.
● Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free puff pastry.
What to Serve With Baked Cranberry Brie Bites
These bites pair wonderfully with:
● Holiday charcuterie boards
● Sparkling wine or prosecco
● Mulled cider or hot wine
● Fresh grapes or apple slices
● Roasted nuts
● Festive cocktails like cranberry spritzers
They also look beautiful as part of a Christmas appetizer spread or New Year’s Eve buffet.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
● Letting puff pastry get too warm—keeps it from rising.
● Overfilling the cups—can cause leakage.
● Using too large brie cubes—melting overflow.
● Baking at low temperature—pastry becomes soggy.
● Removing from the pan too soon—let them set briefly.
Storing Tips for the Recipe
● To Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
● To Reheat: Warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 6–8 minutes.
● To Freeze (Unbaked): Assemble and freeze in the muffin pan, then store frozen bites in a bag for up to 2 months.
● To Freeze (Baked): Freeze fully cooled bites and reheat before serving.
Conclusion
Baked Cranberry Brie Bites are the perfect blend of elegance and simplicity—warm, festive, and full of holiday flavor in every bite. They come together quickly, look stunning on a festive table, and are guaranteed to impress guests with almost no effort. Whether you’re hosting or bringing a dish to share, these bites are a must-try holiday appetizer.
Recipe FAQ’s
- Can I use canned crescent dough instead of puff pastry? Yes, it works well for a softer bite.
- Should I remove the brie rind? It’s optional—completely edible but removable for a milder flavor.
- Can I make these ahead? Absolutely—assemble and refrigerate 24 hours before baking.
- Can I use homemade cranberry sauce? Yes, it gives a richer flavor.
- Can I freeze them? Both baked and unbaked versions freeze well.
- Do they reheat nicely? Yes—oven reheating keeps them crisp.
- Can I make them nut-free? Simply skip nuts or toppings containing them.
- Can I add honey? A drizzle enhances sweetness and shine.
- Can I bake them without a muffin pan? Yes, but they won’t hold their cup shape.
- How do I keep them from sticking? Use cooking spray or parchment squares.