These delicious Baked Cranberry Brie Bites are the ultimate easy holiday appetizer! Imagine gooey, warm brie cheese paired with tart cranberry sauce, all wrapped in a flaky, golden puff pastry shell. They come together quickly, look incredibly impressive, and bring a festive touch to any gathering. Get ready to delight your guests with this simple yet elegant appetizer.
According to food historians, the art of creating flaky puff pastry dates back to the 17th century.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Baked Cranberry Brie Bites
- Quick and Effortless Preparation: You can whip up these impressive bites in under 30 minutes, making them perfect for last-minute entertaining.
- Impressive Appetizer for Guests: Despite their simplicity, Baked Cranberry Brie Bites always draw compliments and disappear fast from any party platter.
- Perfect Balance of Sweet and Savory: The rich, creamy brie and sweet-tart cranberry sauce create a harmonious flavor profile that everyone loves.
- Customizable with Various Flavors: Easily adapt this recipe with different jams, nuts, or herbs to suit your taste and occasion.
- Ideal for Holiday Entertaining: Their festive colors and indulgent taste make them a staple for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year’s celebrations.
Ingredients
Gather your simple ingredients to create these delightful Baked Cranberry Brie Bites. You only need a few items to achieve maximum flavor and visual appeal.
- 1 sheet puff pastry, defrosted
- 4 oz. brie cheese (I use a small cheese wheel)
- ½ cup cranberry sauce (store bought or homemade)
- Candied pecans (optional)
- Fresh rosemary sprigs (optional)
Notes & Substitutions
- Puff Pastry: For best results, thaw your puff pastry overnight in the refrigerator. Alternatively, you can leave it at room temperature for about 30-40 minutes until pliable.
- Brie Cheese: A small wheel works perfectly here. You do not need to remove the rind; it’s edible and adds to the flavor. Any type of brie will work well.
- Cranberry Sauce: Both whole berry and jellied cranberry sauce are suitable. Whole berry offers more texture, while jellied provides a smoother finish. Homemade is always a treat, but quality store-bought works wonderfully.
- Other Jams: Feel free to experiment with other fruit preserves like raspberry, apricot, or fig jam for a different flavor profile in your Baked Cranberry Brie Bites.
- Nut Options: Instead of candied pecans, try toasted almonds, walnuts, or pistachios for a crunchy topping.
- Savory Fillings: For a savory twist, consider using pesto or a sun-dried tomato spread instead of cranberry sauce.
Equipment
You won’t need many specialized tools to create these lovely bites. Most of these items are probably already in your kitchen.
- Mini muffin tin: This is essential for shaping and baking your individual bites.
- Non-stick cooking spray: Ensures your Baked Cranberry Brie Bites release easily from the tin.
- Sharp knife: Useful for precisely cutting both the puff pastry and the brie cheese.
- Cutting board: Provides a safe and clean surface for your preparation.
- Small spoon: Perfect for portioning the cranberry sauce into each cup.
How to Make Baked Cranberry Brie Bites
Creating these delicious Baked Cranberry Brie Bites is incredibly straightforward. Follow these steps for perfect results every time.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and generously spray a mini muffin tin with non-stick cooking spray. For easier cutting, place your wheel of brie in the freezer for 10-15 minutes. This firms up the cheese beautifully.
- Next, unroll one sheet of defrosted puff pastry onto a clean surface. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the sheet into 16 equal squares. I typically do four rows by four rows.
- Carefully place each puff pastry square into a cup of your prepared mini muffin tin, gently pressing it down to form a small cup. The edges of the pastry will stick up a bit.
- Take your brie out of the freezer and cut it into small, evenly sized cubes. Aim for pieces that are roughly ½-inch in size.
- Place one brie cube into the center of each puff pastry cup. This forms the gooey heart of your Baked Cranberry Brie Bites.
- Spoon a small amount of cranberry sauce over the top of the brie in each cup. Be careful not to add too much sauce. These bites puff up significantly, and overfilling can cause the sauce to spill out during baking, leading to a sticky mess.
- Transfer the muffin tin to the preheated oven. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the puff pastry is beautifully golden brown and fully puffed up. The brie inside will be melted and bubbly.
- Once done, carefully take the pan out of the oven. Let the Baked Cranberry Brie Bites cool in the tin for a few minutes. This allows them to set slightly and makes them easier to handle.
- Run a sharp knife gently around the edge of each cup to loosen any stuck pastry. Then, carefully pop them out of the tin onto a serving platter.
- Garnish with chopped candied pecans and fresh rosemary sprigs, if desired, for an extra touch of flavor and visual appeal.
- Serve these delightful Baked Cranberry Brie Bites immediately while they are warm and gooey for the best taste experience.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Achieving perfect Baked Cranberry Brie Bites is simple with a few helpful hints. These tips will ensure your appetizers are consistently delicious.
- Ensuring perfect puff pastry: Always thaw puff pastry properly, usually in the fridge. Work with it while it’s still cool to prevent sticking and ensure a flaky rise.
- Preventing cheese/sauce overflow: Do not overfill the pastry cups. A single brie cube and a small spoonful of sauce are plenty for each bite.
- Achieving golden-brown perfection: Keep an eye on your oven. If browning unevenly, rotate the pan halfway through baking.
- Uniform cutting for even baking: Cut your pastry squares and brie cubes to similar sizes. This ensures all the bites bake consistently at the same rate.
- Serving temperature recommendations: These bites are best served warm, allowing the brie to remain perfectly gooey.
- Adjusting baking time by oven: Oven temperatures can vary. Start checking at 15 minutes and add time as needed until golden.
Serving, Storage & Variations
These Baked Cranberry Brie Bites are versatile and easy to adapt. Here’s how to best enjoy them and store any leftovers.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve these delectable bites warm, directly from the oven, for the ultimate gooey experience.
- Pair them with a festive cocktail or a crisp white wine to elevate your holiday spread.
- Consider exploring the best wine pairings for brie cheese to enhance the flavors of your appetizer.
- Arrange them artfully on a platter with extra fresh rosemary for a beautiful presentation.
Storage Instructions
- Store any cooled leftover Baked Cranberry Brie Bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- They will keep well for 2-3 days, though they are best enjoyed fresh.
- To reheat, place them on a baking sheet in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5-8 minutes until warmed through. The pastry may not be as crisp, but the flavor remains delicious.
Variations
- Sweet Enhancements: Drizzle your finished Baked Cranberry Brie Bites with a touch of honey or maple syrup before serving for added sweetness.
- Spicy Kick: Add a tiny pinch of red pepper flakes to the cranberry sauce for a subtle, warming heat.
- Fruit Combos: Try swapping cranberry sauce for fig jam and a tiny drop of balsamic glaze for a sophisticated twist.
- Herb Options: Replace rosemary with fresh thyme or finely chopped chives for a different aromatic note.
- Other Cheeses: Camembert cheese or even a firm goat cheese can be used instead of brie for a unique flavor.
Nutrition
Understanding the nutritional aspects of your food is important. While these Baked Cranberry Brie Bites are a delightful treat, they are generally considered an indulgent appetizer.
Nutritional information will vary significantly based on specific ingredients, brands, and serving sizes. We recommend consulting a nutrition calculator if you require precise data. To make them slightly lighter, choose a low-sugar cranberry sauce or use less cheese. Always remember that portion control is key.
| Component | Per Bite (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 80-120 |
| Total Fat | 6-9g |
| Carbs | 6-10g |
| Protein | 3-5g |
Disclaimer: Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary.
The health benefits of cranberries extend beyond their delicious taste, offering a good source of antioxidants.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Got questions about making these delicious Baked Cranberry Brie Bites? We’ve got answers to help you succeed!
Do I need to thaw puff pastry?
Yes, you must thaw puff pastry before use. The best method is overnight in the refrigerator, or for 30-40 minutes at room temperature.
Do I cut the rind off brie?
No, you do not need to cut the rind off the brie cheese. The rind is completely edible and contributes to the overall flavor and texture of the bite.
Can I make these ahead?
Do I need to thaw puff pastry?
Yes, you must thaw puff pastry before use. The best method is overnight in the refrigerator, or for 30-40 minutes at room temperature.
Do I cut the rind off brie?
No, you do not need to cut the rind off the brie cheese. The rind is completely edible and contributes to the overall flavor and texture of the bite.
What cranberry sauce is best?
Whole cranberry sauce is generally preferred for its texture and slightly less sweet profile. However, jellied cranberry sauce also works well if that is your preference.
Can I use phyllo dough instead?
You can use phyllo dough, but the texture will be different (crispier, less puffy). You may also need to layer multiple sheets and adjust baking time for Baked Cranberry Brie Bites.
Final Thoughts
These Baked Cranberry Brie Bites are a testament to how simple ingredients can create something truly spectacular. They are incredibly easy to make, yet their elegant appearance and delightful combination of gooey brie, tart cranberry, and flaky pastry make them an unforgettable appetizer. Perfect for any holiday gathering or simply a special snack, they are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Don’t wait—give this recipe a try and watch them disappear! We love seeing your creations, so share your delicious Baked Cranberry Brie Bites in the comments below!
Baked Cranberry Brie Bites
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F and spray a mini muffin tin with cooking spray. For easier cutting, place the brie wheel in the freezer for 10-15 minutes.
- Unroll the defrosted puff pastry sheet and cut it into 16 equal squares (4 rows by 4 rows). Place each pastry square into the prepared muffin tin cups.
- Remove the brie from the freezer, cut it into cubes, and place one cube into the center of each puff pastry square. Spoon a small amount of cranberry sauce over the brie, being careful not to overfill the cups.
- Bake the bites in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the puff pastry turns golden brown and puffs up.
- Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let the bites cool for a few minutes. Use a sharp knife to loosen the edges, then carefully remove them from the tin.
- Garnish the warm bites with chopped candied pecans and fresh rosemary if desired, then serve immediately.
Notes
High-Protein Nutrition Specialist and Wellness Advocate with over a decade of experience.
My human-first approach blends science-backed guidance with real-life empathy, shaped by my own journey through fatigue and muscle loss. Today, I help people reclaim strength, energy, and confidence through high-protein nutrition that’s both practical and empowering.
- Anne Newgent
- Anne Newgent
- Anne Newgent
- Anne Newgent
