Buttery puff pastry, creamy melted brie, and a jewel-bright cranberry topping… these easy baked cranberry brie bites look like something from a fancy catered party, but they’re secretly so simple. They’re bite-sized, beautiful, and perfect for holidays, girls’ nights, and cozy date nights at home. If you want an appetizer that makes people say, “Wait, did you really make these?” this is it.
Table of Contents
What Are Easy Baked Cranberry Brie Bites?
These easy baked cranberry brie bites are mini puff pastry cups filled with:
- Soft, gooey brie cheese
- Sweet-tart cranberry sauce
- Optional crunchy nuts and fresh herbs
They are:
- Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s, showers, and brunches
- Elegant enough for a party, easy enough for a weeknight
- Ideal for make-ahead entertaining
If you’re planning a full holiday spread, don’t miss this helpful roundup of 15 Make-Ahead Thanksgiving Appetizers to Save You Time for even more delicious ideas.
Think of these bites as your no-stress, always-impressive holiday appetizer in one bite.
Ingredients for Easy Baked Cranberry Brie Bites
To make about 24 cranberry brie bites, you’ll need:
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 8 oz brie cheese, chilled
- 1 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or canned whole-berry)
- 2–3 tablespoons chopped nuts (optional)
- Pecans, walnuts, or pistachios work well
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary or thyme, finely chopped (optional but recommended)
- 1–2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup, for drizzling
- Nonstick spray or melted butter, for greasing the pan
Equipment:
- 1 mini muffin tin
- Sharp knife or pizza cutter
- Small spoon
How to Make Easy Baked Cranberry Brie Bites Step by Step
Step 1 – Prep the Pan and Puff Pastry
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly grease a mini muffin tin with nonstick spray or melted butter.
- Unfold the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface.
- Cut the pastry into 24 equal squares (4 cuts one way, 6 the other).
Step 2 – Cut the Brie
- Slice the chilled brie into small cubes (about ½–¾ inch each).
- Leave the rind on – it becomes soft in the oven and adds flavor.
Quick tip: If the brie is too soft to slice, pop it in the freezer for 10–15 minutes.
Step 3 – Assemble Your Cranberry Brie Bites
- Gently press a puff pastry square into each mini muffin cup to form a little “basket.”
- Place one cube of brie into each pastry cup.
- Top with about 1 teaspoon of cranberry sauce.
- Sprinkle with a pinch of chopped nuts and fresh herbs, if using.
Step 4 – Bake to Golden Perfection
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes, or until:
- The puff pastry is puffed and golden
- The brie is melted and bubbling around the edges
Step 5 – Finish and Serve
- Let the bites cool in the pan for 5 minutes to set slightly.
- Drizzle lightly with honey or maple syrup for sweetness and shine.
- Carefully loosen with a butter knife or offset spatula and transfer to a serving plate.
Serve your easy baked cranberry brie bites warm or at room temperature.
Practical Tips for Perfect Baked Cranberry Brie Bites
To make sure your baked cranberry brie bites turn out gorgeous every time:
- Keep ingredients chilled
- Cold brie and cool puff pastry are easier to cut and shape.
- Don’t overfill with cranberry sauce
- About 1 teaspoon per cup is enough to avoid overflow.
- Press the pastry into the cups firmly
- This creates deeper “walls” so the brie and cranberry stay contained.
- Use the lower-middle rack
- Helps the bottom of the pastry bake up crisp, not soggy.
- Let them rest briefly after baking
- Just 5 minutes helps the cheese settle so they’re less messy to pick up.
- Dress up the serving platter
- Add fresh rosemary sprigs, orange slices, or a few extra cranberries for a pretty, festive touch.
If you’re putting together a bigger appetizer menu, you can pair these bites with some of the ideas from 15 Make-Ahead Thanksgiving Appetizers to Save You Time to create a stress-free, stunning spread.
Bonus Ideas: Flavor Twists for Cranberry Brie Bites
Once you’ve mastered the classic easy baked cranberry brie bites, try these fun variations:
- Orange Cranberry Brie Bites
- Stir a bit of orange zest into your cranberry sauce.
- Garnish with a tiny strip of orange peel or extra zest on top.
- Maple Pecan Cranberry Brie Bites
- Use chopped toasted pecans and finish with a generous drizzle of maple syrup.
- Add a pinch of flaky sea salt for that sweet-salty bite.
- Cranberry Brie Bites with Pistachios
- Sprinkle chopped pistachios over the cranberry for crunch and a pretty green pop.
- Spicy Cranberry Brie Bites
- Add a tiny sliver of fresh jalapeño or a few red pepper flakes before baking.
- Great for those who like a sweet-and-spicy combo.
- Fig & Cranberry Brie Bites
- Spread a thin layer of fig jam under the brie, then add cranberry on top.
- Extra rich and perfect for a wine night.
Mix a few versions on one platter and let guests “pick their favorite” it makes your appetizer table feel fun and interactive.
Print
Baked Cranberry Brie Bites (Easy Holiday Appetizer Recipe!)
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 bites 1x
Description
Baked Cranberry Brie Bites are an easy, elegant holiday appetizer made with flaky puff pastry, creamy brie, and sweet-tart cranberry sauce. Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and parties!
Ingredients
-
1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
-
8 oz brie cheese, chilled
-
1 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or canned whole-berry)
-
2–3 tbsp chopped nuts (pecans, walnuts, or pistachios), optional
-
1 tsp fresh rosemary or thyme, finely chopped (optional)
-
1–2 tbsp honey or maple syrup, for drizzling
-
Nonstick spray or melted butter, for greasing the pan
Instructions
-
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a mini muffin tin with nonstick spray or melted butter.
-
Unfold the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Cut into 24 equal squares.
-
Press each puff pastry square into a mini muffin cup to form a little shell.
-
Cut the chilled brie into 24 small cubes (about ½–¾ inch each). Place one cube of brie into each pastry shell.
-
Spoon about 1 teaspoon cranberry sauce over the brie in each cup.
-
Sprinkle with chopped nuts and fresh herbs, if using.
-
Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the puff pastry is puffed and golden and the brie is melted.
-
Let cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then drizzle with honey or maple syrup. Carefully loosen and transfer to a serving platter. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
-
For easier slicing, chill the brie well or freeze it for 10–15 minutes before cutting.
-
Don’t overfill with cranberry sauce; about 1 teaspoon per cup prevents overflow.
-
Make ahead: Assemble the bites in the muffin tin, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
-
To reheat baked bites, warm on a baking sheet at 325°F (160°C) for 8–10 minutes.
- Prep Time: 12–15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 105
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 100 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Easy Baked Cranberry Brie Bites
Can I use homemade cranberry sauce for these brie bites?
Sure:
It’s thick, not watery, so it doesn’t spill over.
It has cooled completely before using.
If it’s too runny, simmer it a little longer to reduce, or chill it so it firms up.
Yes, absolutely! Homemade cranberry sauce works beautifully in easy baked cranberry brie bites. Just make s
Can I use crescent roll dough instead of puff pastry?
Yes! Crescent roll dough makes these bites a bit softer and more bread-like:
Cut crescent dough into small pieces and press into each mini muffin cup.
Fill with brie and cranberry as usual.
Bake at the same temperature, but keep an eye on them—crescent dough can brown a bit faster.
The texture is different, but still delicious and very family-friendly.
How do I make cranberry brie bites gluten-free?
To make gluten-free baked cranberry brie bites:
Use a gluten-free puff pastry (check the freezer section).
Or use gluten-free phyllo shells or tart cups as the base.
Always double-check labels on pastry, cranberry sauce, and nuts to be sure the y’re gluten-free.
Are baked cranberry brie bites freezer-friendly?
Yes, you can freeze them two ways:
Freeze unbaked: Assemble the bites in the muffin tin and freeze until solid.
Pop them out and store in a freezer bag.
Bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C), adding a few extra minutes.
Freeze baked: Bake, cool completely, then freeze in a single layer.
Reheat from frozen at 325°F (160°C) until warmed through.
Freshly baked is best, but frozen works great for busy holidays.
Why did my cranberry brie bites overflow or look messy?
Alittle bubbling is normal, but if they’re overflowing:
You might be using too much cranberry sauce – stick to about 1 teaspoon.
The brie pieces may be too large, causing more melt than the pastry can hold.
Make sure the pastry is pressed down and up the sides of the muffin cups so it forms a deep enough “cup.”
Even if they’re a little messy, they still taste amazing, don’t stress!
Pin and Share These Easy Baked Cranberry Brie Bites!
You’re all set to make easy baked cranberry brie bites (the perfect holiday appetizer!) that look gorgeous and taste even better.
- Pin this recipe to your Holiday Appetizers or Thanksgiving board
- Share it with a friend who loves entertaining
- For more recipes, follow me in facebook
- And don’t forget to check out 15 Make-Ahead Thanksgiving Appetizers to Save You Time for more stress-free party inspiration
Save it, bake it, and let these little bites become your new holiday tradition!Réflexion étendue
