I still smile when I think about last Christmas Eve. The house was filled with the chatter of my children and the giggles of my grandchildren as we gathered in the kitchen to prepare snacks before dinner. My husband was untangling fairy lights (again), and the air smelled faintly of cinnamon and roasted nuts.
Amid the joyful chaos, I decided to try something new—something bite-sized, festive, and a little fancy. That’s when I made these Baked Cranberry Brie Bites for the first time. The moment I pulled them from the oven, the puff pastry had puffed up beautifully, the brie was just beginning to ooze, and the cranberry topping glistened like tiny jewels.
Everyone grabbed one before I could even transfer them to the platter. They vanished in minutes, leaving only a trail of flaky crumbs and happy sighs.
Ever since that night, these warm little bites have earned a permanent spot in our family’s holiday spread—simple enough to make on a whim but elegant enough to impress anyone at the table.
Short Description
These festive Baked Cranberry Brie Bites combine creamy brie, tangy cranberry sauce, and buttery puff pastry for the perfect holiday appetizer. They’re easy to make, irresistibly delicious, and always a crowd favorite.
Key Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 4 oz brie cheese, cut into 12 cubes
- ½ cup cranberry sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tbsp candied pecans, chopped (optional)
- Fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish (optional)
Tools Needed
- Mini muffin tin
- Rolling pin
- Sharp knife
- Small spoon
- Cooling rack
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pastry
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a mini muffin tin. Roll out the puff pastry on a floured surface and cut it into 12 equal squares. Press each square gently into the muffin cups, forming little pastry shells.
Step 2: Fill the Cups
Place one cube of brie in each pastry cup. Spoon about one teaspoon of cranberry sauce on top and sprinkle with candied pecans for added crunch, if using.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the pastry turns golden brown and the brie bubbles slightly. The aroma will fill your kitchen with a warm, buttery scent that’s simply irresistible.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Allow the bites to cool for 5 minutes before removing them from the pan. Garnish each with a small rosemary sprig for a festive touch. Serve warm and watch them disappear fast.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Perfect Balance of Flavors: The sweet-tart cranberry sauce complements the rich, creamy brie perfectly.
Effortless Elegance: Looks gourmet, but takes less than 30 minutes to make.
Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep the pastry cups a few hours in advance and fill them right before baking.
Festive & Versatile: Ideal for Christmas parties, New Year’s gatherings, or cozy nights in.
Crowd-Pleaser: Loved by both kids and adults, especially when served warm.
Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions
Mistake: Overfilling the cups.
Solution: Use just one teaspoon of cranberry sauce to prevent overflow during baking.
Mistake: Using cold puff pastry.
Solution: Let it rest at room temperature for 10 minutes before rolling; this keeps it pliable and easy to shape.
Mistake: Removing the bites too soon.
Solution: Let them cool for at least 5 minutes so they hold their shape.
Mistake: Brie leaking out of the pastry.
Solution: Make sure the pastry squares are large enough to fold slightly over the cheese before baking.
Mistake: Stale puff pastry.
Solution: Always check expiration dates—fresh pastry gives the best flake and rise.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve these bites warm on a festive platter with a sprig of rosemary for color.
Pair with sparkling wine, apple cider, or a crisp white like Sauvignon Blanc.
Add them to a charcuterie board alongside grapes, cured meats, and nuts for an elegant touch.
For brunch, pair with a green salad or roasted vegetables.
Storage and Reheating Tips
To Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
To Reheat: Place on a baking sheet and warm at 350°F (175°C) for about 5–7 minutes until crisp again.
Freezing Option: Assemble the bites but don’t bake. Freeze on a tray, then transfer to a bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding 5 minutes to the baking time.
FAQs
1. Can I use homemade cranberry sauce?
Yes! In fact, homemade adds a richer flavor and more texture.
2. Can I make these ahead of time?
You can prep and refrigerate them a few hours in advance; bake just before serving.
3. What if I don’t have brie?
Camembert or even cream cheese can work as substitutes.
4. Can I make them without nuts?
Absolutely, just skip the pecans for a nut-free version.
5. Can I use phyllo dough instead of puff pastry?
Yes, but brush each layer with melted butter for the best texture.
Tips & Tricks
Chill your muffin tin before baking for extra flaky pastry.
If your cranberry sauce is too thick, stir in a teaspoon of orange juice to loosen it.
Add a tiny pinch of sea salt on top for a sweet-salty contrast.
Serve immediately for the best gooey brie texture.
Leftover bits of puff pastry can be sprinkled with sugar and baked for a quick snack.
Recipe Variations
Savory Herb Brie Bites: Replace cranberry sauce with a teaspoon of caramelized onions or fig jam, and top with thyme.
Apple Walnut Version: Swap the cranberry for apple butter and the pecans for chopped walnuts.
Spicy Cranberry Brie Bites: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the cranberry sauce for a subtle heat.
Mini Ham & Brie Bites: Add a small slice of ham beneath the brie for a heartier appetizer.
Citrus Twist: Mix a little orange zest into the cranberry sauce for a brighter, tangy flavor.
Final Thoughts
As I write this, my kitchen still smells faintly of pastry and rosemary. My husband is sitting at the table with a cup of coffee, sneaking another brie bite while pretending I don’t notice. These little morsels remind me that the best recipes don’t need to be complicated, they just need heart.
Sharing them with my family brings a warmth that no fancy dish could ever replace. It’s moments like these—tiny, buttery, cranberry-stained moments—that make me grateful for every meal we share. When I see my grandchildren reaching for seconds, I know I’ve passed on something more than just a recipe. I’ve passed on a memory.
Baked Cranberry Brie Bites
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry thawed
- 4 oz brie cheese cut into 12 cubes
- ½ cup cranberry sauce store-bought or homemade
- 2 tbsp candied pecans chopped (optional)
- Fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a mini muffin tin.
- Roll out the puff pastry on a floured surface, cut it into 12 squares, and press each into the muffin cups.
- Add a cube of brie to each, top with a teaspoon of cranberry sauce, and sprinkle with candied pecans if you’d like some crunch.
- Bake for 15–18 minutes until golden and bubbly, then let cool for 5 minutes.
- Garnish with a rosemary sprig and serve warm for a festive, melty treat.
