There’s something magical about the first bite of a warm Baked Cranberry Brie Bites; that crisp puff pastry giving way to creamy, molten brie and a burst of tart cranberry sauce. For me, these bites carry the spirit of my Nonna’s kitchen in Sicily; a place where cheese and pastry meant comfort, care, and celebration. She never taught through recipes; she taught through moments; watching dough rise, butter melt, and flavors come alive.
Today, I bring that same warmth into my home with these Cranberry Brie Bites, a simple appetizer that tastes like the holidays. If you’re planning a seasonal spread, these pair beautifully with my Thanksgiving Appetizer Deviled Eggs for a festive start.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Baked Cranberry Brie Bites
You’ll adore this recipe because it’s the perfect mix of sweet, creamy, and flaky. These Baked Brie Bites look like they belong on a magazine cover, yet they take only minutes to prepare. The brie melts into the pastry while cranberry sauce adds a pop of color and tang that balances everything.
Here’s why this recipe will become a holiday favorite:
- It’s quick and simple; ready in under 30 minutes.
- Minimal ingredients, maximum flavor.
- Perfect for parties, brunches, or cozy nights in.
- Make them ahead and bake when guests arrive.
They’re especially wonderful served next to Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls, creating a comforting flavor harmony that defines the holiday season.
Print
Baked Cranberry Brie Bites
Flaky, golden puff pastry cups filled with creamy brie and tart cranberry sauce, these Baked Cranberry Brie Bites are the perfect festive appetizer for holidays and parties.
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 bites 1x
Ingredients
1 sheet puff pastry (thawed but cold)
8 oz brie cheese, cut into small cubes
½ cup cranberry sauce (homemade or canned)
1 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped
1 egg, beaten (for brushing)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a mini muffin tin.
2. Roll out puff pastry and cut into 2-inch squares.
3. Press one pastry square into each muffin cup.
4. Add a cube of brie, 1 teaspoon of cranberry sauce, and a pinch of rosemary.
5. Brush pastry edges with beaten egg for a golden finish.
6. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until puffed and golden brown.
7. Allow to cool slightly before serving warm.
Notes
You can freeze unbaked bites and bake them straight from frozen, just add 3–5 minutes to the baking time.
Try swapping cranberry sauce for fig or raspberry jam for variety.
For an elegant garnish, add a fresh rosemary sprig or drizzle of honey before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bite
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Ingredients
You only need a few simple ingredients to create these elegant Cranberry Brie Bites:
| Ingredient | Amount | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Puff pastry | 1 sheet | Thawed but cold |
| Brie cheese | 8 oz | Cut into small cubes |
| Cranberry sauce | ½ cup | Homemade or canned |
| Fresh rosemary | 1 tbsp | Finely chopped |
| Egg | 1 | For brushing |
You can use store-bought cranberry sauce or make it from scratch for a richer flavor. For inspiration, see my Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites, which use similar ingredients with a twist of sweetness and tang.
How to Make It
Making these Baked Brie Bites couldn’t be easier. Here’s how to turn these simple ingredients into a festive masterpiece:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a mini muffin tin.
- Prepare the pastry: Roll out your puff pastry and cut it into 2-inch squares.
- Assemble: Press one square into each muffin cup. Add a cube of brie, a teaspoon of cranberry sauce, and a touch of rosemary.
- Bake: Brush the edges with egg wash and bake for 12–15 minutes, until golden brown.
Serve them warm, and watch them vanish before your eyes! If you want another delicious pastry appetizer for the holidays, check out my Thanksgiving Charcuterie Board, it’s the perfect complement to these bites.
Tips and Variations
- Use different jams: Try fig, raspberry, or apricot preserves instead of cranberry for a unique spin.
- Add texture: Top with crushed pecans or walnuts before baking.
- Add herbs: A sprinkle of thyme or sage enhances the flavor.
- Make ahead: Assemble and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
These small tweaks allow you to adapt this appetizer to different themes or flavors. For a slightly richer take on this flavor pairing, the Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast brings out the same sweet-savory notes beautifully.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Baked Brie Bites ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare them in advance, refrigerate, or even freeze them unbaked. Just add a few minutes to the baking time when cooking from frozen.
What can I use instead of cranberry sauce?
Try raspberry jam or fig preserves for a sweet twist. They pair wonderfully with brie’s creamy texture.
How do I keep the bites crispy?
Bake on the middle rack and avoid overfilling with cranberry sauce to keep the pastry crisp and flaky.
What should I serve alongside them?
These bites pair perfectly with other appetizers like Spinach and Artichoke Wonton Cups or something sweet like these Pumpkin Cheesecake Balls.
Final Bite
These Baked Cranberry Brie Bites combine flaky pastry, creamy cheese, and tangy cranberry in a single, irresistible mouthful. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or just indulging at home, they’ll bring the same warmth and joy that filled my Nonna’s kitchen decades ago. They’re festive, elegant, and beautifully simple, exactly the kind of recipe that makes the holidays memorable.
Loved this recipe? Follow me on Pinterest for more comforting dishes and easy weeknight favorites you’ll want to save.
