The holiday season calls for recipes that feel fancy but are secretly simple. Enter Baked Cranberry Brie Bites—flaky puff pastry cups stuffed with creamy brie cheese and tangy cranberry sauce, baked until golden and gooey. They’re elegant enough for a Christmas Eve gathering, festive enough for Thanksgiving, and easy enough to whip up on a random Friday night when you want something cozy.
Every host needs a recipe that brings people together with minimal stress, and these little bites check every box. They’re part sweet, part savory, and totally addictive—you’ll be lucky if they last more than five minutes on the serving platter.
Baked Cranberry Brie Bites
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry store-bought, thawed
- 5 ounces brie cheese chilled for easier cutting
- ½ cup cranberry sauce homemade or store-bought
- cooking spray for greasing the muffin tin
- 2 tablespoons candied pecans, chopped optional, for garnish
- 16 small rosemary sprigs optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and spray a mini muffin tin with cooking spray.
- Freeze the brie for 10–15 minutes to make it easier to cut into cubes.
- Cut the puff pastry into 16 equal squares and press each square into a mini muffin cup.
- Cut the brie into small cubes and place one cube into each puff pastry cup.
- Top each with a small spoonful of cranberry sauce. Don’t overfill.
- Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and crisp.
- Let cool slightly, then use a knife to loosen and remove each bite from the muffin tin.
- Garnish with candied pecans and a small rosemary sprig if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
Nutrition
Why You’ll Love These Baked Cranberry Brie Bites
A Holiday Appetizer Hero
When the kitchen is already bustling with side dishes and roasts, having a stress-free appetizer is a lifesaver. These bites belong in every list of Holiday Appetizer Recipes because they look gourmet yet require just three core ingredients—puff pastry, brie, and cranberry sauce.
Classic Sweet & Savory Combo
Cranberries and brie are a timeless match. The tart cranberry balances the creamy brie, creating one of the best Cranberry Brie Appetizers you’ll ever taste. Add flaky puff pastry and you’ve got an appetizer that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
Perfect for Thanksgiving & Christmas
Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving party foods or brainstorming Christmas entertaining ideas, these bites are guaranteed crowd-pleasers. They disappear quickly, so I recommend doubling the recipe if you’re feeding a crowd.
Puff Pastry Magic
Frozen puff pastry is a host’s best friend. It transforms into golden, buttery layers with zero effort, making these some of the easiest puff pastry appetizers you’ll ever make.
A Festive Way to Use Cranberries
During the holidays, cranberries shine in everything from sauces to desserts. These bites highlight them in a savory-sweet way, making them a standout among festive cranberry recipes.
Beginner-Friendly
Even if you’ve never hosted a dinner party, you can master these. They embody easy holiday entertaining—minimal prep, minimal cleanup, maximum flavor.
Ingredient Breakdown (And Smart Substitutions)
Puff Pastry – Store-bought puff pastry sheets are perfect. Keep them cold before use for best results. If puff pastry isn’t available, crescent roll dough makes a softer, breadier version.
Brie Cheese – Creamy, mild brie is the star. Freezing it briefly helps cut neat cubes. You can swap with camembert or goat cheese for a tangier variation.
Cranberry Sauce – Both store-bought and homemade work well. Homemade adds a fresher, less sweet flavor. For twists, try raspberry preserves or fig jam.
Candied Pecans (Optional) – Add crunch and sweetness. Chopped walnuts or almonds also work.
Rosemary (Optional) – A tiny sprig adds elegance and fragrance. Thyme is a milder alternative.
How to Make Baked Cranberry Brie Bites (Step by Step)
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray a mini muffin tin with cooking spray.
- Freeze the brie for 10–15 minutes to make cutting easier.
- Cut the puff pastry sheet into 16 equal squares. Place each square into a muffin tin cup.
- Add the brie – Cut the brie into small cubes and place one in each pastry cup.
- Top with cranberry sauce – Spoon a small amount over each piece of brie. Don’t overfill.
- Bake for 15–18 minutes, until puff pastry is golden and crisp.
- Cool slightly, then use a sharp knife to loosen bites from the pan.
- Garnish with candied pecans and rosemary. Serve warm and gooey.
Creative Variations & Serving Ideas
- Savory Twist: Add caramelized onions or bacon bits before baking.
- Sweet Twist: Swap cranberry for cherry preserves and drizzle with honey.
- Mini Wreaths: Arrange baked bites in a circle on a platter, garnish with rosemary sprigs for a Christmas wreath effect.
- Thanksgiving Party Foods: Pair them with Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast for a cranberry-themed menu.
- Christmas Entertaining Ideas: Serve with a basket of Garlic Butter Bread Rolls for an elegant appetizer spread.
How to Store & Reheat
- Refrigerator: Keep in an airtight container up to 3 days. Reheat at 350°F for 5–7 minutes.
- Freezer: Freeze unbaked bites on a tray, then transfer to a bag. Bake from frozen, adding 5 extra minutes.
- Make-Ahead Tip: Assemble up to 24 hours ahead, refrigerate, then bake just before serving.
FAQs About Baked Cranberry Brie Bites
Can I make cranberry brie bites ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble them the night before, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bake right before serving for best flavor.
Do I need to remove the rind from the brie?
No, the rind is edible and softens as it bakes. If you prefer a smoother bite, you can cut it off, but it’s not necessary.
Can I use different fillings instead of cranberry sauce?
Absolutely! Fig jam, apricot preserves, or even savory pesto are delicious alternatives.
How do I keep the bites from sticking to the pan?
A quick spray of nonstick cooking spray works well. You can also use parchment squares for extra insurance.
Wrapping Up the Holiday Magic
Every host dreams of that one appetizer everyone raves about. These Baked Cranberry Brie Bites are it—simple to make, stunning to serve, and impossible to resist. Whether you’re celebrating Thanksgiving, Christmas, or simply craving a warm snack with a glass of wine, these little bites bring elegance without the stress.
Want more holiday inspiration? Try Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites or explore our full Pinterest boards and Facebook page for fresh ideas.