Baked Cranberry Brie Bites have become a staple during the holiday season in my kitchen, combining the rich creaminess of brie cheese with the tart sweetness of cranberry. These delightful little bites aren’t just a treat; they’re the life of the party! Their flaky, buttery puff pastry holds a gooey cube of brie tucked under a spoonful of cranberry sauce, making them both elegant and utterly delicious. Whether served as a casual appetizer at a family gathering or as a sophisticated addition to a festive spread, these bites are sure to impress.

Why you’ll love this dish

One of the most rewarding aspects of making Baked Cranberry Brie Bites is their incredible ease. This recipe is not only quick to whip up, typically taking less than half an hour from prep to plate, but it’s also budget-friendly. It requires minimal, readily available ingredients, making it the perfect choice for unexpected guests or as a festive starter for holiday dinners.

Imagine cozying up with friends and family, the aroma of buttery pastry wafting through the air. These bites are sure to be a hit at any gathering, particularly during the holiday season when everyone craves comfort food and good cheer.

"These Baked Cranberry Brie Bites are a game-changer! Easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. I’ve made them for multiple gatherings, and they disappear in no time!" – A satisfied home cook

How this recipe comes together

Creating Baked Cranberry Brie Bites is remarkably simple and straightforward. The process can be encapsulated in just a few steps: first, you’ll prepare the pastry and brie, then layer them with cranberry sauce and chilies, followed by baking until golden. Once out of the oven, a quick garnish with rosemary provides an elegant finishing touch. This recipe is perfect for beginners and seasoned cooks alike, making it an accessible and enjoyable culinary adventure.

What you’ll need

To get started, gather these 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 crunch)
Fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish (✨ optional flair)

For a twist, feel free to swap the brie for another soft cheese like goat cheese or incorporate diced apples or pears with the cranberry sauce for a unique flavor profile.

Step-by-step instructions

Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a mini muffin tin.
Prep pastry: Roll out the thawed puff pastry on a clean surface. Cut it into 12 equal squares, then gently press each square into the muffin cups to form little pastry cups.
Layer the flavor: Place a cube of brie into each pastry cup. Top each with a spoonful of cranberry sauce and, if you like, sprinkle candied pecans for an extra crunch.
Bake: Slide the muffin tin into the preheated oven. Bake for 15–18 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted.
Garnish & Serve: Allow the bites to cool for about 5 minutes. Top each with a tiny sprig of rosemary for a touch of festivity.

Best ways to enjoy it

Baked Cranberry Brie Bites are incredibly versatile. They can be served warm as a decadent appetizer or even as part of a cheese board. Pair them with a light salad for a complete meal, or offer them alongside sparkling wine or warm apple cider for a festive touch. Their colorful presentation makes them perfect for holiday parties, adding visual appeal and delicious flavor to any spread.

Storage and reheating tips

If you happen to have leftovers (though they’re unlikely!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5–7 minutes until warmed through. These bites don’t freeze well, so it’s best to enjoy them fresh!

Helpful cooking tips

To make your Baked Cranberry Brie Bites even more impressive, consider these tips:

Choose high-quality brie: The texture and flavor can vary significantly between brands.
Don’t skip the rosemary garnishing: It adds both color and aroma, elevating the dish’s presentation.
Experiment with toppings: Think about adding honey or a dash of balsamic glaze over the top for a gourmet touch.

Creative twists

There’s so much room for creativity with this recipe! Here are a few variations you might enjoy:

Substitute cranberry sauce with fig jam or apple chutney for a different flavor profile.
Add a small slice of jalapeño for a sweet kick.
Use flavored puff pastry – such as herb-infused or whole wheat – for a unique spin.

Your questions answered

How long does it take to prep these bites? The total time, including preparation and baking, is about 30 minutes.
Can I make these bites ahead of time? While best enjoyed fresh, you can prep the pastry cups and fill them with brie and sauce a few hours before baking, then bake before serving.
What can I use instead of puff pastry? If you’re looking for a lower-carb option, try using phyllo dough or even a biscuit dough for a different texture and flavor.

With these tips and insights, you’re all set to impress your guests with a delightful batch of Baked Cranberry Brie Bites. Happy cooking!

Baked Cranberry Brie Bites

These delightful Baked Cranberry Brie Bites combine the rich creaminess of brie cheese with tart cranberry sauce, all wrapped in flaky puff pastry, making them a perfect holiday appetizer.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 18

Total Time 33

Course Appetizer, Snack

Cuisine American, Holiday

Servings 12 bites

Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients

For the Bites

1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
4 oz brie cheese, cut into cubes Cut into 12 cubes
½ cup cranberry sauce store-bought or homemade
2 tbsp candied pecans, chopped Optional for crunch
as needed fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish Optional for flair

Instructions

Preparation

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a mini muffin tin.
Roll out the thawed puff pastry on a clean surface. Cut it into 12 equal squares, then gently press each square into the muffin cups to form little pastry cups.
Place a cube of brie into each pastry cup. Top each with a spoonful of cranberry sauce and sprinkle candied pecans if desired.

Baking

Slide the muffin tin into the preheated oven. Bake for 15–18 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted.

Serving

Allow the bites to cool for about 5 minutes. Top each with a tiny sprig of rosemary for a touch of festivity.

Notes

For a creative twist, you can substitute the brie with goat cheese, or add diced apples or pears to the cranberry sauce. To store leftovers, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes.

Keyword Cranberry Brie Bites, easy appetizer, Holiday Appetizer, Puff Pastry Appetizer