These baked cranberry brie bites are one of my favorite easy holiday appetizers.
They’re buttery, gooey, a little sweet, and a little savory.
You get flaky puff pastry, melty brie, and tangy cranberry sauce all in one perfect little bite.
They look fancy but couldn’t be easier—you only need a handful of ingredients and about 20 minutes in the oven.
Why I Love This Recipe
Baked cranberry brie bites are one of those recipes that always feel a little magical to me. They’re so simple—just pastry, cheese, and cranberry sauce—but when you bake them, they turn into something that feels elegant and festive. The first time I served these at a holiday gathering, they disappeared in minutes, and people kept asking for the recipe. That’s when I realized this was going to be a forever favorite.
- They only take about 30 minutes start to finish
- You get that perfect mix of flaky, creamy, sweet, and savory
- They look impressive without being fussy
- You can make them ahead, then bake when guests arrive
- They fit in at any occasion—from casual dinners to holiday parties
It’s one of those go-to appetizers that never lets me down.
What You’ll Need
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 4 oz brie cheese, cut into small cubes
- ½ cup cranberry sauce
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped (plus extra sprigs for garnish)
- Cooking spray or butter for greasing muffin tin
Pro Tips
- Cut the puff pastry into even squares so they bake evenly.
- Keep the brie rind on—it melts perfectly and adds flavor.
- Don’t overfill the cups; the cheese and sauce will bubble as they bake.
- If you like extra flavor, add a tiny pinch of sea salt or crushed nuts on top.
- Serve them warm—they’re best when the cheese is melty.
Tools Required
- Mini muffin tin
- Knife and cutting board
- Small spoon
- Pastry cutter or pizza wheel (for cutting pastry squares)
Substitutions and Variations
- Use phyllo cups instead of puff pastry for an extra-crispy version.
- Swap cranberry sauce for raspberry jam or fig preserves.
- Add chopped pecans or walnuts on top for crunch.
- Try thyme instead of rosemary for a different flavor profile.
Make Ahead Tips
- Assemble the bites (without baking) up to 6 hours ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.
- Baked bites can be reheated in a 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cut the puff pastry
Cut 1 thawed puff pastry sheet into 12 even squares.
Step 2: Place pastry squares in mini muffin tin
Spray the mini muffin tin lightly with cooking spray, then press each puff pastry square into the cups.
Step 3: Add brie cubes
Place 1 small cube of brie (about ⅓ oz) into the center of each puff pastry cup.
Step 4: Add cranberry sauce and rosemary
Spoon about 2 teaspoons of cranberry sauce over the brie, then sprinkle with a pinch of chopped rosemary.
Step 5: Bake until golden
Bake at 375°F for 18–20 minutes, until the pastry is puffed and golden brown and the brie is melted.
Step 6: Plate and garnish
Remove from muffin tin and place on a serving plate. Garnish with small rosemary sprigs if desired.
Leftovers and Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 5–7 minutes to crisp the pastry again.
- Avoid microwaving—it makes the pastry soggy.
Why I Love This Recipe
These little bites remind me of the first holiday party I ever hosted. I wanted something that looked special but didn’t take all day in the kitchen. When I pulled them out of the oven, everyone crowded around, and they were gone in minutes. That’s when I knew this recipe was a keeper.
- It uses only a handful of ingredients
- They’re ready in about 30 minutes
- Perfect mix of sweet, savory, creamy, and flaky
- They look fancy but are secretly super easy
- Always a crowd favorite
Servings and Time
- Servings: 12 bites
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Bake time: 18–20 minutes
- Total time: About 30 minutes
Macros (Per Bite, approx.)
- Calories: 110
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 7g
- Carbs: 9g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Sugar: 2g
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
- Puff pastry creates flaky layers because the butter inside turns to steam when baked.
- Brie melts beautifully, giving a creamy base that pairs well with fruit.
- Cranberry sauce adds acidity and sweetness, balancing the richness of the brie.
- Rosemary brings an herby, fragrant note that makes the bites taste more complex.
Common Mistakes
- Cutting pastry too big or small—leads to uneven baking.
- Overfilling with cheese and sauce—it will overflow.
- Not greasing the muffin tin—pastry can stick.
- Serving cold—they’re best warm and gooey.
What to Serve With
- A glass of sparkling wine or cider
- Charcuterie board with cured meats and cheeses
- Fresh green salad with vinaigrette
- Roasted nuts for extra crunch
FAQ
Can I use crescent roll dough instead of puff pastry?
Yes, but the texture will be softer and less flaky.
Can I make them ahead of time?
Yes, assemble ahead and refrigerate, then bake fresh.
Do I need to remove the brie rind?
No, the rind is edible and melts fine.
Can I freeze these?
Yes, freeze unbaked bites and bake straight from frozen—just add a few minutes.
Can I use other jams?
Absolutely—fig jam, apricot preserves, or raspberry jam all work well.