Baked Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe

Introduction

Baked Cranberry Brie Bites are a festive and irresistible appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings. Combining flaky puff pastry, creamy brie, and tangy cranberry sauce, these little bites deliver a delightful mix of flavors in every mouthful. They’re easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.

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 for crunch)
• Fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish (optional for flair)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a mini muffin tin.
2. Step 2: Roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet and cut it into 12 equal squares. Press each square firmly into the muffin cups to form little pastry shells.
3. Step 3: Place one cube of brie into each pastry cup. Spoon a generous amount of cranberry sauce on top of the brie, then sprinkle chopped candied pecans over each bite if using.
4. Step 4: Bake the bites for 15–18 minutes, until the pastry is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Step 5: Let the bites cool for 5 minutes before removing them from the tin. Garnish each with a small sprig of fresh rosemary for a festive touch, then serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• Use low-sugar cranberry sauce and lighter puff pastry to reduce calories without sacrificing flavor.
• Swap candied pecans for chopped walnuts or skip nuts entirely if preferred.
• Fresh herbs like thyme or sage make lovely alternative garnishes.
• Prepare pastry cups in advance and fill just before baking for quicker assembly.

Storage

Store any leftover bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5–7 minutes to restore crispness. These bites are best enjoyed fresh but will keep refrigerated well.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen puff pastry straight from the freezer?

It’s best to thaw puff pastry according to package instructions before using to ensure it’s pliable and bakes evenly.

What can I substitute for brie cheese?

You can use camembert or a mild cream cheese as alternatives, though brie’s creamy texture and flavor are ideal for this recipe.

Baked Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 101 reviews

Delight your guests with these elegant and easy-to-make Baked Cranberry Brie Bites. Combining buttery puff pastry, creamy brie cheese, and tangy cranberry sauce, topped with optional candied pecans and fresh rosemary, these savory-sweet bites are perfect for holiday gatherings or any festive occasion. Golden, bubbly, and packed with flavor, they’re sure to impress with minimal effort.

• Author: lea
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 18 minutes
• Total Time: 28 minutes
• Yield: 12 bites 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pastry

• 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed

Filling

• 4 oz brie cheese, cut into 12 cubes
• ½ cup cranberry sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Toppings (Optional)

• 2 tbsp candied pecans, chopped
• Fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish

Equipment

• Mini muffin tin, greased

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a mini muffin tin to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the pastry: Roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet on a clean surface. Cut it into 12 equal-sized squares that will fit into each muffin cup comfortably.
3. Assemble the bites: Gently press each pastry square into the greased mini muffin cups, forming small cups. Place one cube of brie cheese into each pastry shell for the rich, creamy center.
4. Add cranberry and pecans: Spoon about a tablespoon of cranberry sauce atop each brie cube. For extra texture and sweetness, sprinkle chopped candied pecans over the cranberry layer.
5. Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and the brie is melted and bubbly.
6. Cool and garnish: Allow the bites to cool in the pan for 5 minutes to set. Then, carefully remove each and top with a small sprig of fresh rosemary for a fragrant and festive finishing touch.

Notes

• Use store-bought or homemade cranberry sauce depending on preference for sweetness and texture.
• Candied pecans add a delightful crunch but can be omitted for a nut-free version.
• Ensure puff pastry is fully thawed before cutting to prevent tearing.
• Serve warm for the best gooey brie experience.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat gently before serving.

Keywords: Baked Brie Bites, Cranberry Brie Appetizer, Holiday Appetizer, Puff Pastry Snacks, Festive Finger Foods