Name: Baked Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 28 min
Cuisine: American
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); Fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish (optional)

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 14 reviews

I absolutely adore sharing this Baked Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe because it perfectly balances sweet, savory, and flaky all in one delightful bite. These little pastry cups filled with creamy brie and tangy cranberry sauce bring me so much joy, especially when served warm and fresh from the oven. Whether I’m preparing for a holiday gathering or a casual get-together with friends, this recipe never fails to impress and make the moment extra special.

Why You’ll Love This Baked Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe

From the very first time I baked these cranberry and brie bites, I was immediately hooked on the flavor combination. The creaminess of the brie melts beautifully into the buttery puff pastry, while the cranberry sauce adds a pop of bright, tart sweetness that keeps every bite exciting. The optional candied pecans bring a wonderful crunch, giving just the right texture contrast that makes this dish so memorable. I love how all these elements come together effortlessly.

What really excites me about this Baked Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe is how simple it is to prepare, yet it feels so special and sophisticated. I can throw these together in about 10 minutes, then pop them in the oven while I finish prepping other dishes. They’re perfect for holiday parties, brunches, or even a cozy night in. Honestly, anytime I want to wow my guests with minimal fuss, I turn to this recipe. It stands out because it offers gourmet flavor with everyday ingredients and no complicated steps.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A close-up view of a woman's hand holding a small, square-shaped pastry with golden, flaky layers. The top layer is folded slightly inward, showing a glossy red fruit jam filling that looks thick and shiny. On top of the jam, there are small pieces of chopped nuts scattered evenly, adding texture. In the background, on a white marbled surface, a white baking tray holds several more pastries with the same color and toppings. The overall look is warm and inviting with soft natural light. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays an important role in delivering the perfect balance of taste, texture, and festive color — from the flaky puff pastry base to the rich brie melting inside and the vibrant cranberry sauce adding brightness.

Puff pastry sheet: This provides the golden, flaky crust that is the perfect vessel for our filling.
Brie cheese (4 oz): I like to cut it into 12 perfect cubes to get a nice, creamy center in each bite.
Cranberry sauce (½ cup): You can use store-bought or homemade—I love the bright tartness it adds.
Candied pecans (2 tbsp, optional): Chopped for a little crunch and sweetness contrast.
Fresh rosemary sprigs (optional): For garnish that adds a lovely herbal note and festive presentation.

Directions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a mini muffin tin to ensure easy removal of the bites after baking.

Step 2: Roll out the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface until smooth, then cut it into 12 equal squares. Press each square gently into the muffin cups, creating little pastry shells ready to be filled.

Step 3: Place one cube of brie cheese inside each puff pastry shell. I make sure the brie fits well but doesn’t overflow to keep that neat bite-sized shape.

Step 4: Top each brie-filled pastry with about a spoonful of cranberry sauce, then sprinkle some chopped candied pecans if you’re using them. These add an extra dimension of texture and sweetness that I personally love.

Step 5: Bake the bites for 15 to 18 minutes until the pastry is golden brown and puffy, and the cheese is bubbling deliciously underneath.

Step 6: Let them cool in the tin for about 5 minutes before carefully removing. I usually garnish each one with a tiny sprig of fresh rosemary for an elegant, festive touch that smells amazing.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes 12 bite-sized appetizers, perfect for sharing at your next party or family gathering. The prep time is just around 10 minutes, with about 15 to 18 minutes needed for baking. Factor in 5 minutes for cooling, and you’re looking at roughly 30 minutes total from start to finish. These little treats are great when served warm but not piping hot, allowing the flavors to fully shine.

How to Serve This Baked Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe

The image shows small tarts on a white plate placed on a white marbled surface. Each tart has golden, flaky layers that curl upwards, creating a crispy but soft texture. Inside the tart, there is a thick, bright red filling that looks smooth and shiny. On top of the filling, some green pistachio nuts are scattered, adding a fresh color contrast and rough texture. A woman’s hand is gently holding one tart, showing the detailed layers of the pastry. The lighting is natural, highlighting the shine on the filling and the crispness of the tart shells. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

When it comes to serving, I like to arrange these cranberry brie bites on a beautiful platter with a few sprigs of rosemary scattered around for a festive touch. They make an eye-catching appetizer, especially paired with some light salad greens or fresh fruit on the side to complement the richness. I’ve also found that adding a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt right before serving can elevate the flavors even more.

For drinks, a crisp white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc or a sparkling Prosecco pairs wonderfully with the creamy brie and tart cranberry sauce. If you prefer something non-alcoholic, a sparkling cranberry spritzer with a hint of lime is refreshing and echoes the flavors perfectly. These are ideal for holiday parties, casual dinners, or even a chic brunch occasion, and I always recommend serving them warm or at room temperature so the brie stays smooth and luscious.

Portion-wise, one or two bites per person are usually enough to satisfy as an appetizer, but they’re so moreish that guests might want to go back for seconds. I like presenting them in mini cupcake liners inside the muffin tin or on a tiered serving tray for an elegant display that guests find irresistible.

Variations

If you’re feeling adventurous, I’ve played around with a few delicious twists on this Baked Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe that you might enjoy. For example, swapping the cranberry sauce for fig jam or apricot preserves offers a different but equally delightful fruity sweetness. You could also experiment by adding a small sliver of prosciutto inside for a salty, savory kick that pairs beautifully with the creamy cheese.

For those with dietary preferences, gluten-free puff pastry works just as well if you’re careful with handling it, and vegan brie substitutes are also available if you want to make this recipe plant-based. Just remember to check the baking time as it might vary slightly with different puff pastry brands or cheese types.

If you love a more rustic texture, try baking these on a sheet pan instead of a muffin tin to create freeform tartlets. I find baking in the muffin tin keeps the shape consistent, but sheet-pan method is perfect when you need more servings or want a less structured look. You can also add fresh herbs like thyme or a sprinkle of cracked black pepper before baking to customize the flavor even further.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover baked cranberry brie bites (which is rare in my experience), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to 2 days without losing much of their flavor or texture. To avoid soggy pastry, I recommend layering parchment paper between the bites if you stack them.

Freezing

These bites can be frozen once fully cooled but before baking by assembling them on a baking sheet and freezing until firm, then transferring them to a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 1 month. When you’re ready, bake them straight from frozen—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time until they’re golden and bubbly.

Reheating

For reheating, I always use the oven or a toaster oven to keep the pastry crisp and the cheese melty. Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 to 7 minutes, watching closely so they don’t burn. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make the pastry soggy and the cheese rubbery. A quick reheat in the oven brings back that fresh-baked feeling perfectly.

FAQs

Can I make these Baked Cranberry Brie Bites ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the bites a few hours before baking and keep them covered in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. This is great for planning ahead for parties. Just remember to bake them right before serving to enjoy that perfect crispy texture.

What if I don’t have cranberry sauce on hand?

You can easily substitute with another type of jam or preserve, like fig, raspberry, or apricot. The key is to use something that offers a nice balance of sweetness and tanginess to pair with the brie.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?

Yes! Replace the brie with a creamy vegan cheese and use a vegan puff pastry brand. The rest of the ingredients like cranberry sauce and candied pecans are naturally vegan. The baking time stays similar, but always check your vegan pastry’s instructions.

Can I double or triple this recipe for a larger crowd?

Definitely. Just multiply the ingredients accordingly. I suggest using multiple muffin tins or baking in batches to maintain even baking and keep the bites looking perfect.

What’s the best way to serve these at a party?

I like to serve them warm on a decorative platter with a garnish of fresh rosemary or thyme. Offering toothpicks or small forks makes it easy for guests to grab and enjoy. Pair with festive drinks and light sides for a full party spread.

Conclusion

I truly hope you fall in love with this Baked Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe as much as I have. It’s one of those dishes that feels effortlessly elegant and brings people together around good food and good company. Once you try it, I promise it will become your go-to appetizer for holidays, celebrations, or any time you want to add a little extra charm to your table. Happy baking and enjoy every delicious bite!