These Baked Cranberry Brie Bites are the little party treat everyone reaches for first. Buttery pastry, melty brie, and tart-sweet cranberry come together in one bite. They look fancy, taste incredible, and take only a few simple steps.
Baked Cranberry Brie Bites
Equipment
- 1 Mini muffin pan
- 1 Pastry Brush (optional)
Ingredients
Cranberry Brie Bites
- 1 sheet puff pastry
- 8 oz brie cut into 24 small cubes
- 0.5 cup cranberry sauce whole berry or smooth
- 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup, for drizzling
- 1 tsp orange zest
- 1 tsp fresh rosemary or thyme finely chopped or small leaves
- 0.25 cup pistachios or pecans chopped
- 1 tsp unsalted butter or neutral oil for greasing the pan
- 1 egg beaten, for egg wash
Instructions
Baked Cranberry Brie Bites
- Heat the oven to 400°F and lightly grease a mini muffin tin or line with paper cups. Keep puff pastry cold until you are ready to cut so it puffs well.
- Unfold the pastry on a lightly floured board and cut into 24 small squares. Press each square into the mini muffin cups. Cut the brie into 24 small cubes.
- Add a cube of brie to each pastry cup. Top with a teaspoon of cranberry sauce. Sprinkle on a pinch of orange zest and a few leaves of rosemary or thyme.
- Brush pastry edges with egg wash. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until the pastry is puffed and deep golden and the brie is melted.
- Cool 3 to 5 minutes to set, then drizzle lightly with honey or maple and finish with chopped pistachios or pecans. Serve warm.
Notes
Why You’ll Love This Baked Cranberry Brie Bites
- Golden, flaky pastry with a creamy, gooey center that feels special without extra fuss.
- Perfect make-ahead appetizer that bakes in minutes when guests arrive.
- Balanced flavors from bright cranberry, rich cheese, and a hint of citrus and herbs.
- Easy to customize with different nuts, herbs, or a drizzle of honey or maple.
Baked Cranberry Brie Bites Ingredients & Substitutions
- Puff pastry: Store-bought sheets keep things simple. If using homemade, roll to about 1/8 inch.
- Brie: Creamy and mild. Keep the rind on for structure, or trim lightly if preferred. Camembert works in a pinch.
- Cranberry sauce: Whole berry or smooth. Homemade or canned. Cranberry jam or lingonberry jam also works.
- Honey or maple syrup: A light drizzle adds shine and sweetness.
- Orange zest: Brightens the cranberry and cheese. Lemon zest works too.
- Fresh rosemary or thyme: A small sprig or pinch adds aroma. Dried herbs work in smaller amounts.
- Chopped nuts: Pistachios or pecans add crunch. Go nut-free by skipping and adding extra herbs.
- Unsalted butter or neutral oil: For brushing the pan if needed.
- Egg: For a simple egg wash. A splash of milk or cream is a fine swap.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Baked Cranberry Brie Bites
1. Prep the pastry and pan
Heat the oven to 400°F and lightly grease a mini muffin tin or line with paper cups. Keep puff pastry cold until you are ready to cut so it puffs well.
2. Cut and portion
Unfold the pastry on a lightly floured board and cut into 24 small squares. Press each square into the mini muffin cups. Cut the brie into 24 small cubes.
3. Fill the cups
Add a cube of brie to each pastry cup. Top with a teaspoon of cranberry sauce. Sprinkle on a pinch of orange zest and a few leaves of rosemary or thyme.
4. Bake
Brush pastry edges with egg wash. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until the pastry is puffed and deep golden and the brie is melted.
5. Finish and serve
Cool 3 to 5 minutes to set, then drizzle lightly with honey or maple and finish with chopped pistachios or pecans. Serve warm.
Tips for Success
- Keep pastry cold: Chill cut squares for 5 minutes before baking to maximize puff.
- Do not overfill: A teaspoon of cranberry is plenty to prevent overflow.
- Rotate the pan: Turn halfway through baking for even color.
- Let them rest: A brief cool helps the cheese settle so bites lift cleanly.
- Use a nonstick mini muffin pan or line cups for easy release.
Variations of Baked Cranberry Brie Bites
- Herb and pepper: Add a crack of black pepper and extra thyme for a savory twist.
- Cranberry orange spice: Stir a pinch of cinnamon into the cranberry sauce and add more orange zest.
- Nut-free crunch: Swap nuts for toasted panko tossed with olive oil and herbs.
- Turkey bacon and chive: Add crisp crumbled turkey bacon and fresh chives after baking.
- Phyllo cups: Use pre-baked phyllo shells for extra crunch. Bake 6 to 8 minutes.
Serving Suggestions: What to Pair with Baked Cranberry Brie Bites
- Fresh bites: Pair with grapes, pear slices, and cucumber ribbons for a light board.
- Greens: Simple arugula salad with lemon and olive oil balances richness.
- Sippers: Sparkling water with citrus, spiced apple cider, or chilled sparkling grape juice.
- On a party board: Add olives, roasted nuts, and crackers for a complete spread.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Bake at 350°F for 6 to 8 minutes, or air fry at 325°F for 3 to 4 minutes until crisp and warm.
- Freeze: Freeze baked bites on a sheet until solid, then bag for up to 1 month. Reheat from frozen at 350°F for 8 to 10 minutes.
- Make ahead: Assemble unbaked bites, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Bake just before serving.
Memories Made Around the Table
I learned quickly that the tray with these bites empties first. The scent of warm pastry and herbs makes people drift toward the kitchen, and within minutes there are only crumbs and smiles.
FAQs
Do I need to remove the brie rind? No. The rind is edible and helps the cheese hold its shape. Trim lightly only if you prefer a milder flavor.
Can I make these without a mini muffin pan? Yes. Place pastry squares on a lined sheet pan, top with brie and cranberry, fold corners toward the center, and bake until golden.
How do I keep the bites from sticking? Use a nonstick pan, lightly grease the cups, and let the bites rest 3 minutes before lifting out with a small offset spatula.
What nuts work best? Pistachios add color and a gentle crunch. Pecans or walnuts are great too. Skip nuts for allergies and use extra herbs.
Can I use jam instead of cranberry sauce? Yes. Cranberry jam, lingonberry, or a tart cherry jam keeps the sweet-tart balance.
Final Thoughts
Simple ingredients, quick assembly, and a beautiful finish make these Baked Cranberry Brie Bites a reliable crowd-pleaser. Keep puff pastry on hand and you are always party ready.