These baked cranberry brie bites are a quick and elegant appetizer that bring together flaky puff pastry, creamy brie, and a touch of sweet-tart cranberry.
Not only are they irresistibly delicious, but they also offer nutritional benefits—brie provides protein and calcium, cranberries add fiber and antioxidants, and puff pastry contains energy-rich carbs.
With just a few ingredients, they come together in under 30 minutes, making them a perfect everyday party-friendly snack.
Baked Cranberry Brie Bites
Equipment
- 1 mini muffin tin
- 1 sharp knife
- 1 cutting board
- 1 small spoon
- 1 baking sheet (optional, for cooling)
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry thawed
- 4 oz brie cheese cut into cubes
- ½ cup cranberry sauce homemade or store-bought
- 2 tbsp candied pecans chopped (optional)
- 4 fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish (optional)
- Nonstick cooking spray for greasing
Instructions
- Prepare the baking tin: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it reaches the proper temperature before you begin baking. Lightly spray a mini muffin tin with nonstick cooking spray to prevent the pastry from sticking and make removal easier. A well-greased tin ensures the puff pastry rises evenly and the finished bites maintain their shape.
- Chill the brie for slicing: Place the wheel of brie in the freezer for 10–15 minutes. This brief chill firms up the soft cheese, making it easier to cut into neat, uniform cubes without losing its shape. The rind is edible, so you may leave it on or trim slightly based on preference.
- Cut and portion the pastry: Unroll the thawed puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface or clean board. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, divide it into 16 equal squares (4 rows by 4 rows). Cover any unused portion with a clean towel to prevent it from drying out as you work.
- Shape the pastry cups: Gently press each puff pastry square into the wells of the prepared mini muffin tin. Push the corners slightly up along the sides to create a pocket for the filling. Avoid stretching the dough too thin, as this may tear it and prevent proper puffing.
- Cube the brie cheese: Remove the brie from the freezer and cut it into 16 even cubes. This ensures each bite has a consistent amount of cheese that melts evenly during baking. The cube should fit comfortably within the pastry pocket without overflowing.
- Add the cheese and cranberry sauce: Place one brie cube in the center of each pastry cup. Spoon a small amount (about ½ to 1 teaspoon) of cranberry sauce over the top. Be careful not to overfill, as the pastry will puff up and could spill the filling if it’s too full.
- Bake until golden: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and the brie is soft and gooey. Begin checking around the 10-minute mark, as ovens vary. The cranberry should become slightly glossy as it heats.
- Cool and loosen the bites: After baking, allow the bites to rest for 3–5 minutes. This brief cooling helps them hold their shape. Use a small, sharp knife or spatula to gently run around the edges of each bite, then carefully lift them from the tin.
- Garnish for presentation: Optionally, sprinkle chopped candied pecans over the bites and place a small sprig of fresh rosemary on each. This adds texture, flavor, and visual appeal, making them perfect for festive occasions or entertaining.
- Serve warm immediately: These bites are best enjoyed while warm, when the brie is melty and the pastry is crisp. Arrange them on a serving platter and present immediately to ensure the perfect appetizer experience.
Notes
- Puff pastry should be fully thawed but still cold for easier handling and proper puffing during baking.
- Briefly chilling the brie before cutting prevents messy, uneven cubes and ensures each bite has the perfect amount of cheese.
- Avoid overfilling with cranberry sauce; a small amount melts into the brie beautifully without overflowing.
- Mini muffin tins work best for uniform bites, but you can use a regular muffin tin if you adjust the filling amount.
- For added texture and flavor, consider topping with chopped candied nuts, fresh rosemary, or a light drizzle of honey.
Chef’s Secrets: Perfect Melty Golden Bites
Achieving perfectly golden, gooey cranberry brie bites requires attention to both timing and temperature.
Make sure the oven is fully preheated before baking, as puff pastry rises best in a hot environment.
Cutting the brie into evenly sized cubes ensures uniform melting, and using a spoon for the cranberry prevents spills.
Don’t rush the cooling process—letting the bites rest for a few minutes helps them hold their shape and keeps your presentation flawless.
For a subtle flavor twist, try a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper or a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the cranberry before baking.
Serving Suggestions: Elegant Party-Friendly Ideas
These bites are best served warm as an appetizer or snack, straight from the oven.
They pair beautifully with sparkling wines, light white wines, or even a chilled cider.
For a festive spread, arrange them on a decorative platter and surround them with fresh herbs or seasonal fruits.
They can also complement a cheese board or charcuterie setup.
If you’re serving a crowd, keep them in the oven at low heat for a short period to maintain their gooey texture until guests are ready to enjoy.
Storage Tips: Keep Bites Fresh Longer
If you have leftovers, allow the bites to cool completely before storing.
Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2–3 days.
To reheat, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes, or until warmed through and the pastry is crisp again.
Avoid microwaving, as the puff pastry can become soggy.
For longer storage, you can freeze the unbaked bites in the muffin tin (covered tightly with plastic wrap) for up to 1 month; bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes! While brie is ideal for its creamy texture and mild flavor, you can substitute camembert or a semi-soft cheese like fontina. Avoid very hard cheeses, as they won’t melt properly in the short baking time.
2. Is homemade cranberry sauce necessary?
Not at all. Store-bought cranberry sauce works perfectly, but homemade versions allow you to adjust sweetness and add spices like orange zest or cinnamon for a personalized touch.
3. Can I prepare these bites ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can assemble them and keep them in the refrigerator for a few hours before baking. For best results, bake them just before serving to maintain crisp pastry and melty cheese.
4. How do I prevent the pastry from overflowing?
Use just a small spoonful of cranberry sauce and ensure the brie cubes are centered.
Overfilling can cause leakage as the pastry puffs. Slightly pressing the pastry corners up in the muffin tin also helps contain the filling.
5. Can these bites be made gluten-free?
Yes, by using a gluten-free puff pastry. Make sure to check the packaging for baking instructions, as cooking times may vary slightly from traditional puff pastry.
