Baked Cranberry Brie Bites

Name: Baked Cranberry Brie Bites Deliver 3 Irresistible Holiday Flavors
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 33 min
Yield: 16 bites
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 sheet of puff pastry (thawed but still cold, about 8 ounces); 4 ounces of Brie cheese (cut into small cubes, rind removed if you prefer milder bites); ⅓ cup whole cranberry sauce (smooth or chunky, depending on your preference); 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary (optional); 1 large egg (beaten, for egg wash); Optional: 1 teaspoon honey (for drizzling after baking)

Author: molly

Published: October 20, 2025

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There’s something about a warm, melty bite of brie wrapped in flaky pastry that just makes me smile every time. Add cranberries with their bright tartness, and you’ve got a combo that’s hard to beat. These Baked Cranberry Brie Bites have become my go-to for holiday gatherings and cozy nights in. Simple ingredients that come together fast, with an elegant result that always impresses. I love that they fill the house with that buttery, fruity aroma while baking. Whether you’re making them for friends or just indulging yourself, these bites hit the spot.

Ingredients for Baked Cranberry Brie Bites

You want to gather everything clear and ready before you start. Here’s exactly what I use, measured carefully so the final bites come out perfectly balanced:

1 sheet of puff pastry (thawed but still cold, about 8 ounces)
4 ounces of Brie cheese (cut into small cubes, rind removed if you prefer milder bites)
⅓ cup whole cranberry sauce (smooth or chunky, depending on your preference)
1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary (optional, but it adds a nice herbal note)
1 large egg (beaten, for egg wash to get that golden color)
Optional: 1 teaspoon honey (for drizzling after baking if you like a touch of sweetness)

Make sure your puff pastry is still cold when you cut it—that makes it easier to handle and helps the layers puff up nicely in the oven. The Brie should be bite-sized so each piece melts just right. I usually remove the rind because some people find it strong, but it’s up to your taste. The cranberry sauce can be homemade or store-bought. I keep it simple to let the fruit shine.

How to Prepare Baked Cranberry Brie Bites: Step by Step

Step one is to preheat your oven to 400°F. You want it nice and hot so the pastry puffs up beautifully while the cheese melts inside.

Roll out the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface into a smooth square. Cut it into 16 uniform squares — I use a pizza cutter for clean edges.

Now comes the fun part: place a small cube of Brie in the center of each square. Top that with about a teaspoon of cranberry sauce. If you’re using rosemary, sprinkle a little on top for flavor.

Fold the pastry corners toward the center, pinching gently to seal. Don’t worry if they’re not perfect triangles; rustic shapes taste just as good. Place each bite in a mini muffin tin or on a parchment-lined baking sheet to keep their shape while baking.

Brush each bite with the beaten egg—you’ll get a glossy, golden finish that looks as good as it tastes.

Bake for about 15–18 minutes. Keep an eye on them the last few minutes. You’re looking for puffed pastry with golden spots and bubbly cheese inside.

When they come out, give them a minute or two to cool before serving. If you want a little extra sweetness, drizzle with honey last. But trust me, they’re delicious even without it.

The biggest trick I’ve found is not to overload the puff pastry with too much filling. It makes sealing hard and can lead to leaks. Small, neat bites melt perfectly without spilling out.

Why You’ll Love These Baked Cranberry Brie Bites

Quick and easy to make with minimal prep
Combines creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors in every mouthful
Works beautifully as elegant appetizers for any occasion
Puff pastry creates perfect crispy, flaky bites
Customizable with herbs or honey for your personal touch
Can be made ahead and baked fresh when guests arrive

Tips for Success with Baked Cranberry Brie Bites

I’ve learned a few things from making these bites multiple times—and I want to save you the trial and error.

Keep your puff pastry cold until the last moment. This ensures it puffs up rather than getting soggy.
Don’t skip the egg wash—it’s what gives that beautiful golden color and helps seal the dough.
Use a small spoon for the cranberry sauce so you don’t overload each piece.
Give your Brie cubes time at room temperature before assembling—it melts better.
Place bites spaced apart on the baking sheet to allow even puffing and browning.

I once forgot to preheat my oven properly and the pastry ended up soft rather than crisp. So I always double-check the temperature now before starting. It makes all the difference.

Nutritional Information Disclaimer

Nutrition can vary based on the specific brands and quantities of ingredients you choose. This post doesn’t provide exact nutritional values for Baked Cranberry Brie Bites, so if you need precise information, consider using a nutrition calculator with your specific products. Remember that these bites are treats meant to be enjoyed in moderation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Baked Cranberry Brie Bites

Can I use frozen cranberries instead of cranberry sauce?

You could, but fresh or thawed frozen cranberries alone will be quite tart and not spreadable. I recommend using cranberry sauce for the right texture and sweetness. If you want to use fresh berries, cook them down with sugar first to make a quick sauce.

Do I have to remove the Brie rind?

The rind is edible, but it can be a bit strong or chewy for some people. I usually remove it to keep the bites smooth and mild. If you like the flavor, leaving it on works fine, just cut smaller pieces to help it melt evenly.

Can I prepare these bites ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the bites and keep them covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just bring them to room temperature for about 15 minutes before putting them in the oven.

What’s the best way to store leftovers?

If you have any bites left, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, pop them in a warm oven (350°F) for 8–10 minutes to crisp back up—microwaving will make the pastry soggy.

Can I add other flavors to the bites?

Absolutely! Sometimes I add a sprinkle of chopped pecans for crunch or swap rosemary for thyme. A dash of cracked black pepper on the Brie before baking gives a subtle kick, too.