Baked Cranberry Brie Bites — holiday appetizers for easy entertaining
I fell in love with Baked Cranberry Brie Bites the first holiday season I hosted a small family get-together. My aunt arrived with a tin of store-bought pastries and a wedge of brie, and together we assembled these little golden pillows in no time. Everyone kept reaching for more between conversations and warm mugs of cider — they were gone before the main course even arrived. These bites feel like a cozy tradition: simple, festive, and utterly comforting. Cranberry and brie pair beautifully because the tartness of the cranberry cuts through the rich, creamy cheese, a flavor combo that’s been celebrated in North American holiday cooking for decades. If you love easy, crowd-pleasing hors d’oeuvres, these will become a staple at your table. For another simple crowd-pleaser to serve alongside, try this baked feta pasta for a contrasting savory-sweet pairing.
Who is this recipe for?
- This recipe is perfect for busy hosts, beginner bakers, and anyone looking for quick holiday appetizers or party finger food.
Core ingredients overview:
- Puff pastry, Brie cheese, Cranberry sauce, Egg (optional, for egg wash), Chopped pecans or chopped fresh herbs (optional garnish).
This dish combines flaky puff pastry, creamy brie, and bright cranberry sauce to create an elegant, easy appetizer that comes together in minutes.
Tools & Ingredients
Tools
- Baking sheet — ensures even baking and a stable surface.
- Parchment paper — prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.
- Rolling pin — smooths puff pastry creases for even layers.
- Knife or pizza cutter — for cutting pastry into squares quickly.
- Pastry brush — for applying optional egg wash for shine.
- Cutting board — a safe surface for slicing brie.
- Small bowl and spoon — for mixing egg wash and portioning cranberry sauce.
Ingredients
- Puff pastry — provides a light, buttery, flaky shell that crisps beautifully.
- Brie cheese — delivers creamy, melt-in-your-mouth richness.
- Cranberry sauce — adds bright, tangy sweetness and holiday flavor.
- Egg (optional, for egg wash) — creates a glossy, golden finish and helps sealing.
- Chopped pecans or chopped fresh herbs (optional garnish) — add texture, nuttiness, or an herbal lift to finish the bites.
For a savory twist and extra crunch pairing, consider serving these with a side of crispy oven baked sweet potato fries.
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to smooth any creases. Cut the pastry into squares about 2.5–3 inches.
- Place a small piece of brie cheese on each pastry square.
- Add a spoonful of cranberry sauce on top of the brie.
- Fold the pastry over to enclose the filling and pinch to seal.
- Place the assembled bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- (Optional) Whisk an egg with a splash of water and brush the tops of the bites.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.
- Remove from the oven and transfer to a cooling rack for a few minutes. Serve warm and enjoy!
FAQ
Q: Can I freeze this recipe?
- Yes. Assemble the bites and freeze them on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Q: What can I use instead of cranberry sauce?
- You can substitute fig jam, apricot preserves, or caramelized onions for a different sweet-savory profile.
Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
- Yes. Assemble and refrigerate for a few hours before baking, or freeze fully assembled for longer storage.
Q: Are there vegetarian or vegan options?
- They are vegetarian as written. For vegan, use a plant-based puff pastry and a dairy-free cheese alternative; omit the egg wash or use a milk alternative for brushing.
Tips & Tricks
- Keep the brie chilled until just before assembly to make cutting easier and to prevent over-melting.
- Don’t overfill the pastry squares — a small piece of brie and a teaspoon of cranberry sauce per square is enough to prevent soggy bottoms.
- Use cold puff pastry and work quickly so the butter layers stay solid — this helps the pastry rise and become flaky.
- If you want an extra crunch, sprinkle chopped pecans on top before baking, or finish with fresh herbs after baking for brightness. For another easy appetizer idea that balances sweet and savory, check out this crispy bang bang salmon bites.
Conclusion
For more ideas and variations on this classic treat, check out this Best Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe, a lovely Baked Cranberry Brie Bites – Kalefornia Kravings tutorial, and another great take at Cranberry Brie Bites – The Country Cook.
Enjoy these Baked Cranberry Brie Bites — share them with friends and family! Always add
tag after Directions.
Baked Cranberry Brie Bites
Ingredients
- 1 sheet Puff pastry Provides a light, buttery, flaky shell.
- 8 oz Brie cheese Delivers creamy, melt-in-your-mouth richness.
- 1/2 cup Cranberry sauce Adds bright, tangy sweetness.
- 1 large Egg For egg wash to create a glossy finish.
- 1/4 cup Chopped pecans For added texture and nuttiness.
- 1/4 cup Chopped fresh herbs For herbal lift and decoration.
Method
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to smooth any creases. Cut the pastry into squares about 2.5–3 inches.
- Place a small piece of brie cheese on each pastry square.
- Add a spoonful of cranberry sauce on top of the brie.
- Fold the pastry over to enclose the filling and pinch to seal.
- Place the assembled bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- (Optional) Whisk an egg with a splash of water and brush the tops of the bites.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.
- Remove from the oven and transfer to a cooling rack for a few minutes. Serve warm and enjoy!
