Introduction

Baked Cranberry Brie Bites are a delightful blend of creamy cheese and tangy cranberry wrapped in flaky puff pastry. These bite-sized appetizers are perfect for holiday gatherings or any special occasion, offering a burst of flavor in every mouthful.

A white wooden tray holds eight small round puff pastry cups, each filled with a creamy light beige cheese layer. On top of the cheese sits a dollop of bright red cranberry sauce that looks glossy and thick. Each cup is garnished with a few pecan halves and a small sprig of fresh green rosemary. A woman's hand is gently holding the tray on the right side. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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 for added crunch)
Fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish (optional for a festive touch)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a mini muffin tin to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Roll out the puff pastry sheet and cut it into 12 equal squares. Press each square gently into the muffin cups, forming little pastry shells.
Step 3: Place one cube of brie cheese into each pastry cup. Spoon a small amount of cranberry sauce over the cheese, then sprinkle with chopped candied pecans if using.
Step 4: Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
Step 5: Allow the bites to cool for about 5 minutes. Garnish each with a small sprig of fresh rosemary before serving for an extra burst of aroma and color.

Tips & Variations

Use different nuts like walnuts or almonds if you don’t have candied pecans for a unique texture and flavor.
Try adding a small drizzle of honey on top before baking for a touch of sweetness.
If fresh rosemary isn’t available, a sprinkle of dried thyme or sage works well as a garnish.
For a vegetarian option, ensure your cranberry sauce does not contain any animal-derived ingredients.

Storage

Store any leftover cranberry brie bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 to 7 minutes until heated through and the pastry regains its crispness. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.

How to Serve

The image shows a wooden tray holding seven small, round pastries with puffed, golden-brown layers. Each pastry is topped with a layer of white creamy cheese, a dollop of deep red cranberry sauce, and a few whole pecan nuts arranged carefully. Small green rosemary sprigs are scattered around the pastries on the tray. A woman’s hand is gently holding the edge of the tray. The background is a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare the pastry cups ahead of time?

Yes, you can press the puff pastry into the muffin tin and refrigerate it for a few hours before adding the filling and baking. Just cover it well with plastic wrap to prevent drying out.

What can I substitute if I don’t have fresh rosemary?

Dried herbs like thyme or sage make good alternatives and still add a lovely herbal note to the bites. You can also simply omit the garnish if you prefer.

Baked Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe

Print Recipe

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4.6 from 89 reviews

These Baked Cranberry Brie Bites are a perfect festive appetizer combining flaky puff pastry, creamy brie cheese, and tangy cranberry sauce. Topped with optional candied pecans and fresh rosemary sprigs, they offer a delightful mix of textures and flavors that are easy to prepare and sure to impress your guests.

Author: Lena
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
Total Time: 25-28 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Category: Appetizers
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Puff Pastry

1 sheet puff pastry, thawed

Cheese

4 oz brie cheese, cut into 12 cubes

Fruit & Toppings

½ cup cranberry sauce (store-bought or homemade)
2 tbsp candied pecans, chopped (optional crunch)
Fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish (optional flair)

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a mini muffin tin well to prevent sticking.
Prepare Puff Pastry: Roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface and cut it into 12 equal squares. Press each puff pastry square firmly into the greased mini muffin cups to form the base and sides.
Assemble Bites: Place one cube of brie cheese into the center of each pastry cup. Add a spoonful of cranberry sauce over the brie, and sprinkle chopped candied pecans on top if using, for added texture and sweetness.
Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and the cheese inside is melted and bubbly.
Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and allow the bites to cool in the tin for about 5 minutes. Garnish each bite with a fresh rosemary sprig for an aromatic and festive presentation before serving.

Notes

You can use store-bought or homemade cranberry sauce based on your preference or convenience.
Candied pecans add a nice crunch but are optional if you want to keep the bites simpler.
Ensure the puff pastry is well chilled before cutting and baking to achieve the best flakiness.
Allow bites to cool slightly before serving to avoid overly hot cheese spills.
These bites can also be prepared ahead and baked just before serving for easy entertaining.

Keywords: Baked Cranberry Brie Bites, appetizer, puff pastry, brie cheese, cranberry sauce, holiday recipe, easy appetizer, festive bites