Name: Baked Cranberry Brie Bites
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1-2 sheets Puff pastry sheets, thawed if frozen (Use butter-based for best flavor.); 1 small wheel or wedge Brie cheese (Rind left on or trimmed slightly.); 1 cup Cranberry sauce or whole-berry cranberry jam (About 1 cup total for a sheet or two.); 1 large Egg (Beaten with a splash of water for egg wash.); optional Fresh rosemary (Finely chopped or small sprigs for garnish.)

I remember the first time I tucked warm, tangy cranberry into molten Brie wrapped in buttery puff pastry — it felt like a tiny, festive miracle. These Baked Cranberry Brie Bites are bite-sized, elegant, and absurdly easy: flaky pastry, gooey cheese, and bright cranberry jam that pop in your mouth. They’re perfect for holiday hors d’oeuvres, last-minute dinner guests, or a cozy appetizer when you want something special without fuss. If you like quick sweet-and-savory party snacks, you might also enjoy this playful take on two-ingredient treats like 2-ingredient air fryer donut bites.

Why you’ll love this dish

There are good reasons these little parcels show up on holiday menus and casual get-togethers alike. They combine three flavor profiles — creamy, tart, and buttery — in a single, shareable bite. They come together fast because you’re mostly assembling pre-made puff pastry and jam, and they travel well on a platter. Kids tend to love the melted cheese, while adults appreciate the cranberry’s brightness, making this a crowd-pleaser across ages.

“Crisp, golden pastry giving way to warm Brie and a pop of cranberry — the perfect holiday nibble.” — a frequent guest at my family gatherings

They’re also budget-friendly (a little Brie goes a long way), and flexible: swap store-bought cranberry sauce for chutney or fig jam for a different mood. If you’re building a full appetizer spread, consider pairing this with other small bites like baked donuts for a sweet counterpoint from our recipe collection — try this 2-ingredient baked cake donuts for simple sweet options.

Step-by-step overview

Before you dive in, here’s what to expect. Preheat the oven, roll and cut puff pastry into squares, add a small piece of Brie and a spoonful of cranberry sauce to each square, fold the corners to enclose the filling, brush with egg wash, and bake until puffed and golden. Cooling briefly makes them easier to handle; garnish with rosemary for a festive finish.

What you’ll need

Puff pastry sheets (1–2 sheets, thawed if frozen) — use the butter-based kind for best flavor.
Brie cheese — a small wheel or wedge; rind left on or trimmed slightly if you prefer.
Cranberry sauce (or whole-berry cranberry jam) — about 1 cup total for a sheet or two.
1 egg — beaten with a splash of water for egg wash.
Fresh rosemary (optional) — finely chopped or small sprigs for garnish.

Notes/substitutions: Cream cheese or camembert can replace Brie for budget or flavor tweaks; apricot or fig jam is a delicious alternative to cranberry. For a dairy-free version, try a vegan Brie-style cheese and check puff pastry ingredients.

Step-by-step directions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Unfold the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Roll gently to smooth seams and make an even thickness.
Cut the pastry into equal squares (about 2½–3 inches). Aim for roughly 12–16 squares per sheet depending on size.
Place a small wedge or cube of Brie in the center of each square. If the rind is thick, trim slightly; leaving some rind helps the cheese hold its shape.
Top the Brie with a teaspoon or so of cranberry sauce. Use less if you prefer less sweetness.
Fold the four corners of the square toward the center and pinch lightly to seal, creating a snug little parcel. Alternatively, gather the corners into a loose pouch — both work.
Brush each bite with the beaten egg for a glossy, golden finish.
Arrange the bites on the prepared sheet with space to puff. Bake for 15–20 minutes, rotating the sheet halfway, until deeply golden and puffed.
Remove and let cool 5 minutes so the filling firms up a bit. Garnish with chopped rosemary or a tiny sprig and serve warm.

Best ways to enjoy it

These bites shine straight from the oven, while the cheese is still melty. Plate them on a wooden board or a white platter for contrast, tuck rosemary sprigs around the edges, and provide toothpicks or small forks. They pair beautifully with sparkling wine, cider, or a light pinot — the acidity cuts through the richness. For a fuller spread, balance these with crisp crudités, nut-studded salads, or another sweet nibble like a cinnamon-sprinkled donut from our collection: baked cinnamon sugar donuts.

Storage and reheating tips

Leftovers: Store cooled bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They’ll soften as the pastry loses crispness.
To reheat: Bake at 350°F (175°C) on a sheet for 8–10 minutes, or until warmed through and crisped. A toaster oven is ideal for a single batch. Avoid microwaving — it makes the pastry soggy.
Freezing: Freeze unbaked assembled bites on a tray until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag (up to 1 month). Bake from frozen, adding 5–8 minutes to the time and checking for golden color.
Food safety: Because Brie is a soft-ripened cheese, keep it refrigerated until assembly. Do not leave bites at room temperature for more than two hours.

Helpful cooking tips

Don’t overfill: too much cranberry or cheese makes sealing and baking messy. Small, balanced amounts yield the best texture.
Chill if needed: if the pastry softens during assembly, chill the sheet for 10 minutes to firm up the butter and keep layers flaky.
Even browning: brush all exposed pastry surfaces with egg wash and rotate the pan mid-bake.
Size matters: make smaller bites for cocktail hours or larger ones for a heartier appetizer — just adjust baking time slightly.
Make ahead: you can assemble these up to a day in advance and keep them refrigerated; egg-wash and bake just before guests arrive.

Creative twists

Savory-sweet: swap cranberry for fig jam and top with a tiny prosciutto ribbon.
Nut crunch: sprinkle chopped toasted pecans or walnuts over the cranberry before folding.
Herb & honey: finish with a drizzle of honey and a few thyme leaves instead of rosemary.
Spicy kick: fold in a dab of whole-grain mustard or a sliver of jalapeño for heat.
Gluten-free: use gluten-free puff pastry sheets, though texture may vary.

Helpful answers

Q: How long does this take from start to finish?
A: Plan for about 30–40 minutes total: 10–15 minutes assembly plus 15–20 minutes baking.

Q: Can I use cream cheese instead of Brie?
A: Yes. Cream cheese won’t melt the same way but makes a creamy, milder filling. For better melt, mix cream cheese with a little mascarpone.

Q: Are these freezer-friendly?
A: Yes — assemble and freeze unbaked on a tray, then store in a bag up to 1 month. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.

Q: Is it safe to leave these out at a party?
A: Since they contain soft cheese, don’t leave them out over 2 hours at room temperature. Keep batches warm in small amounts and refill from the oven if serving for longer events.

Q: What if my pastry browns too fast?
A: Tent lightly with foil if the tops brown before the centers are done. Lowering oven temperature by 10–15°F and baking a bit longer helps too.

Conclusion

If you want more inspiration or variations on cranberry and Brie bites, these two recipes offer similar ideas and helpful pictures: Cranberry Brie Bites – The Country Cook and Baked Cranberry Brie Bites – Kalefornia Kravings. Both are great references for plating, ingredient swaps, and serving suggestions to expand your appetizer repertoire.