Name: Baked Cranberry Brie Bites
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed (keep it cold but pliable); 8 ounces small wheel Brie (rind can be left on or trimmed if preferred); 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (store-bought or homemade); 1 each egg, beaten (for egg wash); to taste Fresh rosemary or thyme leaves (for garnish (optional)); to taste Salt and pepper

I first made these Baked Cranberry Brie Bites for a holiday potluck and they disappeared within minutes. Little parcels of flaky puff pastry wrapped around creamy Brie and a spoonful of bright cranberry sauce — they’re easy to pull together and feel impressive without fuss. They work as a last-minute appetizer for guests, a cozy snack for movie night, or a brunch treat when you want something sweet-salty and shareable.

Why you’ll love this dish

This recipe hits a lot of entertaining sweet spots: it’s fast, requires minimal ingredients, and looks elegant with almost no effort. Puff pastry gives that golden, flaky shell while Brie melts into a gooey center that pairs perfectly with the tartness of cranberry sauce. Make them for holiday gatherings, cocktail parties, or anytime you want a small-bite dessert-savory hybrid.

“Baked Cranberry Brie Bites: flaky, creamy, and pop-in-your-mouth delicious — a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.”

They’re also forgiving for home cooks. If you need more small-batch ideas for parties, try one-pot or quick-bake snacks like 2-Ingredient Air Fryer Donut Bites for a sweet palette-cleanser later in the evening.

Step-by-step overview

Before you start, here’s the process at a glance so you know what to expect:

Thaw and roll the puff pastry to smooth creases.
Cut pastry into 2-inch squares and place on a lined sheet.
Slice Brie into small wedges and top each square with a wedge.
Add a teaspoon of cranberry sauce to each wedge.
Fold corners to form parcels, brush with egg wash.
Bake 15–20 minutes until puffed and golden.
Cool slightly, garnish, and serve warm.

This quick overview saves time and keeps the assembly line moving when you’re prepping multiple bites.

What you’ll need

1 sheet puff pastry, thawed (keep it cold but pliable)
1 small wheel Brie (about 8 ounces) — rind can be left on or trimmed if you prefer
1/2 cup cranberry sauce (store-bought or homemade)
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Fresh rosemary or thyme leaves for garnish (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste

Notes and swaps:

For a vegan option, use plant-based puff pastry and a dairy-free Camembert alternative.
If you don’t have cranberry sauce, a spoonful of fig jam or apricot preserves makes a lovely, less-tart substitute.

Directions to follow

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
On a lightly floured surface, roll the thawed puff pastry just enough to smooth creases. Avoid overworking it.
Cut the sheet into 2-inch squares and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each.
Cut the Brie into small wedges or cubes so you have one piece per square. If the Brie is very soft, chill for 10–15 minutes first to make cutting easier.
Place a Brie piece on each pastry square. Spoon about 1 teaspoon of cranberry sauce on top of the Brie. Season lightly with a pinch of salt and a crack of pepper if desired.
Bring the corners of each square up and pinch them together gently to form a little parcel. They don’t need to be perfectly sealed — a small opening is fine so the Brie can ooze slightly.
Brush the tops with the beaten egg for a golden finish. If you want a rustic look, skip the egg wash.
Bake for 15–20 minutes, until pastry is puffed and deep golden brown. Watch the first batch so you can dial in timing for your oven.
Remove from the oven and let cool for 3–5 minutes. Garnish with rosemary or thyme leaves if using. Serve warm.

Short, clear actions make this easy to follow even when you’re juggling other party dishes.

Best ways to enjoy it

These bites are versatile — serve them as a warm appetizer with charcuterie or as a sweet-savory canapé during cocktail hour. Pairing ideas:

With a charcuterie board: add thin prosciutto, nuts, and sliced apples.
With drinks: try bubbly, a fruity white wine, or a light red.
As part of brunch: bring a platter alongside smoked salmon and mini frittatas.
If you want another finger-food idea that’s sweet and portable, these Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts make a dessert-style companion for a brunch table.

How to store & freeze

Short-term: After baking, let bites cool to room temperature, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 8–10 minutes to restore flakiness.
Freezing unbaked: Assemble the parcels but don’t egg-wash. Freeze on a sheet tray until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 1 month. When ready to bake, brush with egg wash and add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
Food safety: Brie is a soft cheese — keep refrigerated until just before assembly and don’t leave finished bites at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

Helpful cooking tips

Keep pastry cold: Puff pastry performs best cold. Thaw in the fridge and work quickly to keep layers distinct.
Cut Brie cold: A slightly chilled wheel is easier to slice cleanly without turning into a gooey mess.
Don’t overfill: A teaspoon of cranberry per bite is enough. Too much filling can make the pastry soggy and harder to seal.
Watch the oven: Puff pastry times vary. Start checking at 12–14 minutes for your first batch.
Egg-free glaze: For vegetarian or egg-free diets, brush with milk or a dairy-free milk alternative to get some color.

Creative twists

Savory twist: Swap cranberry for caramelized onions and add a sprinkle of chopped thyme.
Sweet & nutty: Add a sliver of walnut or pecan on top of each cranberry spoonful before baking.
Spicy: Mix a tiny pinch of chili flakes into the cranberry sauce for a kick.
Mini tart version: Press squares into a mini muffin tin to form cups, then add Brie and cranberry — this yields a more stable bite for outdoor events.
Dairy-free: Use vegan Brie and vegan puff pastry (check labels) for a plant-based option.

Helpful answers

Q: How long does the whole recipe take?
A: Active prep is about 15–20 minutes (cutting pastry, slicing Brie, assembling). Bake time is 15–20 minutes, so plan around 35–40 minutes total from start to finish.

Q: Can I use Camembert instead of Brie?
A: Yes. Camembert has a similar texture and flavor profile; use the same method and watch for slightly faster melting if it’s softer.

Q: Can I make these ahead for a party?
A: Assemble and refrigerate up to a day ahead (cover loosely). For best texture, bake just before serving. Alternatively, freeze unbaked parcels and bake from frozen, adding a few minutes.

Q: Are these gluten-free?
A: Not as written — puff pastry contains gluten. Use a certified gluten-free puff pastry to make them gluten-free.

Q: My Brie leaked while baking. How do I avoid that?
A: Chill the Brie before cutting and don’t overfill the parcels. Leaving a small opening is fine, but overly large gaps let too much cheese escape.

Conclusion

These Baked Cranberry Brie Bites are an effortless showstopper for holidays, parties, or a cozy night in. For another perspective on the classic cranberry + Brie combo and extra serving ideas, see this version at Cranberry Brie Bites – The Country Cook. If you want a slightly different take with step-by-step photos, check out Baked Cranberry Brie Bites – Kalefornia Kravings. Enjoy — and don’t be surprised if your guests ask for the recipe.