The holiday season is here, and it's time to showcase festive appetizers that are beautiful and yet simple to prepare. These cranberry brie bites are one of those recipes that are easy to make, exhibit beautiful colors, and consistently become the star dish of the holiday gathering! They are flaky, warm, creamy, and perfectly sweet and savory. These baked cranberry brie bites are guaranteed to disappear fast. These hand-helds feel special from the start yet do not require much effort or time!

Want to Save This Recipe?

Enter your email & I'll send it to your inbox. Plus, get great new recipes from me every week!

By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from Blue's Best Life.

Simple appetizers are always a must for the holiday season and some of our favorites for entertaining are these Brie Crostini With Prosciutto and Goat Cheese Stuffed Peppadews. They are both easy to make and perfect for hosting a party.

A photo of rows of cranberry brie bites.

(Blue's Best Life is a participant in the Amazon Affiliate Programs. I earn a small commission if you purchase through those links. This helps me keep the blog going!)- Bobbie

Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe!

If you are looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer for this year's holiday season, look no further. This easy cranberry brie recipe could be your new go-to appetizer every year! The combination of melty brie, buttery puff pastry, and the bright cranberry sauce makes this dish mouthwateringly tasty. So, whether you're contributing to a holiday potluck or hosting a gathering, these delicious cranberry brie make every table more festive.

Here are more reasons why you'll love this cranberry brie bites recipe:

It is incredibly easy to make and bake in under 20 minutes!
Puff pastry creates a perfectly golden, crisp base.
Brie melts into a creamy center without needing to remove the rind.
Cranberry sauce adds brightness and holiday flavor.
It looks luxurious and festive, and yet it isn't challenging to make.
It can be frozen and reheated beautifully!

A photo of the finished cranberry brie bites, just after baking, still in the muffin tin. They are garnished with the candied walnuts.

Equipment Needed

Mini muffin tin
Rolling pin
Nonstick skillet
Spoon
Small plate
Cooking spray
Sharp knife

Key Ingredients

Puff pastry - Creates the golden, flaky crust for these mini cranberry brie bites.

Brie cheese - Buttery, creamy, and melts beautifully for these excellent brie and cranberry bites.

Cranberry sauce - Adds sweetness and tartness, perfect for the holiday season.

Walnuts, cinnamon, and salt - ingredients for crunchy candied nuts.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Thaw the puff pastry. Place the brie wheel in the freezer to firm it and make it easier to cut.

Heat the nonstick skillet or pan over medium heat. Add the walnuts, cinnamon, brown sugar, and salt. Stir until the sugar melts and coats the nuts. Spread on a plate to cool.

Roll the puff pastry into a 10x14-inch rectangle.

Two overhead process shots: one of the walnuts in the frying pan, getting "candied." The other of a the pastry dough and a rolling pin.

Cut into 24 squares. Spray the mini muffin tin. Press each puff pastry square into the wells.

Overhead process shots. The first one shows the pastry dough after being sliced into squares. The second shows the cut pastry pieces placed in the muffin tin.

Add one cube of chilled brie to each. Top with a spoonful of cranberry sauce, and this creates the classic brie cranberry bites flavor.

Process Shots, one of the brie cheese with a knife on a cutting board. The other shows the pieces of cheese inside the pasties in the muffin tin.

Bake at 18 to 20 minutes until golden. The cheese and cranberry may bubble slightly; gently spoon it back into place if needed.

Remove carefully from the muffin tin, arrange on a platter, and garnish with candied walnuts.

2 overhead process shots. One shows the dollop of cranberries on the pastries, ready for the oven. The second shows the bites after baking, still in the muffin tin.

Serving Suggestions

These baked cranberry bites pair beautifully with:

Include them in your charcuterie board
Pair with apple cider or sparkling wine
Holiday dinner as an appetizer
A warm cup of mulled wine

Arrange them in a circular pattern to mimic a festive baked cranberry brie wreath for an extra seasonal touch.

Close-up, side angle shot of a cranberry brie bite.

Make Ahead

Candied walnuts can be prepared 2 to 3 days in advance.
Puff pastry squares can be cut and refrigerated up to 24 hours ahead.
You can assemble the easy cranberry brie bites without baking, then refrigerate them for 6 hours before baking.

Close-up shot of a cranberry brie bite being handled.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the oven or airfryer at 350°F until warm and crisp.
Freeze assembled, unbaked bites for up to 2 months. Bake straight from the freezer, add 2 to 3 minutes.

Expert Tips

Thaw the puff pastry so it is easier to work with.
Freeze the brie so that it is easier to cut, and there is no need to remove the rind. It is completely edible.
Make sure to spray the muffin tin well so the puff pastry comes out easily.
Garnish with the nuts after the brie bites come out of the oven, so they do not get overly toasted.
For extra holiday color, add a small rosemary sprig after baking to make them look more festive baked cranberry bites.

Did you try this recipe? Please let me know what you think! Leave a comment below, and a 5- star rating. I would love to hear from you! Subscribe Here to get new recipes sent straight to your inbox!

Print Recipe

No ratings yet

Baked Brie Bites

Prep Time10

Cook Time18

Total Time28

Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: American

Keyword: brie bites, cranberry brie bites

Servings: servings

Author: Bobbie Blue

Ingredients

1 sheet puff pastry dough, thawed
¼ cup walnuts, chopped
1 tablespoon brown sugar
pinch cinnamon
pinch salt
1 8 ounce brie cheese wheel
1 cup cranberry sauce

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375 ℉. Sit out the puff pastry to thaw and stick the brie wheel in the freezer to get really cold, but not completely frozen.
Heat a small nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the walnuts, brown sugar, cinnamon and salt. Stir frequently making sure the nuts and sugar do not burn. The sugar will melt and coat the walnuts in just a couple minutes. Remove from heat and spread out on a plate to cool.
Place the thawed puff pastry sheet on a clean work surface and using a rolling pin, roll into a 10x14 inch rectangle. Cut the puff pastry into 24 squares.
Spray a mini muffin tin with cooking spray. Press the squares into each hole of the muffin tin.
Cut the chilled brie into 24 inch cubes and place the brie cubes in the puff pastry.
Add a spoonful of cranberry sauce on top of the brie.
Place the muffin tin in the oven for 18-20 minutes. The cheese and cranberry may bubble over a little but you can use a spoon to push it back into the puff pastry.
Carefully remove from the muffin tin and arrange on a serving platter. Garnish with candied walnuts.