Baked Cranberry Brie Bites: A Beautifully Simple and Festive Holiday Appetiser

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Baked Cranberry Brie Bites are the perfect blend of buttery, creamy, sweet, and tart—all wrapped in a golden, flaky shell. They look impressive on any holiday table yet come together with minimal effort, making them ideal for Christmas gatherings, New Year’s parties, Thanksgiving dinners, or cosy winter nights at home. Each bite delivers warm melted Brie topped with vibrant cranberry sauce, creating a festive burst of flavour. When testing, I once loosened the cranberry sauce with a splash of almond milk for extra smoothness, and it still baked beautifully. These bites are a must-make for any seasonal celebration.

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Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Puff pastry
This flaky pastry forms the crisp, golden shell that holds the Brie and cranberry perfectly.

Brie cheese
Creamy, mild, and melty—Brie creates the luxurious centre that makes these bites irresistible.

Cranberry sauce
Adds sweet-tart flavour and a gorgeous festive colour contrast to the rich Brie.

Fresh rosemary
A small sprig adds fragrance, seasonal flair, and a polished finish.

Chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Introduce a warm crunch and nutty depth that pairs beautifully with cranberry and Brie.

Butter (optional)
Brushing the pastry helps enhance browning and crispness.

Directions

Preheat your oven to a moderate baking temperature. Lightly grease a mini muffin tin or line it for easy release. Unroll the puff pastry and cut it into small squares sized to fit comfortably in each muffin cup. Gently press each square into the cups to form little pastry shells.

Cut the Brie into small cubes and place one cube into each pastry cup. Add a spoonful of cranberry sauce on top. If using nuts, sprinkle them over the cranberry layer for added texture. Add a tiny rosemary sprig to each bite for a festive touch.

Bake until the puff pastry is deeply golden and crisp, and the Brie is melted. Allow the bites to cool slightly before removing from the tin. Serve warm for the best flavour and texture.

Equipment needed :

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.

large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.

Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.

Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.

Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.

9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.

knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields about 20–24 bites. Preparation takes roughly 10 minutes, and baking takes 12–15 minutes.

Storage/reheating

Store leftover bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to restore crispness. Avoid microwaving, as the pastry may become soft instead of flaky.

Variations and Customizations

Maple Cranberry Brie Bites
Drizzle a touch of maple syrup before baking for a sweeter, richer finish.

Fig Jam Brie Bites
Swap out the cranberry sauce for fig jam to introduce a warm, earthy sweetness.

Honey Walnut Brie Cups
Top the Brie with honey and chopped walnuts instead of cranberry sauce.

Cranberry Apple Brie Bites
Add a small cube of apple beneath the cranberry layer for an autumn-inspired twist.

Spicy Cranberry Brie Bites
Stir a pinch of chilli flakes or diced jalapeño into the cranberry sauce.

Caramelized Onion Brie Bites
Add a thin layer of caramelised onions under the Brie for savoury depth.

Pecan Crusted Brie Bites
Roll Brie cubes in crushed pecans before adding to the pastry for extra crunch.

Rosemary Honey Finish
Drizzle warm honey over the baked bites and top with rosemary.

Vegan Cranberry Brie Bites
Use dairy-free puff pastry, vegan Brie, and plant-based cranberry sauce.

Everything Seasoning Brie Bites
Sprinkle everything bagel seasoning on the pastry before baking for a savoury touch.

FAQs

Do I remove the rind from the Brie?

Can I use homemade cranberry sauce?

Can I make these ahead of time?

How do I keep the pastry from getting soggy?

Can I freeze them before baking?

Can I bake these in a regular muffin tin?

How do I prevent sticking?

Can they be served at room temperature?

How long can puff pastry sit out before baking?

What other cheeses can I substitute?

Conclusion

Baked Cranberry Brie Bites are a festive, elegant, and incredibly easy appetiser that brings holiday flavour to every gathering. With buttery puff pastry, melting Brie, and bright cranberry topping, each bite is a harmonious blend of textures and tastes. Whether you’re hosting a grand celebration or a cosy family evening, these bites offer effortless sophistication and consistent crowd appeal. A true seasonal favourite worth making year after year.

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