Warm, melty brie tucked into crisp pastry and topped with sweet-tart cranberry jam—these little bites are the kind of snack that disappears fast. They’re simple enough for a weeknight treat and elegant enough for the holidays. You’ll only need a handful of ingredients and about 20 minutes.
No fancy skills, no stress. Just golden, gooey goodness in every bite.
Jump to RecipeWhat Makes This Recipe So Good
- Fast and fuss-free: From start to finish, you’re done in about 20 minutes. Great for last-minute guests.
- Minimal ingredients: Brie, jam, pastry, and a couple pantry basics.That’s it.
- Perfect textures: Buttery, crisp pastry with soft, creamy cheese and a glossy jam topper.
- Balanced flavors: Rich brie meets bright cranberry for a sweet-savory bite that just works.
- Easy to scale: Make a dozen or triple the batch for a party tray.
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed (store-bought is perfect)
- 8 ounces brie, chilled for easier cutting
- 1/2 cup cranberry jam or cranberry sauce (whole-berry preferred)
- 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for drizzling)
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves or 1/2 teaspoon chopped rosemary (optional)
- Pinch of flaky sea salt (optional)
- Nonstick spray or butter for the muffin tin
Instructions
- Prep the oven: Heat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a mini muffin tin or line with mini paper cups.
- Cut the pastry: Unfold the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Use a knife or pizza cutter to cut into 24 small squares (about 2 inches each).
- Press into the tin: Gently press each square into a mini muffin cup.The corners can stick up; that gives you nice, crisp edges.
- Cube the brie: Cut the brie into small pieces, about 3/4-inch cubes. You can leave the rind on—it melts fine and adds flavor.
- Fill each cup: Place a brie cube into each pastry cup. Top with about 1 teaspoon of cranberry jam or sauce.
- Brush and season: Lightly brush the exposed pastry with beaten egg.Sprinkle with thyme or rosemary if using.
- Bake: Bake for 10–12 minutes, until the pastry is puffed and golden and the brie is melted and bubbly.
- Finish: Let cool for 3–5 minutes in the pan. Drizzle with honey and add a pinch of flaky sea salt if you like.
- Serve: Transfer to a platter and serve warm. They’re best within the first 30 minutes.
20-Min Baked Brie Bites with Cranberry Jam
Golden puff pastry bites filled with melty brie and sweet tart cranberry jam
For the Brie Bites
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 8 ounces brie, chilled
- 1/2 cup cranberry jam or cranberry sauce
- 1 large egg, beaten
- Nonstick spray or butter, for the muffin tin
Optional Finishing Touches
- 1 tbsp honey, for drizzling
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves or 1/2 tsp chopped rosemary
- A pinch of flaky sea salt
Instructions
- Prep OvenHeat the oven to 400°F or 200°C. Lightly grease a mini muffin tin or line it with mini paper cups.Greasing well helps the pastry release cleanly after baking.
- Cut PastryUnfold the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and cut it into 24 small squares, about 2 inches each.A pizza cutter makes quick, neat cuts.
- Press into TinGently press each pastry square into a mini muffin cup, letting the corners stick up.Those lifted corners bake into crisp golden edges.
- Cube BrieCut the chilled brie into small cubes, about 3/4 inch each.Leave the rind on if you like because it melts well and adds flavor.
- Fill CupsPlace one cube of brie into each pastry cup and top with about 1 teaspoon of cranberry jam or sauce.Do not overfill or the cheese and jam may bubble over.
- Brush and SeasonLightly brush the exposed pastry with beaten egg and sprinkle with thyme or rosemary if using.Egg wash gives the pastry a richer golden finish.
- BakeBake for 10 to 12 minutes until the pastry is puffed and golden and the brie is melted and bubbly.Start checking at 10 minutes because puff pastry browns quickly.
- Finish and ServeLet the bites cool in the pan for 3 to 5 minutes. Drizzle with honey and add flaky sea salt if desired, then transfer to a platter and serve warm.A short rest keeps the cheese from running everywhere.
Tips for the Best Results
- Use cold brie for easier, cleaner cutting.
- Keep the puff pastry cool while working with it.
- Do not overfill the pastry cups with jam.
- Always brush the pastry with egg wash for the best color.
- Let the bites cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Assemble ahead and refrigerate before baking if needed.
- Bake from frozen for a make ahead option.
- Fig jam or berry jam can replace cranberry jam.
- Add chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch.
- Avoid microwaving leftovers because it softens the pastry.
Keeping It Fresh
These bites are best enjoyed warm from the oven, but you can still plan ahead. Assemble up to 4 hours in advance and keep the tray covered in the fridge.
Bake just before serving. If you need to store leftovers, keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 6–8 minutes to re-crisp the pastry.
Avoid the microwave if you can—it makes the pastry soggy.
Why This is Good for You
- Balanced bite: You get a mix of carbs, fat, and a little protein in each piece, so one or two can keep you satisfied between meals.
- Portion-friendly: Mini bites help you pace yourself at parties compared to larger, heavier appetizers.
- Real ingredients: Brie offers calcium and protein, and cranberry brings antioxidants and natural tartness.
- Customizable: You can adjust sweetness, herbs, or pastry size to match your preferences or dietary needs.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overfilling the cups: Too much jam or cheese can bubble over and burn. A teaspoon of jam is plenty.
- Skipping the egg wash: It’s a small step that makes a big difference in color and crispness.
- Baking too long: Puff pastry browns quickly. Start checking at 10 minutes to prevent overcooking.
- Serving piping hot: Letting them rest a few minutes keeps the cheese from running and prevents burned mouths.
- Using warm pastry: If the pastry gets too soft while you work, chill the filled tin for 10 minutes before baking.Cold pastry puffs better.
Recipe Variations
- Nutty crunch: Add a few chopped toasted pecans or walnuts on top of the jam before baking.
- Savory herb: Swap cranberry for a dollop of caramelized onions and a pinch of thyme.
- Fig and prosciutto: Use fig jam and tuck in a tiny strip of prosciutto for a salty-sweet twist.
- Apple cider version: Replace cranberry jam with apple butter and finish with a dusting of cinnamon sugar after baking.
- Phyllo cups: Use store-bought mini phyllo shells instead of puff pastry. Bake for 6–8 minutes until the brie melts.
- Gluten-free: Choose gluten-free puff pastry or serve on gluten-free crackers. Adjust bake times as needed.
- Spice it up: Stir a pinch of cayenne or chili flakes into the jam for a gentle heat.
FAQ
Can I use brie with the rind on?
Yes.
The rind is edible and softens as it bakes. It also helps the cheese hold its shape, so it doesn’t ooze out too quickly.
What if I don’t have cranberry jam?
Use any berry jam, fig jam, or a spoonful of cranberry sauce from a can. Whole-berry cranberry works best for texture, but smooth jelly is fine too.
How do I keep the pastry from getting soggy?
Don’t overfill with jam, and bake at a hot temperature so the pastry puffs quickly.
Letting the bites rest for a few minutes after baking also helps.
Can I make these ahead and freeze them?
Yes. Assemble the bites in the muffin tin and freeze until firm. Transfer to a freezer bag and bake from frozen at 400°F (200°C) for 14–16 minutes, until golden.
What’s the best way to cut brie cleanly?
Chill the brie for 20–30 minutes, then use a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts.
Cold cheese is much easier to cube neatly.
Do I have to use a mini muffin tin?
No. You can bake on a parchment-lined sheet pan. Press pastry squares slightly, add cheese and jam, and fold corners in.
They’ll spread more but still taste great.
Can I reduce the sweetness?
Use less jam, skip the honey, and add a tiny pinch of sea salt or fresh herbs. You’ll get a more savory, balanced bite.
How many does this recipe make?
With one sheet of puff pastry, you’ll get about 24 mini bites. For a party, plan on 2–3 bites per person if serving other appetizers.
Jump to RecipeFinal Thoughts
These 20-Min Baked Brie Bites with Cranberry Jam bring big flavor with very little effort.
They look special, taste comforting, and fit right into any gathering. Keep puff pastry and jam on hand, and you’re always minutes away from a warm, impressive snack. Serve them once, and you’ll add them to your go-to list for holidays, potlucks, and cozy nights in.
