Mini Baked Brie Appetizer

Name: Mini Baked Brie Appetizer
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1 sheet puff pastry (frozen or use this homemade recipe); 12 mini brie cheese rounds (0.9 oz. each read notes for alternative); 1 large egg (beaten); Optional: 1/4 cup jam (cranberry sauce, or any preserves)

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I like baked brie, but I don’t always like serving it. Slicing, scooping, and timing can get awkward fast. These mini baked brie appetizers solve that problem. Each one is self-contained, crisp on the outside, molten in the center, and easy to serve without thinking about it. Plus, you can get creative with a variety of flavor combinations, using different jams or even adding a sprinkle of nuts or fresh herbs for an extra layer of texture and taste.

This close-up image highlights a batch of mini baked brie pastries with one pastry cut open to reveal its warm, gooey cheese filling. The golden, flaky crust contrasts beautifully with the soft, melted brie inside, making it look irresistibly delicious. Fresh rosemary sprigs and seeded crackers surround the platter, adding to the rustic and festive presentation. The setup is perfect for a holiday appetizer, inviting guests to enjoy a rich and comforting bite.

Table of Contents - Hide

1. Why These Work For Me

2. Key Ingredients & Why I Use Them

3. How I Make Mini Baked Brie

4. FAQs

5. Try These…

6. Share Your Success!

7. Mini Baked Brie Appetizer

Why These Work For Me

This is the version I make when I want something that feels special but doesn’t require last-minute attention. Puff pastry does the work, brie melts predictably, and you can adjust the filling depending on what you have on hand. They’re flexible, reliable, and easy to prep ahead.

Each portion is contained and easy to serve
Puff pastry stays crisp while the brie melts cleanly
Sweet or savory fillings both work without changing the method
They can be assembled ahead and baked when needed

Key Ingredients & Why I Use Them

Puff pastry – Store-bought works well here. I just make sure it’s thawed but still cold when shaping. If you’re feeling adventurous, try making your own homemade puff pastry using this recipe.
Brie – Soft, mild, and predictable when baked. Mini rounds are convenient, but a full wheel cut into pieces works just as well.
Jam or preserves – Adds contrast. I keep it minimal so it doesn’t overwhelm the cheese.
Egg wash – Helps the pastry bake evenly and turn properly golden.

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How I Make Mini Baked Brie

This recipe is incredibly easy to throw together and widely customizable. Full ingredient amounts and instructions can be found at the bottom of this post, but here’s how I make them step by step.

Step 1: Puff Pastry

If you’re making your own homemade puff pastry dough like I usually do, go ahead and prep that now. However, if you need a quicker solution, store-bought puff pastry is a convenient alternative. It typically comes frozen, so you’ll need to allocate some time for thawing.

Refrigerator Thawing: For the best texture, I thaw the store-bought puff pastry in the refrigerator for about 4 hours or overnight. This method gently thaws the dough, helping it maintain its structure and preventing the butter from becoming too soft.

Countertop Thawing: Alternatively, you can leave the puff pastry out on the counter for 30-40 minutes until it becomes soft enough to unfold easily.

Quick Microwave Thaw: If you’re pressed for time, wrap the puff pastry in a paper towel and microwave it for 15 seconds on each side. Be cautious not to overheat it, as excessive warmth can make the dough sticky and cause the butter to melt, complicating the handling.

Step 2: Preparing the Pastry

Preheat the oven to 400ºF (200°C) and lightly grease a muffin or cupcake pan with cooking spray or melted butter.

On a floured surface, I roll the puff pastry just enough to smooth the seams, then cut it into twelve squares. Each square gets pressed into the muffin cavities with the corners overhanging slightly. If I’m using jam, I add a small amount first — about ½ to 1 teaspoon. Too much will leak as the brie melts.

This panel with four images shows the steps for making mini baked brie appetizers. In the first image, a hand rolls out a sheet of puff pastry with a rolling pin on a lightly floured surface. The second image displays the rolled-out pastry cut into even squares. In the third image, squares of pastry are placed into a muffin tin, forming small cups. The fourth image shows rounds of brie placed into each pastry cup, ready for topping and baking. The background includes festive decor and ingredients like cranberries and brown sugar, setting a cozy holiday atmosphere.

I place one piece of brie on top, then fold the pastry corners toward the center, pressing gently to seal. If the dough feels warm, I pause and chill the pan briefly. Cold pastry is easier to work with and bakes better.

Using a pastry brush, lightly coat the tops of each pastry with the beaten egg for a beautiful golden finish.

This panel with four images shows the next steps in preparing mini baked brie appetizers. In the first image, hands are folding the edges of the puff pastry over the brie in each muffin tin cup. In the second image, a brush is being used to apply an egg wash to the tops of the wrapped brie, ensuring a golden finish. The third image shows hands gently pressing the pastry to secure it in place, and in the fourth image, more egg wash is being brushed over the top for even coverage. The festive background includes cranberries and brown sugar, creating a cozy, holiday setting.

Step 3: Baking

When ready to bake, place the muffin tins in the preheated oven for 25 minutes or until the pastries are golden brown and puffed.

Remove from the oven and allow the mini brie bites to cool for 5-10 minutes in the pan before removing. Place on a serving platter with a decorative array of grapes, nuts, and other fruits.

This image showcases a batch of mini baked brie pastries, golden and flaky, with beautifully crisp edges. They are arranged on a wooden board, surrounded by fresh sprigs of rosemary, seeded crackers, figs, and round flatbread crackers, adding a festive and rustic touch. The warm, golden color of the pastries creates an inviting and cozy presentation, perfect for a holiday appetizer or special gathering.

Tips & Tricks

Puff pastry can be a bit fickle, here are some tips to make sure you succeed!

Brie Alternatives: If mini brie rounds aren’t available, use a 12 oz. wheel of brie and cut it into 12 pieces for individual servings.
Chilling Dough: If the puff pastry becomes too soft, chill it in the fridge for 10 minutes before wrapping the brie to prevent it from sticking or tearing.
Cooling: Allowing the mini baked brie appetizers to cool slightly before slicing prevents the cheese from oozing out too quickly.
Don’t Overfill: This is where people go wrong. Too much filling over powers the puff pastry and can cause leakage.

Variations I Actually Make

Similar to this baked brie recipe, you can add a variety of flavors to these mini baked brie appetizers.

Nuts: Add any of your favorite chopped nuts to these minis full of melty cheese for a decadent nutty flavor and crunch!
Savory Twist: Swap cranberry sauce for hot pepper jelly for a spicy-sweet contrast. Add some caramelized onions for even more goodness!
Add Fresh Herbs: Adding herbs like fresh thyme or fresh rosemary will add a touch of elegance to this baked brie and will pair beautifully with the cheese and cranberry.
Fig & Prosciutto: Instead of cranberry sauce, spread a layer of fig jam on top of the brie, then wrap it with thin slices of prosciutto before encasing in the puff pastry. This gives a savory-sweet twist with a hint of saltiness from the prosciutto.
Apple & Cinnamon: Replace cranberry sauce with thinly sliced apples tossed in cinnamon brown sugar. The result is a warm, spiced flavor perfect for fall gatherings.
Maple & Pecan: Add a spoonful of maple syrup and a handful of chopped pecans on top of the brie, then wrap and bake. The maple’s sweetness complements the rich, creamy brie, making it an instant crowd-pleaser.
Honey & Walnut: Substitute the cranberry sauce with a drizzle of honey and sprinkle with chopped walnuts or pecans. This adds a touch of sweetness and crunch.
Other Jam Options: grape jelly, apricot jam, fig jam, or apple butter all pair well with these mini appetizers.

This close-up image shows a batch of mini baked brie pastries, beautifully golden and flaky, displayed on a wooden serving board. Each pastry has a crispy exterior, with delicate layers that promise a warm, gooey interior. Fresh rosemary sprigs and seeded crackers around the board enhance the rustic presentation, adding a festive touch. The setup is perfect for serving as a cozy, elegant appetizer during holiday gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage Tips – Perfect for Hosting!

These make-ahead and storage tips make hosting a breeze, allowing you to prepare these mini baked brie bites in advance for easy, stress-free entertaining.

Assemble Ahead: To prepare in advance, fully assemble the mini brie bites up to the step where you fold over the pastry edges. Place the assembled bites in the muffin tin, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 1 day. Bake as directed, add 5 minutes if needed!

Freezing: Once assembled, freeze the mini brie bites in the muffin pan until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Bake directly from frozen, adding 10-15 minutes until golden and crisp.

This image presents a platter of mini baked brie pastries, each golden brown with flaky, crisp layers, arranged attractively on a wooden board. The setup is surrounded by festive garnishes, including fresh figs, sprigs of rosemary, grapes, and bowls of cranberries, creating a holiday-inspired atmosphere. Seeded crackers and round flatbread crackers complete the rustic, elegant presentation, making these mini baked brie bites look deliciously inviting and perfect for a cozy gathering.

FAQs

Can I use a full wheel of brie instead of mini rounds?

Yes. I cut a 12-ounce wheel into evenly sized pieces and use them the same way.

Why did my pastry open while baking?

Usually from overfilling or warm dough. Chilling will solve this next time.

Can I make these without jam?

Absolutely. Plain brie works well, especially with herbs or nuts.

Can I reheat leftovers?

Yes, in the oven. I avoid microwaving — it softens the pastry too much.

Try These…

If you enjoy these, you might also like classic Baked Brie for a centerpiece option, Blueberry Puff Pastry for a sweeter take, or Cream Cheese Puff Pastry if you want something similar with a firmer filling.

I always love hearing that you’ve made my recipes. Please share photos with me on Instagram and let me know your favorite flavor combinations!

Mini Baked Brie Appetizer

Camila Hurst

These Mini Baked Brie bites feature gooey cheese wrapped in flaky puff pastry and can be topped with your favorite jam, making them the perfect crowd-pleasing appetizer!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 25

Total Time 35

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American

Servings 12 servings

Calories 160 kcal

Ingredients

1 sheet puff pastry frozen or use this homemade recipe
12 mini brie cheese rounds 0.9 oz. each read notes for alternative
1 large egg beaten
Optional: 1/4 cup jam cranberry sauce, or any preserves

Instructions

Puff Pastry

Store-bought Pastry: Thaw the puff pastry according to package instructions. You can let it sit at room temperature for 30 min to 1 hour until softened. Or wrap each sheet in paper towels and microwave for 15 seconds on each side. It’s ready to be used when you can easily unfold it. Or use the homemade recipe here.
Homemade Puff Pastry: Use this recipe to make your own puff pastry dough. It will make enough dough to double this recipe!

Mini Baked Brie Appetizer

Pre-heat the oven to 400ºF.
Place the puff pastry on a lightly floured counter. Use the rolling pin to roll it into a 1/8” thick dough. Cut into 12 4-inch squares.
Lightly grease a muffin or cupcake pan with oil spray, or brush with oil or melted butter. Set aside.
Whisk the egg, set it aside, alongside a pastry brush.
Place each square of dough on the bottom of a muffin cavity in the greased pan, leaving the edges overhanging at the top.
If using jam or cranberry sauce, spoon 1/2 tsp to 1 tsp of sauce on the bottom of each dough piece. If not, just skip this.
Place one brie bite in each cavity. If prepping ahead, see notes.
If baking straight away, fold the edges over the center, wrapping the brie. Use a tiny amount of egg wash to help the dough stick together.
Brush each sealed cup lightly with the egg wash.
Bake the puffs in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes, or until golden brown.
Remove from the oven, let them cool down for about 5 to 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Homemade Puff Pastry: Find the recipe for the homemade puff pastry here. If using homemade puff pastry, divide into two equal portions, you will be able to make double the amount of mini baked brie appetizers, or you can make one batch and freeze the remaining dough.

Jam: You can use any jam you’d like such as hot pepper jelly, raspberry jam, apricot preserves, or fig preserves. You can also skip the jam altogether and make it plain. See above post for more flavor combinations.

Mini Brie: If you can’t find mini brie rounds, you can get a 12 oz. brie round and cut into 12-1 oz. portions.

Make Ahead Fridge Instructions: You can fully assemble the puffs up to the step where you bring the edges of the puff pastry to the center and press them together. Place the assembled unbaked puffs in the muffin tin and cover tightly with plastic wrap, making sure the dough isn’t exposed. Store the assembled puffs in the fridge for up to 1 day before baking. When ready to bake, bake as directed, but you may need to add an extra 5 minutes to the baking time if refrigerated.

Make Ahead Freezer Instructions: You can also place the entire muffin tin of the assembled pastries in the freezer. Once the puffs are frozen solid (after a few hours), remove them from the tin and store them in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 1 month. When ready to bake, no need to thaw—bake directly from frozen, adding 10-15 minutes to the baking time, until golden brown. This way, you can make ahead and have them fresh when you’re ready to serve!