If you’re looking for that perfect festive appetizer that’s both elegant and effortless, this Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe is going to become your new go-to. I absolutely love how the creamy richness of brie melts into the flaky crescent dough, while the tart cranberry sauce adds just the right zing. These little bites work beautifully for holiday parties, casual get-togethers, or even a cozy night in when you want something a bit special.
When I first tried this Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe, I was amazed at how such simple ingredients came together to make something so impressive. The combo of flavors and textures is just irresistible, and you’ll find that they always disappear fast from the snack table. Plus, they’re super quick to whip up, so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your company.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: Uses just a few easy pantry staples for quick prep without fuss.
- Burst of Flavor: The combination of creamy brie, sweet-tart cranberry, and crunchy pecans is incredibly satisfying.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect finger food that everyone loves at parties and holidays.
- Versatile and Customizable: Easy to tailor with your favorite garnishes or nuts for a personal twist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe lies in its simple, well-balanced ingredients. Fresh rosemary gives a lovely aromatic touch, while the crescents make the perfect buttery base. Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand.
- Crescent dough: I like using refrigerated store-bought dough for quick prep but fresh homemade dough would be delicious too.
- Cooking spray: Essential to keep your mini muffin tin clean and make sure the bites come out easily.
- All-purpose flour: For lightly dusting the surface when you roll the dough so it doesn’t stick.
- Brie wheel: Choose a good-quality brie—soft, creamy, and not too aged for best melting results.
- Whole berry cranberry sauce: I prefer the texture whole berry provides over jellied cranberry sauce for that fruity pop.
- Chopped roasted unsalted pecans: Adds crunch without overpowering the delicate brie and cranberries.
- Fresh rosemary sprigs: Cut into small pieces for a fragrant finish that pairs perfectly with cheese and fruit.
Variations
One of my favorite things about this Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe is its flexibility—you can easily switch things up to match your tastes or dietary needs. Don’t be shy to get creative!
- Nut-Free Version: I once swapped pecans for toasted pumpkin seeds to keep it nut-free; it still delivered on texture and flavor.
- Sweet Twist: Try adding a drizzle of honey on top before baking for extra sweet notes that balance the tart cranberry.
- Herb Swap: Fresh thyme or sage are great alternatives to rosemary if you want a different herbal vibe.
- Spicy Kick: Sprinkle a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes on top if you like a little heat with your bites.
How to Make Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Mini Muffin Tin and Dough
Start by heating your oven to 375°F and spraying your mini muffin tin with cooking spray—don’t skip this or your bites might stick! Lightly flour your workspace, then unroll the crescent dough and pinch the seams together to form a single sheet. Cut the dough into 24 even squares so each fits nicely into a muffin cup. This part is easier if you use a sharp knife or pizza cutter for clean edges.
Step 2: Fill the Bites with Brie, Cranberry, Pecans, and Rosemary
Cut your brie into small pieces, about a teaspoon size, so each bite gets a melty center. Place one piece inside each dough square in the muffin tin. Top the brie with a spoonful of whole berry cranberry sauce—be careful not to overfill or the dough might get soggy. Sprinkle chopped pecans on top for crunch, then add one small rosemary sprig per bite for that lovely aroma and flavor boost.
Step 3: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pop the tin in the oven for about 15 minutes, watching carefully near the end. You want that crescent dough golden brown and puffed, which signals the brie inside has melted perfectly. If you notice your bites browning too fast, you can tent them loosely with foil. Once baked, remove and let cool for a few minutes before trying to take them out of the tin—they’ll be hot and gooey.
Pro Tips for Making Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe
- Choosing Brie: I always go for a mild, creamy brie instead of an overly ripe one to avoid a strong odor in the finished bites.
- Prevent Sogginess: Make sure not to add too much cranberry sauce — a heaping teaspoon is enough to keep the dough crisp underneath.
- Even Dough Thickness: Rolling out your dough evenly ensures all bites bake uniformly, so none are undercooked or burnt.
- Cooling Time: Let your bites cool a few minutes before removing them to keep them intact and avoid messy melty spills.
How to Serve Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe
Garnishes
I like to finish my Cranberry Brie Bites with a sprinkle of extra chopped pecans or a tiny fresh rosemary leaf on top for that perfect picture-worthy look and an extra punch of flavor. Sometimes a light drizzle of honey right after baking adds a lovely gloss and sweet counterpoint.
Side Dishes
These bites are excellent alongside a light green salad with vinaigrette, or paired with a charcuterie board featuring cured meats and olives. For holiday spreads, I often serve with roasted nuts and a crisp white wine, which complements the creamy brie beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party, I arrange these cranberry brie bites on a rustic wooden serving tray lined with fresh rosemary sprigs for a festive vibe. I’ve also served them in little decorative paper cups to make grabbing and sharing mess-free and easy for guests. During the holidays, I sometimes add a dusting of powdered sugar for a wintry touch that gets everyone asking for the recipe!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers — not that you usually do! — I store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’re best enjoyed within 2 days because the dough might get softer over time, but the flavor always holds up well.
Freezing
I’ve frozen these baked cranberry brie bites wrapped individually in plastic wrap and then placed in a freezer bag. They freeze great and can be reheated straight from frozen by popping them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
Reheating
To keep that perfect flaky texture when reheating, turn on your oven to 350°F and warm the bites on a baking sheet for 8-10 minutes. Avoid microwaves if you want to keep them crisp and melty rather than soggy.
FAQs
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Can I make Cranberry Brie Bites ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the bites assembled but unbaked and keep them covered in the fridge for up to 6 hours before baking. Just make sure to bake them fresh for the best texture and flavor.
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What type of cranberry sauce works best?
I recommend using whole berry cranberry sauce for added texture and a fresh fruit burst. Homemade or store-bought both work well, just avoid overly runny sauces that can soak the dough.
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Can I use other cheeses instead of brie?
While brie is ideal for its creamy melt and mild flavor, you can experiment with camembert or even a soft goat cheese for variety, but expect different textures and flavors.
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Are Cranberry Brie Bites gluten-free?
The traditional recipe isn’t gluten-free due to the crescent dough, but you can use gluten-free dough alternatives to easily adapt it.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, this Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a little homemade luxury every time I make it. It brings together comforting textures and festive flavors in such an easy way that I always recommend it to friends who want to impress without stress. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll find yourself looking for excuses to make them again and again!
Print
Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Total Time: 35 mins
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Cranberry Brie Bites are delightful mini appetizers featuring creamy brie cheese topped with tangy whole berry cranberry sauce, crunchy roasted pecans, and fragrant rosemary, all baked inside a flaky crescent dough crust. Perfect for holiday gatherings or parties, these bite-sized treats offer a harmonious blend of sweet, savory, and nutty flavors in every morsel.
Ingredients
Dough
- 1 (8-oz.) tube crescent dough
- Cooking spray
- All-purpose flour, for surface
Filling & Topping
- 1 (8-oz.) wheel of brie
- 1/2 cup whole berry cranberry sauce
- 1/4 cup chopped roasted unsalted pecans
- 6 sprigs fresh rosemary, cut into 1” pieces
Instructions
- Prepare the baking tin: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Grease a mini 24-cup muffin tin thoroughly with cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the bites after baking.
- Prepare the dough: Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the crescent dough, pinching together any seams to form a uniform sheet. Cut the dough into 24 equal squares. Gently press each square into the prepared muffin tin cups, forming little dough cups to hold the filling.
- Add the filling: Cut the brie cheese into small pieces that will fit neatly inside the dough cups. Place one piece of brie inside each dough square. Then, spoon a small amount of whole berry cranberry sauce on top of the brie. Sprinkle with chopped roasted unsalted pecans for crunch and place one small rosemary sprig piece on each bite for aroma and decoration.
- Bake the bites: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed. This ensures the dough is fully cooked and the cheese inside has softened to a creamy consistency.
- Serve: Remove the muffin tin from the oven and allow the bites to cool slightly before carefully removing them with a small spatula or knife. Serve warm or at room temperature for the best flavor experience.
Notes
- You can substitute the crescent dough with puff pastry sheets if preferred.
- If fresh rosemary is unavailable, a small pinch of dried rosemary or thyme can be used instead.
- To make these bites ahead, prepare them up to the baking step, cover tightly, and refrigerate; bake just before serving.
- Use a milder brie if you prefer a less pungent cheese flavor.
- For extra sweetness, drizzle a small amount of honey on top after baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bite
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
