I absolutely love this Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe because it combines sweet, savory, and a little bit of crunch all in one perfect little treat. These bite-sized delights are a total crowd-pleaser whenever I serve them during the holidays or at any get-together where guests want something classy yet easy to snack on. The blend of creamy brie with tangy cranberry sauce inside a golden, flaky pastry is just magical.
When I first tried this Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe, I was looking for an appetizer that was quick but still impressive, and these delivered every time. You’ll find that these bites come together super fast, and the combo of flavors works so well that they practically disappear off the plate before you know it. Plus, they’re easy enough to make ahead, which is a lifesaver for busy hosting days!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Easy to Make: Requires just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep work.
- Perfect for Entertaining: Bite-sized and elegant, they’re ideal for parties and holiday gatherings.
- Delicious Flavor Combo: Creamy brie, tart cranberry, and crunchy pecans create irresistible layers of taste.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep these in advance and bake off just before serving.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe come together really well because they highlight complementary textures and flavors with minimal fuss. Make sure to pick a good-quality brie and fresh rosemary to really make these tastings pop. And a quick tip — buy canned whole cranberry sauce over jellied for better texture.
- Crescent dough: Easy to work with and gives a lovely flaky crust.
- Cooking spray: Helps the bites release easily from the muffin tin without sticking.
- All-purpose flour: Keeps the dough from sticking while you roll and cut.
- Brie cheese: Choose a wheel with a creamy texture for melting perfection.
- Whole berry cranberry sauce: Adds a sweet-tart zing and keeps each bite juicy.
- Chopped roasted unsalted pecans: Provides a satisfying crunch and nutty richness.
- Fresh rosemary sprigs: A fragrant garnish that brings herbaceous balance.
Variations
I love how versatile this Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe is. You can easily tweak it a bit depending on your mood or dietary needs. Over the years, I’ve tried different nuts and even swapped out the cranberry sauce for fig preserves with fantastic results.
- Swap pecans for walnuts or almonds: I tried walnuts once and really liked how their earthiness balanced the cheese.
- Use fig or apricot preserves instead of cranberry sauce: This gives a sweeter, more jammy flavor that pairs beautifully with brie.
- Make it vegan: Use vegan crescent dough and a plant-based brie substitute for dairy-free bites that are still rich and flavorful.
- Add a drizzle of honey on top before baking: This adds a touch of golden sweetness that becomes addictive.
How to Make Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Dough and Muffin Tin
First, preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a 24-cup mini muffin tin with cooking spray. On a lightly floured surface, unroll the crescent dough and pinch together the seams to create one smooth sheet—that’s key for preventing little holes where the filling could leak. Then, cut the dough into 24 even squares, about 2×2 inches each, and gently press each square into the muffin tin cups. This will form the delicate little crusts that hold all that delicious filling.
Step 2: Add the Filling
Cut the brie cheese into small pieces—roughly a teaspoon-sized amount for each bite works perfectly. Place a piece of brie into each dough-lined cup. Next, spoon about a teaspoon of whole berry cranberry sauce over the brie, followed by a sprinkle of chopped pecans. Finally, tuck one small rosemary sprig on top for a pop of color and herby aroma. This layering is what makes the bites so deliciously balanced.
Step 3: Bake Until Golden and Melty
Bake your cranberry brie bites for about 15 minutes, or until the pastries turn a beautiful golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbling underneath. Be sure to watch them closely toward the end to avoid overbaking, as the crescent dough cooks quickly. When done, let them cool in the pan for a few minutes before carefully removing — this helps them set so they don’t fall apart.
Pro Tips for Making Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe
- Seamless Dough Sheet: Pinching the crescent roll dough seams together is crucial to avoid leaks of melted brie during baking.
- Use Whole Berry Cranberry Sauce: It offers better texture and flavor complexity than the jellied variety.
- Let Bites Cool Slightly: Removing right away can cause them to fall apart; a few minutes lets them set beautifully.
- Avoid Overfilling: Too much cheese or cranberry can cause the dough to get soggy — a little goes a long way!
How to Serve Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe
Garnishes
I usually stick with fresh rosemary sprigs on top because their piney fragrance pairs so well with the creamy brie and tart cranberry. Sometimes, I toss a tiny sprinkle of flaky sea salt just before serving to boost all the flavors – it’s such a nice little finishing touch that you might want to try!
Side Dishes
These bites are fantastic as an appetizer on their own, but I love pairing them with a simple green salad dressed with balsamic vinaigrette or a charcuterie board featuring sliced meats and pickled veggies. This way, guests have variety and can nibble how they please.
Creative Ways to Present
For holiday parties, I sometimes serve cranberry brie bites on a wooden platter lined with fresh rosemary sprigs and cranberries for a festive look. Presenting them in mini cupcake liners inside the muffin tin adds a charming touch too — your guests will be impressed without you breaking a sweat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover cranberry brie bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I usually line the container with parchment to keep them from sticking together, and they reheat nicely without losing their flakiness.
Freezing
I’ve found freezing these bites before baking works best. Just assemble them in the muffin tin, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When you want to bake, pop them into the oven straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. This way, you can have fresh cranberry brie bites anytime.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven for about 5-7 minutes to get the pastry crisp again and the cheese melty. Avoid microwaving, as it tends to make the crust soggy and less appealing.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen crescent dough for Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe?
Yes! Frozen crescent dough works perfectly for this recipe—just make sure to thaw it according to package instructions before shaping and filling. This ensures the dough is pliable and won’t tear.
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What can I substitute for pecans in the recipe?
If you’re allergic to pecans or don’t have them handy, walnuts, almonds, or even toasted pine nuts make excellent substitutes. Each brings a slightly different flavor and texture, so feel free to experiment!
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How do I prevent the dough from getting soggy?
The key is to pinch the dough seams tightly and avoid overfilling with juicy cranberry sauce or brie. Also, baking them immediately after assembly helps keep the crust crisp and flaky.
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Can I make these bites ahead of time?
Definitely! You can assemble them and keep them covered in the fridge for a few hours before baking. For longer storage, freeze them unbaked and bake from frozen when ready.
Final Thoughts
I truly believe this Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe is one of those simple but impressive dishes that you’ll come back to again and again. Whether you’re hosting a party or just want a treat to impress your family, these bites bring that wonderful combination of flavors that makes people smile. I can’t wait for you to try them and discover your own little twists—promise you’ll get plenty of “wow” moments around the table!
Print
Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delightfully festive and easy-to-make Cranberry Brie Bites featuring buttery crescent dough filled with creamy brie, tangy whole berry cranberry sauce, crunchy roasted pecans, and aromatic fresh rosemary. Perfect as an appetizer or party snack.
Ingredients
Dough
- 1 (8-oz.) tube crescent dough
- All-purpose flour, for surface
- Cooking spray
Filling
- 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 oven and muffin tin: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a mini 24-cup muffin tin with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Shape the dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the crescent dough and pinch all seams together to form one solid sheet. Cut this dough into 24 equal squares. Place each square gently into the muffin tin cups to form small dough cups.
- Assemble the bites: Cut the brie into small pieces that will fit inside each dough cup. Place one piece of brie into each dough-lined muffin cup. Next, add a spoonful of whole berry cranberry sauce on top of the brie, sprinkle chopped roasted pecans, and finish by placing one piece of fresh rosemary on top for aroma and garnish.
- Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake the bites until the pastry turns golden brown and the brie is melted, about 15 minutes.
- Serve: Carefully remove the cranberry brie bites from the tin and serve warm as a delightful appetizer.
Notes
- Use fresh rosemary sprigs for the best flavor and aroma.
- If you prefer, you can substitute pecans with walnuts or omit nuts for a nut-free version.
- Allow the bites to cool slightly before serving to avoid burning your mouth with melted cheese.
- These bites can be prepared ahead and baked just before serving for convenience.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bite
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
