Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe

Festive Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe: Holiday Magic on a Platter

Tiny cranberry brie bites deliver a burst of festive flavor that’ll make any gathering sparkle.

Pastry shells cradle creamy cheese and tangy berries in a delightful appetizer.

Crisp edges complement soft, melted brie for a perfect balance of textures.

Cold winter nights call for warm, comforting nibbles that surprise and delight.

Simple ingredients combine to create an elegant treat you can whip up in minutes.

Each bite promises a mini explosion of sweet and savory goodness.

Serve these irresistible morsels and watch guests reach for more.

Creative Variations for Cranberry Brie Bite Fans

  • Goat Cheese Variation: Swap brie with tangy goat cheese for a sharper flavor profile, keeping cranberry sauce for complementary sweetness.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free puff pastry instead of crescent dough, ensuring celiac-friendly appetizer without compromising taste.
  • Vegan Adaptation: Replace brie with dairy-free almond cheese and use plant-based cranberry sauce, perfect for dairy-free guests.
  • Mediterranean Remix: Substitute cranberry sauce with olive tapenade and use feta cheese for a Mediterranean-inspired appetizer bite.

Best Ways to Serve Cranberry Brie Bites Warm

  • Festive Party Platter: Arrange these cranberry brie bites on a rustic wooden board with additional fresh rosemary sprigs and whole cranberries for a stunning appetizer presentation.
  • Holiday Cocktail Companion: Pair these bite-sized treats with sparkling champagne or a crisp white wine to elevate your entertaining experience and create delightful flavor combinations.
  • Seasonal Gift Idea: Package these warm bites in small holiday-themed boxes with parchment paper for a homemade gift that's sure to impress friends and family during gatherings.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the bites ahead of time and refrigerate uncooked, then bake just before serving to ensure maximum freshness and minimal last-minute stress.

Storing Cranberry Brie Bites for Later Enjoyment

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking and maintain crispness.
  • Wrap individual bites in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 1 month. Label with the date to track freshness.
  • Preheat to 350F. Arrange bites on a baking sheet and warm for 5-7 minutes until cheese melts and pastry crisps up.
  • Warm bites for 15-20 seconds on a microwave-safe plate. Check temperature to avoid overheating and maintain texture.

FAQs

  • What ingredients do I need to make these bites?

You’ll need crescent roll dough, brie cheese, cranberry sauce, fresh rosemary, and nonstick cooking spray.

  • Can I use other types of cheese instead of brie?

Yes, soft and mild cheeses like goat cheese or camembert work great as substitutes for brie in this recipe.

  • Is this recipe good for holiday parties?

Absolutely! These cranberry brie bites are perfect bite-sized appetizers that look elegant and taste delicious, making them ideal for gatherings and celebrations.

  • How far in advance can I prepare these bites?

You can assemble the bites up to 2 hours before baking and keep them refrigerated until you’re ready to put them in the oven.

Cranberry Brie Bites Everyone Will Want a Second Of

  • Whip Up Quickly: These bites come together in just minutes, making them perfect for spontaneous gatherings or last-minute appetizer needs.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Combo: The creamy brie cheese pairs perfectly with tangy cranberry sauce, creating an irresistible taste that appeals to all palates.
  • Elegant Yet Simple: Despite looking fancy, these bites require minimal cooking skills and use basic ingredients anyone can find in their kitchen.
  • Party-Perfect Presentation: Bite-sized and visually appealing, these mini appetizers are guaranteed to impress guests at holiday parties, game nights, or potluck events.

What Goes Into Cranberry Brie Bites Preparation

Main Ingredients:
  • Crescent Dough: A versatile pastry base that provides a flaky and buttery foundation for the appetizer.
  • Brie Cheese: A soft and creamy French cheese that melts beautifully and adds rich flavor.
  • Cranberry Sauce: A sweet and tangy condiment that complements the cheese and provides a festive touch.
Herb and Seasoning:
  • Rosemary Sprig: A fragrant herb that adds a fresh and aromatic garnish to the appetizer.
Preparation Ingredients:
  • Flour, Nonstick Cooking Spray: Essential items for preparing and preventing the dough from sticking during baking.

Stepwise Guide to Baking Cranberry Brie Bites

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Oven

Crank up your oven to 375F.

Grab a mini muffin tin and give it a quick spray with nonstick cooking spray to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Work the Dough

Sprinkle a light dusting of flour on your countertop.

Gently unroll the crescent dough sheet.

If you’re using crescent rolls, pinch those seams together to create one smooth sheet of deliciousness.

Step 3: Shape Dough Squares

Transform that dough into 24 perfectly sized squares.

Lovingly press each square into the waiting slots of your mini muffin tin, creating little dough cups ready for filling.

Step 4: Cheese It Up

Nestle a chunk of creamy brie into each dough cup.

Let the cheese be the star of these bite-sized wonders.

Step 5: Add Fruity Flair

Dollop a spoonful of vibrant cranberry sauce on top of each cheese-filled bite.

For an extra touch of elegance, crown each bite with a tiny sprig of fresh rosemary.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the muffin tin into the preheated oven.

Let these beauties bake for about 15 minutes until the dough transforms into a gorgeous golden brown color.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Pull these hot, bubbling bites out of the oven and serve immediately.

The warm, melty cheese and sweet cranberry sauce will make everyone’s taste buds dance with joy.

Smart Tips for the Best Cranberry Brie Bites

  • Pinch crescent roll seams tightly to prevent cheese from leaking during baking.
  • Select high-quality brie and homemade or store-bought cranberry sauce for maximum flavor.
  • Spray mini muffin tin generously with nonstick cooking spray to ensure easy removal of bites.
  • Cut brie into small, uniform pieces to ensure even melting and consistent bite size.
  • Gently bruise rosemary before adding to release more aromatic oils and intensify the herb's flavor.
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Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe

Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe


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4.6 from 13 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Delightful cranberry brie bites offer a perfect blend of creamy cheese and tangy fruit nestled in flaky pastry. Guests will savor these elegant appetizers that promise to elevate any gathering with their irresistible combination of flavors and textures.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 8 ounces (226 grams) brie cheese
  • 8 ounces (226 grams) crescent dough sheet
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) whole berry cranberry sauce

Herbs and Garnish:

  • Small sprigs fresh rosemary

Preparation Ingredient:

  • All-purpose flour (for dusting work surface)

Instructions

  1. Heat oven to 375F and coat a mini muffin tin with nonstick spray, ensuring complete coverage.
  2. Sprinkle flour on work surface and gently unroll crescent dough, carefully sealing any perforations to create a uniform sheet.
  3. Slice dough into precise 24 equal squares, pressing each square delicately into muffin tin cavities, creating smooth, even layers.
  4. Position a creamy brie cheese segment at the center of each dough square, allowing it to settle comfortably.
  5. Carefully dollop cranberry sauce over brie, creating a vibrant crimson layer, then crown each bite with a delicate rosemary sprig for aromatic complexity.
  6. Transfer muffin tin to preheated oven and roast for approximately 15 minutes, watching for a rich golden-brown transformation of the pastry.
  7. Remove from oven and let cool momentarily, then serve immediately while cheese remains molten and pastry maintains its crisp texture.

Notes

  • Choose a soft, creamy brie that melts easily and complements the tangy cranberry sauce.
  • Keep crescent roll dough chilled until ready to use, as cold dough is easier to work with and maintains its shape better.
  • Swap cranberry sauce with other preserves like fig jam or orange marmalade for different flavor profiles.
  • Use gluten-free crescent roll dough and dairy-free brie for a celiac or vegan-friendly version of the appetizer.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 184 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 224 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 14 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 25 mg
Michael Reyes

Michael Reyes

Founder & Lead Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Southwestern and Latin American cuisine
  • Developing easy single-serving recipes
  • Food styling and food photography

Education

Santa Fe Community College

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Practical, hands-on learning in essential kitchen skills, including food safety, hygiene, knife techniques, and kitchen organization.

Michael’s love for cooking runs deep, rooted in the bold, colorful flavors of his New Mexico upbringing.
After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from Santa Fe Community College, he spent years sharpening his skills in kitchens that celebrated traditional Southwestern and Latin American dishes.
He believes cooking should feel approachable and fun, never complicated. When he’s not stirring up new recipe ideas, Michael’s out hiking scenic trails, chatting with farmers at local markets, or chasing the perfect sunset shot for inspiration.

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