The Creamiest Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe for Holiday Joy

Festive gatherings demand delightful cranberry brie bites that steal the spotlight at every party.

These bite-sized appetizers combine creamy cheese with tangy fruit in a perfect pastry package.

Elegant yet simple, they come together faster than guests can arrive.

Warm, buttery puff pastry cradles melted brie and bright cranberry sauce for an irresistible flavor combination.

Crisp edges and gooey centers make these little morsels impossible to resist.

Seasonal and sophisticated, these bites promise to elevate your next celebration with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness.

You’ll want to make a double batch – trust me.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of cheese instead of brie?

Yes, you can substitute brie with other soft cheeses like camembert or goat cheese for similar results.

• Is fresh cranberry sauce better than store-bought?

Either works well. Homemade sauce offers more control over sweetness, but store-bought is convenient and still delicious.

• Do I need any special tools to make these bites?

Just a mini muffin tin, rolling pin, and basic kitchen utensils. No complicated equipment required.

• Can I make these ahead of time?

Prepare the bites and refrigerate unbaked for up to 24 hours. Bake just before serving for best texture and flavor.

Why Easy Cranberry Brie Bites Are Holiday Favorites

• These cranberry brie bites are super simple to make with just a few ingredients and minimal prep work, perfect for cooks of all skill levels.
• Impressive yet easy to create, these bite-sized treats are ideal for holiday gatherings, game nights, or casual get-togethers with friends.
• The combination of creamy brie, sweet cranberry sauce, and aromatic rosemary creates a delightful taste experience that will wow your guests with minimal effort.
• These appetizers work beautifully as a starter, snack, or elegant party bite that appeals to both adults and kids with their delicious, crowd-pleasing flavors.

Ingredients for Festive Cranberry Brie Bites

• Crescent Dough: A versatile pastry that creates a flaky and golden base for these delicious bites.
• Brie Cheese: A soft and creamy French cheese that melts beautifully and adds rich flavor.
• Cranberry Sauce: A sweet and tangy topping that provides a festive and bright element to the appetizer.

• Rosemary: A fragrant herb that adds a subtle pine-like aroma and earthy flavor to the bites.

• Cooking Spray: A non-stick solution that helps prevent the bites from sticking to the muffin tin.
• All-Purpose Flour: Used for lightly dusting the counter to prevent the dough from sticking during preparation.

Kitchen Tools for Brie Bites

• Mini Muffin Tin: Essential for creating perfectly shaped bite-sized appetizers.
• Rolling Pin: Helps roll out crescent dough evenly and smoothly.
• Sharp Knife: Perfect for cutting dough squares and slicing brie into small pieces.
• Cutting Board: Provides a clean surface for preparing ingredients.
• Measuring Spoon: Helps add consistent amounts of cranberry sauce.
• Cooking Spray: Ensures bites don't stick to the muffin tin.

Steps for Assembling Cranberry Brie Bites

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to 375°F and grab your mini muffin tin.

Give it a quick spritz of cooking spray to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Prep the Dough Canvas

Sprinkle a light dusting of flour on your countertop.

Gently unroll the crescent dough sheet.

If you’re using crescent rolls, carefully pinch those pesky seams together to create one smooth surface.

Step 3: Slice and Shape

Transform your dough into 24 perfect little squares.

Nestle each square into the waiting muffin tin slots, making sure they sit comfortably.

Step 4: Cheese Please

Chop the brie into petite, bite-sized pieces.

Tuck one delectable morsel into the center of each dough square.

Step 5: Layer on the Flavor

• A generous dollop of cranberry sauce
• A tiny sprig of fresh rosemary

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the muffin tin into the oven and bake for 15 minutes.

Watch for a gorgeous golden-brown crust that signals these bites are ready to devour.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Pull these beauties out and serve them while they’re warm and irresistible.

Get ready for some serious appetizer admiration!

Tips for Warm, Melty Brie Appetizers

• Pinch crescent roll seams tightly to prevent filling from leaking during baking.
• Select high-quality brie and homemade or premium cranberry sauce for enhanced flavor profile.
• Chop rosemary finely if you prefer subtle herb distribution instead of whole sprigs.
• Allow brie to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before cutting to ensure smoother slicing.
• Use a sharp knife to cut brie into uniform small cubes for consistent melting and even distribution in each bite.

Flavor Twists on Classic Brie Bites

• Goat Cheese Bite-Size Snacks: Replace brie with creamy goat cheese for a tangy flavor profile that complements cranberry sauce perfectly.
• Vegan Pastry Bites: Swap crescent dough with vegan puff pastry and use dairy-free cheese alternative for a plant-based version.
• Gluten-Free Mini Appetizers: Use gluten-free crescent roll dough or almond flour pastry to create a celiac-friendly option.
• Apple Chutney Alternative: Substitute cranberry sauce with spiced apple chutney for a different sweet and savory combination that brings warmth to the appetizer.

Serving Cranberry Brie Bites at Gatherings

• Party Platter Paradise: Arrange these delightful bites on a festive wooden board with scattered fresh rosemary sprigs for an elegant holiday appetizer presentation.
• Cocktail Hour Star: Pair these cranberry brie bites with sparkling wine or a crisp white wine to elevate your gathering's sophistication and flavor profile.
• Game Day Crowd-Pleaser: Serve these warm, bite-sized treats during sports events or movie nights as a crowd-pleasing finger food that's easy to grab and enjoy.
• Wine Tasting Companion: Create a perfect charcuterie-style spread by adding these bites alongside cured meats, nuts, and additional soft cheeses for a complete tasting experience.

How to Store Brie Bites Until Ready

• Store leftover cranberry brie bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Wrap individual bites in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 1 month. Label with the date to track freshness.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Arrange bites on a baking sheet and warm for 5-7 minutes until crispy and heated through. This method restores the original crunchiness.
• Warm for 15-20 seconds on a microwave-safe plate. While quick, this method may soften the pastry slightly, so use sparingly.

Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe

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4.6 from 15 reviews

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

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Description

Cranberry brie bites elevate holiday appetizers with elegant simplicity. Festive pastry cups nestle creamy brie and tangy cranberry compote, offering guests a delightful one-bite sensation you’ll love serving.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

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

Garnish and Preparation:

• All-purpose flour, for dusting
• Fresh rosemary sprigs

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and thoroughly coat a mini muffin tin with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Dust a clean work surface with a light layer of flour, then carefully unroll the crescent dough sheet. If using individual crescent rolls, meticulously press the perforated seams together to create a seamless pastry surface.
3. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, precisely divide the dough into 24 uniform squares, ensuring consistent sizing for even baking.
4. Gently nestle each dough square into the prepared muffin tin compartments, pressing lightly to create a small cup-like shape.
5. Slice the brie into small, bite-sized pieces and delicately place one piece at the bottom of each dough-lined cavity.
6. Spoon a generous dollop of cranberry sauce over the brie, allowing it to slightly cover the cheese.
7. Garnish each bite with a tiny, fragrant sprig of fresh rosemary for an aromatic touch.
8. Transfer the muffin tin to the preheated oven and bake for approximately 15 minutes, watching for a golden-brown, crispy pastry exterior.
9. Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 2-3 minutes before carefully transferring to a serving platter.
10. Serve immediately while warm and the cheese is still delicately melted.

Notes

• Experiment with different cheese varieties like goat cheese or camembert for unique flavor profiles.
• Prepare filling ahead of time to streamline assembly and reduce day-of cooking stress.
• Consider using gluten-free crescent roll dough to accommodate dietary restrictions and make the recipe celiac-friendly.
• Swap fresh rosemary with thyme or sage for alternative herbal notes that complement the cranberry and cheese combination.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 250mg
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 25mg