If you’re looking for an easy yet show-stopping appetizer, look no further than this Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe. Crispy, buttery crescent dough cradles melty, creamy Brie paired perfectly with sweet-tart cranberry sauce and a hint of fresh rosemary — it’s the kind of bite that gets everyone smiling from the first taste!
Why You Should Make This Recipe
Perfect balance of flavors: The salty richness of Brie with bright cranberry sauce creates an irresistible sweet-savory combo.
Super quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s an ideal last-minute crowd-pleaser.
Impressive yet simple presentation: These bite-sized treats look like you spent hours in the kitchen but are so simple to assemble.
Versatile for any occasion: Great for holiday gatherings, parties, or just a cozy night in with friends and family.
Ingredients & Substitutions
This Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe only calls for a handful of ingredients, but every single one plays a crucial role. The crescent dough gives that flaky, buttery base, Brie adds creamy decadence, cranberry sauce brings a burst of fruity sweetness, and rosemary adds just a subtle herbal note to round it out.
- All-purpose flour: Lightly dusting the dough and board helps you roll and cut the dough without sticking.
- Crescent roll dough: This provides the golden, flaky shell; you can use store-bought for easy prep.
- Brie cheese: Soft and creamy, it melts beautifully inside each bite—choose a wheel or wedge of good-quality Brie.
- Whole berry cranberry sauce: Adds a lovely sweet-tart punch with texture; avoid the jellied kind for maximum flavor complexity.
- Fresh rosemary sprigs: Just a small sprig on each bite lends an inviting piney aroma and a dash of color.
How to Make Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe
Step 1: Prepare your workspace and dough
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and greasing your mini muffin tin with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Lightly dust your countertop with flour—this will help when rolling out your crescent dough and cutting it into squares. Pinch the crescent roll seams together gently so the dough forms one smooth sheet, then cut it into 24 equal squares that will fit neatly into each muffin slot.
Step 2: Fill with Brie and cranberry sauce
Take your wheel of Brie and cut it into small pieces that fit snugly inside the dough squares. Place one piece in each square, topping it with a generous spoonful of whole berry cranberry sauce – this is where that wonderful sweet-tart flavor shines. Add a tiny fresh rosemary sprig on top of each for that burst of herbal aroma.
Step 3: Bake to golden perfection
Pop your filled muffin tin into the oven and bake for about 15 minutes or until the crescent dough is a beautiful light golden brown and the Brie inside is meltingly soft. Remove from the oven and let them cool just slightly—you want these to be enjoyed warm but not burn-your-mouth hot!
How to Serve Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe
Garnishes
A little fresh rosemary isn’t just for baking—it also makes a lovely garnish, adding color and fragrance. You could also sprinkle some finely chopped toasted pecans or a drizzle of honey for extra flavor and sophistication when serving.
Side Dishes
These bites pair wonderfully with light, crisp salads such as arugula with lemon vinaigrette or a simple mixed greens salad. For a heartier spread, include a charcuterie board with cured meats and nuts that complement the creamy and fruity notes of the Cranberry Brie Bites.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these bites on a rustic wooden board lined with parchment for a cozy vibe, or arrange them in a circular pastry plate to create a festive wreath shape—perfect for holiday entertaining! You can also place small toothpicks or festive picks in each bite for easy grab-and-go snacking.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled completely, store any leftover Cranberry Brie Bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps them fresh so you can enjoy these delicious treats again without drying out the dough or compromising the cheese.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked bites assembled in the mini muffin tin on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, no need to thaw; just add a couple minutes to the baking time and enjoy fresh from the oven.
Reheating
To reheat, place the bites on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven for about 5-7 minutes until heated through and the dough crisps back up nicely. Avoid the microwave if possible to maintain that perfect flaky texture.
FAQs
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Can I use a different type of cheese instead of Brie?
Absolutely! While Brie’s creamy texture works beautifully, you could substitute with Camembert or even a mild goat cheese for a tangier twist. Just be sure it melts well and complements the cranberry flavor.
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Is it okay to use frozen crescent dough?
Yes! Frozen crescent dough works perfectly; just thaw it according to package directions before rolling and cutting. It saves time and makes this recipe even more approachable.
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Can I make these ahead of time for a party?
You can assemble the bites ahead and refrigerate them for a few hours before baking. Alternatively, freeze them pre-baked and reheat just before serving for fresh-out-of-the-oven appeal.
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What if I don’t have fresh rosemary?
Fresh rosemary adds lovely aroma, but if you don’t have any on hand, a tiny pinch of dried rosemary or even a sprinkle of thyme can create a nice herbal note to balance the flavors.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe a try—it’s one of those magical little dishes that’s surprisingly simple yet endlessly impressive. Perfect for when you want to impress without the stress, these bites will quickly become a favorite at your gatherings and cozy nights in alike. Happy baking and even happier snacking!
Print
Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 bites 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cranberry Brie Bites are a delicious and elegant appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings or any special occasion. Made with buttery crescent dough filled with creamy brie cheese, topped with sweet whole berry cranberry sauce, and garnished with fresh rosemary, these bite-sized treats are easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Dough
- All-purpose flour, for dusting the dough and cutting board
- 8 ounces crescent dough (1 tube)
Filling & Topping
- 8 ounces brie cheese (1 wheel)
- 1 cup whole berry cranberry sauce (not jellied)
- Fresh rosemary sprigs
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray a mini muffin tin with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Roll and Cut Dough: Sprinkle a small amount of all-purpose flour on your counter and rolling surface. Unroll the crescent dough and pinch the seams together to form a single sheet. Roll out the dough slightly to smooth it. Cut the dough into 24 equal-sized squares to fit into the muffin tin slots.
- Assemble Bites: Place each dough square into a slot of the prepared mini muffin tin. Cut the brie cheese into small pieces and place one piece inside each dough square. Top each with a generous spoonful of whole berry cranberry sauce and finish by placing a small sprig of fresh rosemary on top.
- Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake until the crescent dough is a light golden brown, about 15 minutes.
- Serve Warm: Once baked, remove the bites from the oven and allow them to cool just slightly. Serve these cranberry brie bites warm to enjoy the melty cheese and flavorful topping at their best.
Notes
- Make sure to pinch seams of crescent dough well to prevent leakage of cheese while baking.
- Use whole berry cranberry sauce for the best texture and flavor; avoid jelly-style sauce.
- These bites can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving.
- For a vegetarian option, check that your crescent dough and cranberry sauce do not contain animal-derived ingredients.
