If you’re in search of a quick, crowd-pleasing appetizer that looks as elegant as it tastes, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe. Seriously, these little bites are insanely delicious, combining creamy brie, tangy cranberry sauce, and flaky crescent dough into perfect party morsels. Every time I bring these out, my family and friends go crazy, and honestly, they never believe how simple they are to whip up. Stick around—I’m sharing all the tricks to make these your next go-to appetizer.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Simple Ingredients: You probably already have most of what you need, and the combo is effortless yet impressive.
- Perfect Party Pleasers: These bite-sized treats are easy to pick up and perfect for mingling crowds.
- Burst of Flavor: The creamy brie paired with bright cranberry and fragrant rosemary hits all the right notes.
- Great Make-Ahead Option: You can prep and pop them in the oven right before guests arrive for that fresh-baked aroma.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe is in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a starring role—flaky dough forms the base, creamy brie adds richness, whole cranberry sauce delivers a sweet-tart punch, and fresh rosemary lifts everything with a subtle herbal note. When shopping, look for good-quality cranberry sauce with whole berries; it makes a big difference!
- All-purpose flour: Just a little for dusting so the dough doesn’t stick; it helps when rolling and cutting the crescent sheet.
- Crescent dough sheet or crescent rolls: Using the sheet saves time, but with a few pinches you can transform rolls into one seamless dough to cut.
- Brie cheese: Choose a decent-sized wheel for that creamy, melty center—remove the rind if you want, or leave it on depending on your preference.
- Whole berry cranberry sauce: Not the jellied kind! Those whole berries give texture and a lovely zing.
- Fresh rosemary sprig: Adds a pop of fragrance; you’ll need just small pieces from the sprig.
Variations
I love how flexible this Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe is—you can easily make it your own! I’ve played around with different cheeses and herbs to suit seasons and tastes, and honestly, tinkering a bit keeps it exciting every time I serve it.
- Cheese Swap: Sometimes I use Camembert or even goat cheese instead of brie for a tangier bite—both work beautifully.
- Herb Alternatives: Fresh thyme or sage can replace rosemary if you want a different aromatic twist.
- Sweet Twist: Adding a small drizzle of honey over the cranberry sauce before baking adds a lovely depth and beautiful glaze.
- Make It Vegan: Use a plant-based crescent dough and a vegan cheese alternative, plus a homemade cranberry sauce if needed.
How to Make Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Tin and Dough
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray a 24-count mini muffin tin with cooking spray to keep your bites from sticking. Then sprinkle some all-purpose flour onto your counter or cutting board to keep the dough from sticking when you roll it out. If you’re using crescent rolls instead of a sheet, pinch them firmly at the seams to create one large sheet that you can cut evenly.
Step 2: Cut and Place the Dough
Roll out the 8-ounce crescent dough sheet on the floured surface, then slice it into 24 equal squares—try to keep them uniform so they bake evenly. Gently press each square into the mini muffin tin cups, creating little nests ready to hold all the good stuff. This is where you want to be a bit gentle; too much pressing can make them thin and crispy instead of fluffy.
Step 3: Add Brie and Cranberry
Cut your 8-ounce wheel of brie into small chunks—about the size of a large blueberry. Drop one piece into each dough cup. Be careful not to overfill because the cheese will melt and spread. Then spoon a generous dollop of the whole berry cranberry sauce right on top of the brie. The juicy berries add that sweet zing that pairs so beautifully with the creamy cheese.
Step 4: Finish with Rosemary and Bake
Pluck small sprigs or leaves off your fresh rosemary and place one piece atop each bite—this herbal note is what really elevates the flavor. Bake in your preheated oven for about 15 minutes until the crescent dough puffs up and turns a light golden brown. Keep an eye on them near the end so they don’t overbake and dry out. Serve these warm for the best melty, luscious experience.
Pro Tips for Making Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe
- Pinching Crescent Dough: When using crescent rolls, make sure seams are pinched tight to prevent leaks during baking.
- Don’t Overfill: Too much brie or cranberry can overflow and make a mess; a little less is more when it melts.
- Use Whole Berry Cranberry Sauce: This gives great texture and bursts of flavor—jellied won’t have the same impact.
- Watch the Baking Time: These bake fast! Pull them out as soon as the dough turns golden to keep them tender and soft.
How to Serve Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe
Garnishes
I usually stick with a tiny rosemary leaf or a light dusting of freshly cracked black pepper on top to keep things simple and fresh. Sometimes a small drizzle of honey or balsamic glaze adds a decadent touch that my guests gobble up. It’s all about what vibe you want to set—fresh, sweet, or savory.
Side Dishes
These bites pair wonderfully with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette or a light vegetable platter. For a heartier spread, I like serving them alongside roasted nuts, olives, and an assortment of cheeses—turning your appetizers into a full grazing table.
Creative Ways to Present
One of my favorite tricks for holiday get-togethers is arranging these Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe on a large slate board with clusters of fresh cranberries and rosemary sprigs scattered around. It creates a stunning visual centerpiece with a festive feel. Or for casual parties, serve them warm right out of the muffin tin for a cozy vibe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (which honestly rarely happens), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep beautifully for up to 2 days. I recommend reheating gently so the brie doesn’t dry out.
Freezing
I’ve successfully frozen these before baking—after assembling the bites, pop the muffin tin in the freezer until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. It’s super handy for planning ahead!
Reheating
To warm up stored bites, I use a low oven (around 300°F) for about 5-7 minutes just until heated through. Microwaving can make the dough a bit soggy, so the oven method preserves that lovely flaky texture.
FAQs
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Can I make Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the bites and keep them in the fridge for a few hours before baking, or freeze them before baking for longer storage. Just increase baking time slightly if baking from frozen.
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Do I need to remove the rind from the brie?
Not necessarily—many people enjoy the rind for its texture and flavor, and it melts nicely. But if you or your guests prefer a milder taste, you can remove it before cutting the cheese.
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Can I use homemade cranberry sauce?
Definitely! Homemade cranberry sauce with whole berries works beautifully and offers a fresh, natural taste. Just be sure it’s thick enough to hold its shape on the bites.
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What if I don’t have mini muffin tins?
You can bake these on a parchment-lined baking sheet, shaping the dough squares into little cups with your fingers. The muffin tin helps keep shape uniform, but it’s not mandatory.
Final Thoughts
This Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe has truly become a staple in my kitchen whenever I want to impress without stressing. They strike the perfect balance between elegant and easy, making your life simpler while delighting your guests. Try them out next time you need a stellar appetizer—you’ll love how these warm, cheesy, sweet-tart bites bring people together. Trust me, once you make and share these, they’ll keep popping up on your recipe rotation just like mine do!
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Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 bites
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Cranberry Brie Bites are a delightful and easy-to-make appetizer perfect for holiday parties or any gathering. Featuring buttery crescent dough filled with creamy brie cheese, topped with whole berry cranberry sauce and a fresh rosemary sprig, these bite-sized treats offer a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and aromatic flavors.
Ingredients
Dough
- All-purpose flour (for dusting the dough and cutting board), as needed
- 8 ounces crescent dough sheet (or crescent rolls, seams pinched together)
Filling
- 8 ounces wheel of brie cheese, cut into small pieces
- 1 cup whole berry cranberry sauce (not jellied)
- Fresh rosemary sprigs (about 2 sprigs, cut into small pieces)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and spray a 24-count mini muffin tin with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Dough: Lightly dust your counter or cutting board with all-purpose flour. Roll out the 8-ounce crescent dough sheet. If using crescent rolls, pinch the seams together to form one long sheet.
- Cut Dough into Squares: Cut the dough evenly into 24 equal-sized squares to fit into the mini muffin tin slots.
- Fill Baking Tin: Place each dough square into the mini muffin tin slots, gently pressing to form a little cup.
- Add Brie Cheese: Cut the wheel of brie into small pieces and place one piece inside each dough square in the muffin tin.
- Top with Cranberry Sauce and Rosemary: Spoon a generous amount of whole berry cranberry sauce over each piece of brie. Add a small piece of fresh rosemary sprig on top of each bite for an aromatic touch.
- Bake: Bake the bites in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until the crescent dough is lightly golden brown.
- Serve Warm: Remove from the oven and serve the cranberry brie bites warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Cranberry Brie Bites are a super easy yet elegant appetizer, perfect for holiday parties or casual get-togethers.
- Using whole berry cranberry sauce provides a nice texture contrast compared to jellied cranberry sauce.
- You can substitute fresh rosemary with other fresh herbs like thyme if desired.
- Be sure not to overfill the dough squares to avoid spillage during baking.
- These bites are best served warm but can be enjoyed at room temperature as well.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bite
- Calories: 82 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 137 mg
- Fat: 4 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 9 mg
