Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe

If you’re looking for an easy, elegant appetizer that’s bursting with flavor, you’re going to adore this Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe. It’s one of those recipes I keep coming back to during the holidays or anytime I want a little bite of something special. The combination of creamy brie, tangy cranberry sauce, and flaky crescent dough wrapped into these tiny parcels is seriously fan-freaking-tastic — and they’re super simple to make, too. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll be a go-to for your next gathering.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe really lies in its simple but complementary ingredients. Each item plays a key role — and the great news is, you probably have most of them in your pantry or fridge already.

• Crescent dough: This forms the flaky, buttery shell and makes prep so quick — just unroll, cut, and fill.
• Cooking spray: Keeps your mini muffin tin greased so those bites pop out cleanly and keep their shape.
• All-purpose flour: A lightly floured surface helps prevent sticking when rolling out the dough.
• Brie cheese: The star of the show! I recommend a creamy, mild brie that melts beautifully.
• Whole berry cranberry sauce: Adds that sweet-tart zing and a lovely texture; homemade or store-bought works just fine.
• Chopped roasted unsalted pecans: For a toasty crunch that contrasts with the creaminess of the brie.
• Fresh rosemary sprigs: Just a little bite-sized piece adds a wonderful aromatic touch and makes these look gourmet.

Variations

I love how customizable this Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe is. I’ve played around with different nuts, herbs, and even sauces to keep things fresh and interesting. Feel free to make it your own!

• Nut swap: If pecans aren’t your thing, walnuts or sliced almonds work wonderfully. My sister prefers walnuts for a slightly earthier crunch.
• Herb twist: Instead of rosemary, try thyme or sage for a different herbal note—I’ve found thyme pairs beautifully with brie.
• Cranberry sauce alternatives: For a twist, experiment with fig jam or apricot preserves to put a unique spin on the sweet element.
• Veggie option: Add a tiny sliver of roasted red pepper or caramelized onion for extra flavor—I did this once and it was a hit!

How to Make Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Shape Your Dough

First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F and grease your mini muffin tin with cooking spray. I always like to lightly flour my counter before rolling out the crescent dough — this helps you avoid sticking when you’re pinching the seams together. Roll it out flat and then cut into 24 small squares, just the right size to fit into each mini muffin cup. The trick here is to gently press each square into the tin so it forms a little cup without tearing.

Step 2: Fill with Brie and Toppings

Now comes my favorite part. Cut the wheel of brie into small, bite-sized pieces — I aim for about a teaspoon-sized chunk per dough cup. Place one piece in each dough cup. Then spoon a dollop of whole berry cranberry sauce right on top, letting the sweet and tart flavors shine through. Sprinkle some chopped roasted pecans for that lovely crunch, and finish each bite with a tiny sprig of fresh rosemary. I love how that little sprig makes the bites look polished and adds a subtle fragrance as they bake.

Step 3: Bake Until Golden and Melty

Bake your cranberry brie bites for about 15 minutes or until the pastry turns a beautiful golden brown. You’ll know they’re ready when the crescent dough is puffed, crispy on the edges, and the brie is melted inside. I learned early on not to overbake because you want that lovely gooey cheese and just a slight crisp around the pastry.

How to Serve Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe

Garnishes

I typically serve these with an extra sprinkle of chopped pecans or a tiny fresh rosemary leaf on top for presentation. Sometimes, I add a dusting of powdered sugar around the platter to give it a festive look that contrasts with the savory bites.

Side Dishes

Pair these bites with simple sides like a mixed greens salad dressed in vinaigrette or a bowl of your favorite roasted nuts. If it’s holiday season, my go-to is a glass of red wine alongside—makes everything feel instantly more special.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties, I like to place the cranberry brie bites on a wooden cheese board with scattered cranberries and small clusters of fresh rosemary sprigs. It looks festive without being fussy. For a more casual event, serving them warm in a colorful ceramic dish works perfectly.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (and I won’t blame you if you don’t), I store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They stay surprisingly good for up to two days. Just make sure to cool them completely before storing so they don’t get soggy.

Freezing

I’ve frozen these once or twice by assembling but not baking them first. Wrap the tin or transfer bites to a freezer-safe container, then bake straight from frozen adding a couple extra minutes to the cooking time. This is a lifesaver if you want to prep ahead for a party.

Reheating

To reheat cranberry brie bites, I pop them in a 350°F oven for about 8-10 minutes until warmed through and the pastry crisps back up. Avoid microwaving if possible, or they tend to get soggy and lose that lovely flaky texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe holds a special place in my heart — it’s saved me countless times when I needed a recipe that feels fancy but doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. I remember making them for my family’s holiday gathering the very first time, and everyone was blown away by how something so simple could taste so indulgent. If you’re on the fence about trying it, just go for it! I’m confident these bites will become one of your favorite appetizer staples just like they are for me. Enjoy every melty, tangy, crunchy bite!

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