There’s something magically simple yet impressive about these little bites of yum. The combination of gooey brie, sweet-tart cranberry sauce, and golden crescent dough creates a perfect party bite that’s also wonderfully cozy. That’s why I call this my go-to Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe whenever I want to wow guests with minimal effort.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
This Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe is one of those kitchen wins that’s quick, elegant, and totally crowd-pleasing. Every time I bring these to a gathering, folks ask for the recipe, and honestly, it’s just as delightful to whip up for quiet nights at home.
- Simple ingredients: You probably already have most of what you need in your fridge or pantry.
- Quick assembly: From start to finish, you’re looking at less than 30 minutes, perfect for last-minute plans.
- Balanced flavor: The creamy brie with tangy cranberry sauce strikes that perfect sweet-and-savory note every time.
- Versatile for any occasion: These are just as great for holiday parties as they are for an easy appetizer any day of the week.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient plays its part perfectly in this Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe. From flaky crescent dough to creamy brie and vibrant homemade cranberry sauce, everything blends for a bite that’s more than the sum of its parts. Here’s a quick peek at what you’ll need and why it works so well.
- Crescent rolls: Their buttery, flaky layers act as the perfect vessel for the creamy, melty filling.
- Brie cheese: This cheese melts beautifully and adds a rich, smooth texture that is a little indulgent without overwhelming.
- Homemade cranberry sauce: I love the freshness and gentle tartness it brings—store-bought works too, but fresh makes it extra special.
Make It Your Way
I love playing around with the toppings on these cranberry brie bites. They’re so flexible, you can easily customize them based on what you have or the vibe you want—sweet, nutty, or even a little spicy. Don’t be shy to make them yours!
- Variation: I often sprinkle a few chopped pecans on top before baking for a delightful crunch that contrasts the creamy cheese perfectly.
- Dietary tweaks: For a gluten-free option, try using a gluten-free crescent dough or mini tart shells instead of traditional rolls.
- Seasonal twist: Swap cranberry sauce for fig jam or a spiced apple compote during different holidays to keep things exciting.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dough
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. While it heats, gently unroll the crescent dough and press the seams together to prevent gaps. Cutting the dough into 18 rectangles helps these bite-sized treats come out perfectly uniform. Don’t worry if the dough doesn’t completely line the muffin cups—it just makes for a rustic, hand-held feel.
Step 2: Add the Brie and Cranberry Sauce
Cut the brie into 18 small pieces—think about the size fitting nicely inside each dough cup without overflowing. Place a piece into each dough-lined muffin cup, then top it with about a teaspoon of your homemade cranberry sauce. The tip here: make sure the cranberry sauce isn’t too watery or it can make the dough soggy.
Step 3: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pop the tray in the oven for 10-12 minutes. When the dough turns a beautiful golden brown and you see the cheese and cranberry sauce bubbling, you’re good to go. It’s tempting to leave them longer, but don’t—melty brie is best enjoyed warm and gooey!
Step 4: Serve While Warm
Quickly remove the bites from the muffin tin to avoid soggy bottoms and serve them warm. This recipe is all about that melty, cheesy, tart flavor combo right out of the oven.
Top Tip
Through making this Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe multiple times, I’ve learned a few little tricks that really make the difference between good and great.
- Use room temperature brie: It melts more evenly and quicker when not straight from the fridge.
- Don’t overload the cranberry sauce: Too much moisture can make the dough soggy, so stick to about a teaspoon per bite.
- Press seams gently: Fusion of the dough helps keep the bites intact but avoid pressing too hard to maintain the flaky texture.
- Serve immediately: These are best enjoyed warm for that perfect gooey texture—don’t wait too long before eating!
How to Serve Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe
Garnishes
I like to finish my cranberry brie bites with a tiny sprig of fresh thyme or a small drizzle of honey if I’m feeling fancy. Both add an herbal or sweet note that balances the cheese and berries beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pair these bites with a crisp green salad for a light contrast, or serve alongside pear and nut boards during festive get-togethers. They also go surprisingly well with a glass of chilled white wine or bubbly.
Creative Ways to Present
For holiday parties, I’ve arranged cranberry brie bites on a festive platter lined with fresh holly or rosemary sprigs. Mini wooden forks or pretty toothpicks make grabbing them easy while adding a touch of charm. Serving them warm in a mini muffin tin right on the table also adds a cozy, inviting feel.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover cranberry brie bites (not super likely), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. I recommend eating them within 2 days for best texture and flavor, although they may soften slightly.
Freezing
Freezing works if you want to prep ahead! Before baking, freeze the assembled bites on a tray until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container. When ready to enjoy, bake straight from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
To reheat, I pop them in a 350°F oven for about 5-7 minutes. This crisps the pastry back up and warms the cheese nicely without overcooking. Microwave reheating works if you’re in a pinch but can make the dough soggier.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Yes! While I love homemade cranberry sauce for its freshness and texture, store-bought cranberry sauce works just fine and saves time.
Cut the brie into small, even cubes roughly the size of a teaspoon. This ensures each bite has a gooey center without overflowing during baking.
Absolutely! You can assemble them in advance and freeze before baking. Bake from frozen when you’re ready to serve, adding a few extra minutes of cooking time.
A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a sparkling wine complements the creamy brie and tart cranberry perfectly, balancing flavors without overpowering.
Final Thoughts
This Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen—not just because it’s easy and delicious but because it always brings people together around the table. If you’re after a cozy yet elegant appetizer or a snack that’s a little fancy without fuss, give these a try. Trust me, once you make them, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again.
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Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 18 bites
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cranberry Brie Bites are a simple and elegant appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings or a cozy date night. With flaky crescent roll dough, creamy brie cheese, and sweet homemade cranberry sauce, these bite-sized treats deliver a delightful mix of flavors and textures. Ready in just 22 minutes, they’re easy to prepare and sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients
Dough
- 1 tube crescent rolls (8 ounces)
Filling
- 4 oz brie cheese
- ⅓ cup homemade cranberry sauce
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it is ready for baking the bites.
- Prepare Dough: Unroll the crescent rolls and gently press the seams together to form a single sheet. Cut the dough into 18 rectangular pieces sized to fit mini muffin cups.
- Assemble Bites: Place each dough rectangle into a cup of a mini muffin tin. Do not worry if the dough does not go all the way up the sides of the cups. Cut the brie cheese into 18 small pieces and place one piece onto each dough-lined cup. Top each with about a teaspoon of homemade cranberry sauce.
- Bake: Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for 12 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and the brie and cranberry sauce are bubbly.
- Serve: Carefully remove the cranberry brie bites from the muffin tin immediately after baking to prevent sticking. Serve warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use homemade cranberry sauce for the freshest flavor, but store-bought can be substituted in a pinch.
- Make sure to cut the brie rind off if you prefer a milder taste; however, the rind is edible and adds flavor.
- If you don’t have a mini muffin tin, small regular muffin tins can be used but will yield fewer larger bites.
- The bites are best served warm; reheat briefly in the oven if serving later.
- These bites are versatile and can be customized with additional toppings like chopped nuts or fresh herbs.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bite
- Calories: 73 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 138 mg
- Fat: 4 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Fiber: 0.1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 6 mg
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