Name: Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tube crescent rolls (8 ounces); 4 oz brie cheese; ⅓ cup homemade cranberry sauce

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.

The image shows several small puff pastry cups with a golden brown color, each filled with a shiny, deep red cranberry sauce that looks thick and glossy. The pastries are topped with small green herb leaves that add a fresh contrast. Around the pastries, there are sugared whole cranberries that have a frosted look, placed on a white marbled surface. In the background, there is a wedge of soft white cheese with a smooth texture and a small white bowl filled with more cranberry sauce. The scene is bright and inviting with a focus on texture and color contrast between the golden pastries, red filling, green herbs, and white cheese. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe

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.

A small round tart is held by a woman's hand, showing three layers: a thick, golden-brown crust on the bottom and sides, a glossy deep red cherry filling at the center with visible whole cherries or large pieces, and the crust edges gently folded over slightly onto the fruit. The texture of the crust looks soft but firm, and the cherry filling is shiny and thick, slightly oozing onto the crust. The background has a white marbled texture blurred out to keep focus on the tart. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

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.

Flat lay of a sheet of pale beige crescent roll dough gently unrolled on a simple white ceramic plate, a wedge of creamy white brie cheese with bloomy rind on a plain white ceramic dish, a small white bowl filled with glossy, deep red homemade cranberry sauce with visible whole cranberries, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

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.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

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

cranberry brie bites - Serving Suggestion

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:

Can I use store-bought cranberry sauce?

Yes! While I love homemade cranberry sauce for its freshness and texture, store-bought cranberry sauce works just fine and saves time.

What’s the best way to cut the brie for these bites?

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.

Can I make these ahead of time?

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.

What wine pairs well with cranberry brie bites?

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.