Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe

If you’re looking for a festive appetizer that’s quick, classy, and downright delicious, then you’re going to love this Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe. These little parcels of flaky crescent dough, creamy brie, and tangy cranberry sauce topped with fresh rosemary are nothing short of magic. I first made these for a holiday gathering and honestly, they disappeared before I had a chance to take a proper bite. Keep reading because I’m sharing everything you need to nail this recipe every time, along with some tips I’ve picked up along the way.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together beautifully to create a perfect balance of flaky, creamy, sweet, and herbaceous flavors. When shopping, aim for good quality brie and a cranberry sauce that isn’t jellied – the texture makes a big difference here.

• All-purpose flour: Just a little to dust your board – keeps the dough from sticking like a charm.
• Crescent dough sheet or crescent rolls: I prefer the sheet if you can get it because it’s easier to cut evenly.
• Brie cheese: Choose a creamy wheel; the rind is edible and adds flavor, but you can trim it if you prefer.
• Whole berry cranberry sauce: Not jellied – it adds a lovely texture contrast and bursts of tartness.
• Fresh rosemary sprig: Adds a piney, fragrant note that elevates the whole bite.

Variations

I love mixing it up with this recipe depending on the occasion or what I have on hand. Feel free to tweak it to suit your tastes—it’s ridiculously forgiving.

• Swap the herbs: I once used thyme instead of rosemary, and it was just as delightful – more savory and earthy.
• Use different cheese: If you want a stronger flavor, try Camembert or a mild goat cheese for a twist.
• Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free crescent dough to keep everyone happy, though texture might be a bit different.
• Add nuts: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top after baking for a crunchy finish my family goes crazy for.

How to Make Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Work Station

First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F and grease your mini muffin tin with cooking spray. This step keeps the bites from sticking and ensures easy removal later. Then dust your counter or cutting board lightly with the all-purpose flour—this helps when rolling out the dough and keeps it from sticking to your surface.

Step 2: Roll and Cut the Crescent Dough

If you’re using crescent rolls instead of a sheet, pinch all the seams together to create one solid dough sheet. Roll it out gently to smooth any creases, then cut into 24 equal squares. I use a pizza cutter for quick and clean cuts. This ensures each bite is uniform and fits perfectly in the muffin tin slots.

Step 3: Assemble the Bites

Place each dough square into the muffin tin, pressing gently to form little cups. Then cut your brie wheel into small chunks, roughly the size of a teaspoon, and pop one piece into each dough cup. Top with a generous spoonful of whole berry cranberry sauce—not only does this add flavor, but it also keeps each bite juicy and visually appealing.

Finally, add a small piece of fresh rosemary on top of each bite. This is my secret weapon for bringing an amazing fragrance and subtle woodsy flavor that perfectly complements the cheese and cranberry.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake the bites in your preheated oven for about 15 minutes or until the crescent dough is a lovely light golden brown. Keep an eye on them around the 12-minute mark so they don’t over-bake—the cheese should get melty but not runny, and your dough should be flaky and crisp. Then serve warm, because that’s when they taste best.

How to Serve Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe

Garnishes

I like to add a little extra fresh rosemary sprig right before serving for that final aromatic touch. If you want to get fancy, a tiny drizzle of balsamic reduction over each bite adds a beautiful sweet-tart glaze that pairs perfectly with the cranberry and cheese.

Side Dishes

These bites shine on their own but go wonderfully with a simple green salad or a charcuterie board for a well-rounded snack spread. I’ve also served them alongside homemade butternut squash soup for guests, and it was a hit!

Creative Ways to Present

When I’m entertaining, I sometimes place these cranberry brie bites on a rustic wooden board with sprigs of fresh rosemary tucked around for a festive vibe. Another fun idea is serving them in mini cupcake liners to make cleanup easier and add a pop of color.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When I do, I make sure the bites have cooled completely before sealing to maintain that lovely flaky texture.

Freezing

Freezing is possible, though I’ve found the texture is best when fresh. If you want to freeze, assemble the bites but do not bake. Freeze them on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a container. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

To reheat, pop the cranberry brie bites into a 350°F oven for about 5-7 minutes until warm but not overcooked. Avoid microwaving as it can make the dough soggy.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how these Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe come together effortlessly but taste so sophisticated. Whenever I bring these to a get-together, they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and I always get questions about the recipe. They’re perfect for holiday parties, casual gatherings, or anytime you want a bite that feels special without the fuss. Give this recipe a try—you’ll find it’s as fun to make as it is to eat, and your guests will think you spent hours in the kitchen!

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