Crescent dough, creamy brie, cranberry sauce, pecans, and rosemary come together to create the perfect holiday appetizer: Cranberry Brie Bites!
Let me tell you a little secret: I don’t love cooking for big groups. It’s not that I don’t enjoy feeding people—it’s just that the stress of timing everything perfectly? Not my thing. So, when I find a recipe that makes me look like I spent hours in the kitchen (spoiler: I didn’t), it goes straight into my hall-of-fame collection. That’s how these Cranberry Brie Bites came to be my ride-or-die holiday appetizer.
The first time I made them, I was hosting a holiday dinner for some friends. You know how it goes—everyone is dressed up, the music is festive, and you’re low-key panicking about whether the food will be good. I needed an appetizer that was quick but impressive. I had a wheel of brie and a can of cranberry sauce (leftovers from Thanksgiving), so I winged it. And you know what? They were such a hit. People were actually standing near the table, just waiting for me to set down the plate.
Now, these little bites are my go-to for everything: holiday parties, book clubs, even that one time I needed a last-minute potluck dish. They’re easy, foolproof, and always make me look like I have my life together (even when I don’t).
Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe?
- They’re Fancy Without the Fuss: You’ll get all the “wow” without any of the stress. Honestly, these are as easy as popping open a can of cranberry sauce (because that’s literally step one).
- Perfect Bite-Sized Balance: Each one has a flaky crust, melty brie, sweet-tart cranberry sauce, and a little crunch from the pecans. They’re like tiny flavor bombs.
- Adaptable to What You Have: No brie? Use goat cheese. Out of cranberry sauce? Raspberry jam works too. These bites are all about making do with what you’ve got.
- They Disappear Fast: Seriously, I’ve never had leftovers. You might want to make two batches if you’re feeding a crowd.
Ingredient Notes:
Each ingredient in these Cranberry Brie Bites plays a role in creating that perfect balance of flavor and texture. Let’s break it down:
- Crescent Dough: The buttery, flaky base of these bites. It’s store-bought (because who has time to make pastry from scratch?), but no one will know.
- Brie Cheese: Brie is creamy and slightly tangy, which makes it the perfect contrast to the cranberry sauce. Don’t worry about the rind—it melts into the cheese and adds extra flavor.
- Cranberry Sauce: Whole berry cranberry sauce is my go-to for these bites. It’s tart, a little sweet, and makes everything feel festive. If you’ve got homemade, even better!
- Pecans: Toasted pecans add crunch and a nutty depth that balances out the softness of the brie. Don’t skip these unless you’re allergic (in which case, sunflower seeds work as a crunchy alternative).
- Rosemary: A tiny sprig on top is all you need to make these look fancy. Plus, it adds a hint of earthiness that ties everything together.
How To Make Cranberry Brie Bites?
Making these Cranberry Brie Bites is ridiculously simple, but I’ll walk you through it just to be safe.
- Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F. While it’s heating up, spray your mini muffin tin with cooking spray. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this step—melted cheese loves to stick. - Prep the Crescent Dough
Unroll the crescent dough on a lightly floured surface. Pinch together any seams so it’s one smooth sheet. Then cut it into 24 squares. Don’t stress about perfect squares; rustic is in, remember? Press each square into the muffin tin to form little cups. - Slice the Brie
Cut your brie into small pieces that’ll fit inside the dough cups. Don’t overthink it—just eyeball it. I like to leave the rind on, but if you’re not into that, go ahead and trim it off. - Assemble the Bites
Here’s the fun part. Place a piece of brie into each dough cup, followed by a dollop of cranberry sauce. Sprinkle a few chopped pecans on top, and finish with a tiny sprig of rosemary. They’ll already look like little works of art. - Bake Until Golden
Bake the bites for about 15 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and the brie is bubbly. Keep an eye on them—nobody wants burnt appetizers. - Serve and Enjoy
Let them cool for a couple of minutes before serving (because molten cheese is no joke). Then sit back and enjoy the compliments—you earned them.
Storage Options:
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (which, let’s be honest, is unlikely):
Want To Save This Recipe?
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes to crisp them back up.
- Freeze: Assemble the bites but don’t bake them. Freeze them on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, pop them straight into the oven and add a few extra minutes to the cook time.
Variations and Substitutions:
These bites are super flexible, so feel free to get creative!
- Swap the Sauce: Raspberry jam, fig preserves, or even a drizzle of honey work beautifully if cranberry sauce isn’t your thing.
- Nut-Free Options: Skip the nuts or use sunflower or pumpkin seeds for a crunch without the allergens.
- Different Cheeses: Camembert, goat cheese, or even a sharp cheddar would make fun substitutions.
- Herb Alternatives: Thyme or sage work well if you don’t have rosemary on hand.
What to Serve with Cranberry Brie Bites?
These bites are great on their own, but if you’re building a spread, here are some ideas:
- A Glass of Bubbles: Champagne or Prosecco pairs perfectly with the creamy, tangy flavors.
- Charcuterie Board: Add some cured meats, crackers, and fresh fruit for a party-ready setup.
- Citrus Salad: Something light and refreshing balances out the richness of the brie.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use puff pastry instead of crescent dough?
Absolutely! Puff pastry is flakier and works just as well. Just cut it into squares like the crescent dough.
Do I need to remove the rind from the brie?
Not at all. The rind is edible and melts beautifully. But if you’re not a fan, feel free to trim it.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the bites and refrigerate them for a few hours. Bake them fresh when you’re ready to serve for maximum melty goodness.
So, are you ready to give these Cranberry Brie Bites a try? They’re ridiculously easy, totally impressive, and guaranteed to make you the hero of your next party. Let me know how they turn out—or how many you ate before anyone else got to them. No judgment here!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
The Best Cranberry Brie Bites
Ingredients
- 1 8-ounce cylinder of light and flaky crescent dough
- Your preferred brand of cooking spray for prepping the pan
- All-purpose flour for dusting your work surface
- 1 8-ounce wheel of luxurious brie cheese
- 1/2 cup of vibrant whole berry cranberry sauce
- 1/4 cup of crunchy chopped pecans
- 6 aromatic rosemary sprigs each carefully trimmed to 1-inch pieces.
Instructions
- Step 1: Start your culinary adventure by firing up the oven to a toasty 375°F. While it's warming up, grab your trusty mini muffin tin and mist it with a fine layer of your favorite cooking spray. Now, it's dough time! Unroll your crescent dough on a surface lightly dusted with flour. Firmly press together any seams you see, ensuring a seamless dough. Slice this beauty into 24 even squares and nestle each piece into the slots of your prepared muffin tin.
- Step 2: Slice your wheel of brie cheese into generous bite-sized pieces. Tuck these creamy treasures into the awaiting dough squares. Following the cheese, layer on a dollop of your whole berry cranberry sauce, adding a pop of color and a burst of sweet-tangy flavor. Now, for a touch of crunch, scatter a few chopped pecans over the cranberry sauce. To finish, grace each bite with a charming sprig of rosemary.
- Step 3: Once your assembly is complete, escort your tin to the oven. Allow the bites to bask in the heat until the dough takes on a lovely golden hue and the brie cheese creates creamy pools, this should be approximately 15 minutes.
Notes
Adapting the Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe for a Gluten-Free Diet:
To transform these Cranberry Brie Bites into a gluten-free version you'll need to swap out the crescent dough with a gluten-free alternative. Following these steps can help you: Gluten-Free Dough: Look for free crescent dough or puff pastry, in stores as they can be substituted directly for the regular dough. If you're unable to find them consider making your gluten dough at home. Here is how (Gluten Free All Purpose Dough Ready in 10 Minutes) by Lama from tastegreatfoodie) Verify Your Ingredients: Double-check that all other components, such as cooking spray and cranberry sauce are explicitly labeled as gluten-free. Certain brands might include additives that contain gluten. Remember it's essential to prevent cross-contamination with gluten-containing products whenever you're preparing food for individuals, with disease or gluten sensitivity. Thoroughly clean your surfaces and utensils. If possible utilize gluten-free tools and appliances.
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
