Melty Cranberry Brie Bites: A Festive Holiday Recipe

Tiny appetizers can pack a serious flavor punch, and these cranberry brie bites recipe delights are perfect proof.

Festive gatherings call for something special that looks impressive but requires minimal effort.

Creamy brie cheese melts beautifully into golden, buttery pastry cups.

Tart cranberries add a bright, tangy contrast that dances across your taste buds.

Elegant yet effortless, these bite-sized morsels blend sweet and savory in one irresistible package.

Rich and delectable, they promise to be the star of any holiday spread or casual get-together.

You’ll want to make a double batch because these little gems disappear faster than you can plate them.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 11-13 minutes

Total Time: 26-28 minutes

Calories: 130 kcal

Servings: 13

Cranberry Brie Bites Ingredient List

• Crescent Roll Dough: Flaky, buttery foundation that creates a crisp golden shell for the appetizer, look for pre-rolled sheets for easier preparation.

• Brie Cheese: Luxurious, smooth cheese that melts beautifully and provides a rich, tangy backdrop to the sweet cranberry, choose a soft and ripe wheel for maximum creaminess.

• Cranberry Sauce: Vibrant, tart condiment that adds a festive burst of flavor and gorgeous color, homemade or high-quality store-bought sauce works best for a gourmet touch.

Tools That Help You Create Cranberry Brie Bites Cleanly

• Baking Sheet: Essential for evenly baking and catching any melted cheese.
• Parchment Paper or Silicone Mat: Prevents sticking and ensures easy cleanup.
• Mini Muffin Pan (optional): Helps create uniform, bite-sized pastries.
• Rolling Pin: Needed to roll out crescent roll dough smoothly.
• Sharp Knife: Perfect for cutting dough into precise 6×4 grid squares.
• Measuring Spoon: Helps portion the cranberry sauce accurately.
• Pastry Brush (optional): Useful for brushing edges with egg wash or sealing corners.

Instructions for Assembling Cranberry Brie Bites

• Dough Preparation

Grab your crescent roll dough and smoothly roll it out on a lightly floured countertop. Press down any visible seams to create one seamless sheet ready for delicious bites.

• Square Creation

Transform the dough into a neat grid by slicing it into 24 perfect little squares. Precision matters for these crowd-pleasing appetizers.

• Cheese and Cranberry Magic

Center a small chunk of creamy brie on each square. Top the cheese with a dollop of zesty cranberry sauce, creating a flavor explosion waiting to happen.

• Bite Folding

Gently pull opposite corners of each square toward the middle, pinching edges to create adorable little packages. Seal them carefully to keep all that tangy goodness inside.

• Golden Transformation

Slide the bites into a preheated oven at 375°F. Watch them turn a gorgeous golden brown in about 12 minutes. The aroma will make everyone’s mouth water. If some cheese escapes during baking, just tuck it back in while warm.

Flavor Combinations for Cranberry Brie Bites

• Tasty Twists and Tricks for Cranberry Brie Bites
• Cheese Selection Swap: Experiment with different soft cheeses like camembert or goat cheese to create unique flavor profiles that complement the cranberry sauce.
• Savory Herb Boost: Sprinkle fresh thyme, rosemary, or chopped chives on top of the bites before baking to add an aromatic herb dimension to the appetizer.
• Nutty Crunch Topping: Sprinkle chopped pecans or sliced almonds over the bites before baking for an extra layer of texture and nutty flavor that elevates the entire appetizer.
• Spicy Sweet Kick: Mix a tiny bit of red pepper flakes or drizzle hot honey into the cranberry sauce for those who enjoy a subtle spicy-sweet combination that tingles the taste buds.

Serving Cranberry Brie Bites at Gatherings

• Festive Party Platter: Arrange these golden bites on a rustic wooden board with sprigs of fresh rosemary and whole cranberries scattered around for a stunning holiday appetizer presentation.
• Gourmet Wine Pairing: Serve alongside a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio to complement the rich brie and tangy cranberry flavors, creating an elegant tasting experience.
• Elegant Garnish Touch: Drizzle a tiny bit of honey or sprinkle chopped pecans over the warm bites just before serving to add a delightful crunch and subtle sweetness that elevates the appetizer.
• Quick Brunch Star: Include these bites as part of a weekend brunch spread, nestled next to fresh fruit and a light green salad for a sophisticated and easy-to-prepare morning meal option.

Save Cranberry Brie Bites for Later Enjoyment

• Snack Stash Strategy: Keep these delightful bites in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to maintain their crispy texture and prevent sticking.
• Chill & Preserve Technique: Refrigerate leftover bites for up to 3 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore their warm, gooey goodness and crisp edges.
• Freezer-Friendly Hack: Assemble the bites before baking, then freeze on a baking sheet. Once solid, transfer to a freezer bag for storage up to 1 month. Bake directly from frozen, adding 2-3 extra minutes to cooking time.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire batch earlier in the day and keep at room temperature for up to 4 hours before serving. Simply warm in the oven for 5 minutes to refresh their appetizing appearance and delicious flavor.

Irresistible Cranberry Brie Bites

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4.6 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 26-28 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Festive Cranberry Brie Bites combine rich cheese with tart cranberry sauce for elegant holiday appetizers. Crisp puff pastry and creamy brie create perfect party nibbles you’ll crave at seasonal gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 oz (113 g) brie cheese
• 8 oz (226 g) crescent roll dough
• ½ cup (120 ml) cranberry sauce

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Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare: Ignite the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat for effortless pastry release.
2. Dough Transformation: Unfurl the crescent roll dough on a lightly dusted surface, meticulously smoothing out seams to create a pristine, unified sheet.
3. Strategic Sectioning: Slice the dough into a precise 24-square grid, establishing the architectural blueprint for these sophisticated appetizers.
4. Flavor Assembly: Position a velvety brie cube at the heart of each dough square, then crown with a vibrant dollop of cranberry sauce, creating a luxurious flavor sanctuary.
5. Parcel Crafting: Elegantly gather and pinch the dough’s opposing corners, tenderly enveloping the filling into delicate, treasure-like parcels that seal in the rich, creamy essence.
6. Baking Choreography: Arrange the assembled bites on the prepared surface, spacing them thoughtfully to facilitate uniform golden browning and graceful expansion.
7. Culinary Alchemy: Slide the tray into the heated oven, baking for 11-13 minutes until the parcels transform into puffy, golden-brown delicacies that whisper of gastronomic delight.
8. Finishing Touches: Immediately rescue any wayward cheese, gently guiding it back into the bites while they retain their molten warmth, preserving the architectural integrity of these morsels.
9. Serving Presentation: Allow the cranberry brie bites a brief moment to compose themselves, letting the cheese and cranberry sauce meld into a harmonious symphony of flavors before serving.

Notes

• Prep Surface Carefully: Use parchment paper or silicone mat to prevent sticking and ensure easy pastry removal.
• Smooth Dough Technique: Roll out crescent dough completely flat, pressing seams together to create uniform surface without visible divisions.
• Strategic Folding Method: Pinch dough corners gently but firmly toward center, creating elegant enclosed parcels that prevent cheese leakage during baking.
• Temperature and Timing Precision: Watch closely during 11-13 minute baking window, removing when golden brown to maintain perfect texture and prevent burning.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 11-13 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 130
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg