If you’re looking for a quick, elegant appetizer that will wow your guests without keeping you in the kitchen all day, you’re in the right place. This Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe is one of my all-time favorites—perfectly flaky pastry wrapped around melty brie, with a sweet-tart cranberry punch and a little crunch from pecans. I absolutely love how this turns out every time, and I’m excited to share all my tips so you’ll have the best results too.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Easy & Quick: You’ll have these ready in under 35 minutes—perfect for last-minute entertaining.
- Simple Ingredients: Uses just crescent dough, brie, cranberry sauce, pecans, and rosemary—no complicated prep.
- Delicious Flavor Combo: The creamy, tangy, crunchy balance is irresistible and always a crowd-pleaser.
- Elegant Yet Casual: Great for fancy holiday parties or casual family gatherings alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients come together magically to create those perfect bite-sized treats. When I first tried this, I was amazed how such simple pantry staples could feel so festive and indulgent. For the best flavor, I recommend using good quality brie—don’t be shy about letting it get room temperature before baking.
- Crescent dough: It’s super handy and flaky—makes the perfect little pastry cups without any fuss.
- Brie wheel: Choose a nice creamy brie, and remember, the rind is edible, but you can trim it off if you prefer milder flavor.
- Whole berry cranberry sauce: I like using whole berries for texture and that fresh tart burst; you can swap for homemade or store-bought.
- Roasted unsalted pecans: They add a lovely, toasty crunch that brings balance to the soft brie.
- Fresh rosemary sprigs: This fresh herbal note really elevates the bites to something special; cut into small pieces to fit nicely.
Variations
I love mixing things up with this Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe depending on the occasion or what’s in my pantry. It’s so forgiving—you can personalize it easily, playing with textures and flavors. Here are some ideas I’ve tried or thought might be fun for you to explore.
- Swap nuts: Sometimes I go with toasted walnuts or sliced almonds instead of pecans, which brings a slightly different crunch and flavor.
- Add a drizzle: A little honey or maple syrup drizzle right after baking adds a sweet hint that balances the tangy cranberries beautifully.
- Use fig jam: In place of cranberry sauce, fig jam creates a rich, fruity twist that’s equally decadent.
- Make it vegan: Try vegan crescent dough and a plant-based cheese alternative for a dairy-free option—just be sure to pick one that melts well.
How to Make Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe
Step 1: Prep your pan and dough
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray a 24-cup mini muffin tin lightly with cooking spray so the bites won’t stick and will slide out easily. Then, on a lightly floured surface, roll out your crescent dough and pinch the seams together to make a single sheet. This step is key—it prevents the dough from puffing up weirdly when baking. Cut into 24 small squares, about 2 inches each, and gently press them into the muffin cups, making little pastry cups.
Step 2: Add the brie and toppings
Cut the brie into small chunks, roughly 1/2 inch cubes, so each bite gets enough creamy goodness. Place a piece inside each dough cup. Next, spoon about a teaspoon of whole berry cranberry sauce right on top—don’t overdo it or it might get soggy. Sprinkle chopped roasted pecans over the sauce, then tuck a small rosemary sprig on each for that fragrant finishing touch.
Step 3: Bake to golden perfection
Pop the muffin tin into your preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the crescent dough is golden brown and puffed slightly, and the brie inside is luscious and melted. I always keep a close eye after the 12-minute mark because ovens can vary, and you want tender pastry without burning the edges.
Pro Tips for Making Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe
- Room Temperature Brie: Let your brie sit out for 15-20 minutes before cutting—this helps it melt evenly without separating.
- Don’t Overfill: Avoid putting too much cranberry sauce or brie in each bite to prevent sogginess or leaking over the sides while baking.
- Cut Seams Well: Be sure to pinch crescent dough seams fully so your bites don’t puff unpredictably or open up during baking.
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh rosemary gives these bites that aromatic pop you’ll want—skip dried for best flavor.
How to Serve Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe
Garnishes
I love adding a tiny extra rosemary leaf on top for a fresh look and a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt right after baking to enhance all the flavors. Sometimes, I drizzle a little honey over warm bites for a beautiful glossy finish and a touch of sweetness that complements the cranberry sauce perfectly.
Side Dishes
For gatherings, I usually serve these alongside a crisp mixed green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette or some spiced nuts. If it’s a holiday spread, they go great with charcuterie boards featuring cured meats, olives, and crackers—instant crowd favorite!
Creative Ways to Present
One year, I presented these on a wooden board with small ramekins of extra cranberry sauce and honey for dipping. It made an inviting display where guests could help themselves. Another time, I arranged them in a festive wreath shape on a large platter garnished with fresh rosemary sprigs and cranberries, which made a gorgeous centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (they rarely last long!), I store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They stay good for 2-3 days, though I suggest reheating to bring back that warm gooeyness.
Freezing
I’ve frozen these before, but since the pastry is delicate, I recommend freezing only the uncooked bites placed on a parchment-lined baking sheet, then transferring to a freezer bag once firm. When ready, bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes of cook time.
Reheating
To reheat, pop them in a preheated 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes until warm and the pastry is crisp again. Avoid microwaving, which makes the dough soggy and the brie rubbery.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen crescent dough for Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen crescent dough works perfectly—just thaw it according to package instructions before rolling out and assembling your bites. Make sure it’s not too warm or sticky, so it’s easier to handle and cuts cleanly.
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Is it okay to use cream cheese instead of brie?
You could, but brie has a unique, creamy melt that cream cheese can’t quite replicate. If you want a softer texture, you might try mascarpone or a mild goat cheese as an alternative, but brie is definitely my go-to for these bites.
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How do I prevent cranberry sauce from making the dough soggy?
Use only a small spoonful of sauce per bite and make sure your dough cups are sealed well. Baking right after assembly also helps keep the pastry crisp, as the heat creates a barrier between the dough and moisture.
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Can I make these ahead for a party?
Yes! You can assemble the bites, cover them tightly, and refrigerate for up to 4 hours before baking. This way you can prep in advance and pop them in the oven just before guests arrive.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’ll give this Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe a try soon—it’s honestly one of those recipes that makes you look like a hostess pro with very little effort. I still remember the first time I baked these and how my family went crazy over them, asking for seconds before dinner had even started. Whether it’s a holiday party or just a cozy night in, these bites are a little bit of magic that everyone will love.
Print
Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Cranberry Brie Bites are festive, bite-sized appetizers featuring creamy brie, tangy whole berry cranberry sauce, and crunchy pecans baked in golden crescent roll dough. Perfect for holiday gatherings, these easy-to-make treats combine savory and sweet flavors with a fresh rosemary garnish for an elegant touch.
Ingredients
Dough
- 1 (8-oz.) tube crescent dough
- All-purpose flour, for surface
- Cooking spray
Filling & Topping
- 1 (8-oz.) wheel of brie
- 1/2 cup whole berry cranberry sauce
- 1/4 cup chopped roasted unsalted pecans
- 6 sprigs fresh rosemary, cut into 1-inch pieces
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Muffin Tin. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 24-cup mini muffin tin with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Crescent Dough. On a lightly floured surface, unroll the crescent dough and pinch together the seams to form a single sheet. Cut the dough into 24 equal squares and gently press each square into the prepared muffin tin cups, forming little dough cups.
- Add Brie and Toppings. Cut the brie cheese into small pieces that will fit inside the dough cups. Place a piece of brie into each dough-lined cup. Top each with about a spoonful of whole berry cranberry sauce, sprinkle with chopped pecans, and garnish with one small rosemary piece per bite.
- Bake the Bites. Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes or until the crescent dough is golden brown and the brie is melted and bubbly.
- Serve Warm. Remove the cranberry brie bites from the oven, let them cool slightly, then serve warm as a delightful appetizer.
Notes
- These bites are quick and easy to prepare, making them ideal for last-minute holiday entertaining.
- You can substitute chopped walnuts or almonds for pecans if preferred.
- Be sure to use whole berry cranberry sauce for texture and flavor contrast.
- The rosemary adds a lovely aromatic touch, but can be omitted if desired.
- Serve these bites warm for the best gooey brie experience.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bite
- Calories: 78
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 119 mg
- Fat: 4 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 9 mg
