Cranberry Brie Bites

If you’ve ever wanted the perfect holiday snack that’s easy but feels fancy, these Cranberry Brie Bites are it. The first time I made them, they were gone in minutes. They’re warm, gooey, and just the right mix of sweet and savory.

I love how simple they are—just a little pastry, creamy brie, and tart cranberry sauce. When they bake, the cheese melts perfectly, and the cranberry gets all bubbly and bright. The smell alone makes everyone wander into the kitchen.

Each bite is buttery, melty, and full of flavor. They’re the kind of appetizer that makes any gathering feel special. I always make extra because they disappear way too fast.

So grab your muffin tin and a few simple ingredients. These Cranberry Brie Bites are quick, delicious, and guaranteed to impress. Let’s bake some magic!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With only a few ingredients and minimal prep time, these cranberry brie bites are quick and hassle-free.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or just a casual family get-together, these bites are a favorite at any event.
• Savory and Sweet: The rich, creamy brie pairs perfectly with the tart, tangy cranberry sauce, creating an unforgettable flavor combination.
• Kid-Friendly: These bites are not only tasty but also fun and easy for kids to enjoy.
• Impress Your Guests: With such a simple recipe, you’ll look like a culinary pro without spending hours in the kitchen.

Required Kitchen Tools

Before you get started, here are the essential tools you’ll need to make these delicious cranberry brie bites:

• Baking Sheet: For placing the bites and baking them evenly.
• Parchment Paper (optional): To prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
• Knife: To cut the brie cheese into bite-sized pieces.
• Spoon or Cookie Scoop: For adding cranberry sauce to each bite.
• Measuring Spoon: To measure the rosemary.
• Baking Dish (optional): For serving.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these tasty bites:

• Crescent Dough Sheets (8 oz): These flaky sheets of dough serve as the base of the bites. They puff up beautifully when baked and provide the perfect flaky texture.
• Brie Cheese (8 oz wheel): This rich and creamy cheese is the star of the dish, creating a smooth and velvety filling inside each bite.
• Whole Berry Cranberry Sauce (1 cup): The sweet and tart cranberry sauce brings a burst of flavor that pairs wonderfully with the creamy brie.
• Fresh Rosemary Sprig (2 sprigs): The earthy aroma of rosemary adds a savory touch that balances out the sweetness of the cranberry sauce.

Variations for Cranberry Brie Bites

If you’d like to mix things up a bit, here are a few variations you can try:

• Add Walnuts or Pecans: For a bit of crunch and a nutty flavor, add some chopped walnuts or pecans on top of the brie before baking.
• Use Fig Jam: If you prefer a more complex sweetness, swap out the cranberry sauce for fig jam. The subtle sweetness pairs beautifully with brie.
• Add Honey: Drizzle a little honey over the brie before adding the cranberry sauce for an extra layer of sweetness.
• Try Puff Pastry: If you don’t have crescent dough sheets, puff pastry can be used as a substitute. It will give the bites a more delicate, buttery texture.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your bites will cook evenly and become golden brown and delicious.

2. Prepare the Crescent Dough

Open your package of crescent dough sheets (or crescent rolls) and unroll them onto a flat surface. Gently roll out the dough to smooth out the creases. Cut the dough into squares, roughly 2 inches by 2 inches, depending on the size you want for your bites.

3. Cut the Brie Cheese

Use a sharp knife to cut the brie cheese into small pieces, about 1 inch in size. You can remove the rind if you prefer, but it’s totally edible and softens when baked.

4. Assemble the Bites

• Place one piece of brie cheese in the center of each dough square.
• Top the brie with a spoonful of cranberry sauce.
• If you’re using fresh rosemary, remove the leaves from the sprig and sprinkle them over the cranberry sauce. You can also chop the rosemary finely if you’d like a more intense flavor.

5. Fold the Dough

Carefully fold the edges of the dough over the filling to create a pocket, leaving a small opening at the top so the brie can melt and ooze out while baking. Gently pinch the edges together to seal the dough.

6. Bake the Bites

Place the assembled bites on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving some space between each one to allow for puffing up during baking. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and the cheese has melted and is slightly oozing out.

7. Cool and Serve

Allow the cranberry brie bites to cool for a few minutes before serving. The cheese will be extremely hot right out of the oven, so be sure to let them sit for a moment to avoid burns. Serve them warm, and watch them disappear!

Serving and Decoration

How to Serve Cranberry Brie Bites

These cranberry brie bites are perfect for serving at any event. Here are a few ideas:

• On a Charcuterie Board: Place the bites alongside sliced meats, crackers, fresh fruit, and nuts for a beautiful and flavorful charcuterie board.
• As a Party Appetizer: Serve the bites with a side of festive drinks, such as a sparkling wine or a holiday punch.
• With a Salad: Pair the bites with a simple green salad to balance out the richness of the brie.
• With Dips: Serve alongside a tangy mustard dip or a simple balsamic glaze for extra flavor.

How to Garnish

For added flair, you can garnish each bite with a small sprig of rosemary or a drizzle of honey. This will not only enhance the flavor but also make the presentation pop!

Storing Cranberry Brie Bites

If you happen to have leftovers (which is unlikely!), here’s how you can store them:

• Store in the Refrigerator: Allow the bites to cool completely before storing. Place them in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes to restore their crispy texture.
• Freezing: You can also freeze the assembled bites before baking. Place them on a baking sheet and freeze them for about 1-2 hours until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to bake, you can bake them straight from the freezer—just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	160 kcal
Total Fat	12g
Saturated Fat	6g
Cholesterol	25mg
Sodium	180mg
Total Carbs	13g
Dietary Fiber	1g
Sugars	3g
Protein	3g

Conclusion

These Cranberry Brie Bites are a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s easy to make, full of flavor, and perfect for any gathering. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can create an appetizer that will have everyone coming back for more. Whether you’re serving them at a holiday dinner or a casual get-together, these bites will always be a hit.

Give this recipe a try at your next event—you’ll be amazed at how quickly they disappear!