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Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe

When I’m looking for that perfect bite-sized party appetizer, nothing beats these Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe. They’re the kind of snack that’s fancy enough to impress guests but easy enough that you can whip them up even on a busy day. The combination of gooey brie, tart cranberry sauce, and fragrant rosemary wrapped in flaky crescent dough? Pure magic. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll be a crowd favorite at every holiday or get-together you throw.

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Why This Recipe Works

  • Perfect Flavor Balance: The sweet-tart cranberry sauce offsets the creamy, buttery brie beautifully.
  • Easy Prep: Minimal ingredients and steps make this appetizer approachable for cooks of all levels.
  • Elegant Presentation: Using a mini muffin tin creates neat, uniform bites that look just as good as they taste.
  • Versatile for Occasions: From holiday parties to casual evenings, these bites fit any event.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe brings something special to the table—and knowing why helps you shop smart and maybe even customize your batch perfectly.

Cranberry Brie Bites, cranberry brie appetizer, holiday party snacks, easy party appetizers, flaky crescent bites - Flat lay of a whole wheel of creamy brie cheese with its soft white rind, a generous spoonful of glossy, deep red whole berry cranberry sauce with visible berries, fresh vibrant green rosemary sprigs with needle-like leaves, and smooth pale beige crescent dough sheet partly unrolled showing its soft, pliable texture, all beautifully arranged with natural spacing and slight overlaps to highlight textures and colors, placed on white marbled surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7
  • All-purpose flour: A light dusting keeps the dough from sticking to your surface, making rolling and cutting easier.
  • Crescent dough sheet or rolls: This flaky dough bakes up golden with just the right crispness, making bite-sized pockets for the fillings.
  • Brie cheese: Creamy and slightly nutty, brie melts beautifully and provides a rich contrast to the cranberries.
  • Whole berry cranberry sauce: Using a sauce with texture adds bursts of tartness and a lovely visual appeal.
  • Fresh rosemary sprigs: Just a small piece adds a fragrant herbal note, elevating the flavor profile beyond the obvious.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love how flexible this Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe is—you can really play around with toppings or herbs based on what you have or prefer. It’s your canvas!

  • Herb swap: I sometimes use thyme instead of rosemary, which gives a softer earthiness that pairs beautifully with the brie.
  • Sweeten it up: Adding a drizzle of honey on top before baking adds a touch of sweetness that can’t be beat.
  • Nutty crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top for some texture contrast.
  • Dietary tweak: For a gluten-free option, try using gluten-free crescent dough or puff pastry alternatives; just watch the baking time.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Workspace and Dough

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C)—you want it hot and ready to go. Lightly spray your 24-count mini muffin tin with cooking spray for easy removal later. Then, dust your counter or cutting board with some all-purpose flour to stop your dough from sticking. If you’re using crescent roll dough instead of a sheet, pinch seams together carefully to form one long sheet before rolling it out. This stops gaps and keeps your bites neat.

Step 2: Cut Dough Into Squares and Fill

Cut your dough into 24 equal squares—this is easier than you’d think if you use a ruler or just eyeball it evenly. Pop each square into muffin tin slots; don’t worry if they don’t perfectly “cup.” Then cut your brie wheel into small chunks and tuck a piece into each dough square. Top with a generous spoonful of whole cranberry sauce—don’t be shy! Finish by nestling a small rosemary sprig on top.

Step 3: Bake and Serve Warm

Bake the bites until the dough turns a lovely light golden brown, about 15 minutes. You’ll want to keep an eye on them starting around the 12-minute mark so they don’t over-bake and dry out. Serve these little gems warm so the brie is perfectly melty and irresistible.

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Pro Tips for Making Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe

  • Don’t Overfill: Too much cranberry sauce can make the dough soggy—aim for a generous but contained spoonful.
  • Room Temperature Brie: Let your brie sit out for 10 minutes before cutting; it melts more evenly and tastes richer.
  • Flour Your Tools: Dust your rolling pin and surface well—the dough gets sticky quickly, and this saves a lot of frustration.
  • Use Fresh Herbs: Don’t skip fresh rosemary! It adds that aromatic pop that makes these bites unforgettable.

How to Serve Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe

Cranberry Brie Bites, cranberry brie appetizer, holiday party snacks, easy party appetizers, flaky crescent bites - The image shows eight small pastry cups arranged on a wooden board. Each cup has a golden-brown crispy outer layer filled with melted cheese, topped with a bright red cranberry sauce that looks chunky. Some pastries have small green rosemary sprigs sticking out from the side, adding a fresh touch. In the background, part of a white bowl filled with more cranberry sauce is visible, along with a few more sprigs of rosemary lying on the board. The scene is warm and inviting, with a focus on the texture contrast between the crispy pastry and soft cheese topped with vibrant cranberry sauce. The setting is on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually add a tiny extra rosemary leaf or a light dusting of freshly cracked black pepper just before serving—it amps up the aroma and gives the bites that extra wow factor. Sometimes, a small drizzle of honey after baking adds a lovely sheen and sweetness boost.

Side Dishes

These bites go wonderfully alongside a crisp green salad, mixed nuts, or even a simple charcuterie board for a fuller spread. For a brunch, I like pairing them with a fruit salad or sparkling cider to keep things light and festive.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve arranged these cranberry brie bites on a wooden board lined with fresh rosemary sprigs, and added some edible flowers for color. Another fun trick is serving them on a tiered stand—it instantly makes snack time feel fancy and festive.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (which is rare in my house), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. I usually place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking and sogginess.

Freezing

I’ve frozen the assembled bites (before baking) on a lined tray, then popped them into a freezer-safe bag. When I want a quick snack, I bake them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time—still delicious and fresh-tasting!

Reheating

To reheat, pop the bites in a 350°F oven for about 5-7 minutes, just until warm and the brie softens again. Microwaving works but tends to make the dough less crispy, so I avoid that when possible.

FAQs

  1. Can I use other types of cheese for Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe?

    While brie is the star because of its creamy melt, you could try camembert or even a good quality cream cheese for a different texture. Just know that the flavor profile will shift slightly and may not be as rich or nutty.

  2. Can I make these bites without a mini muffin tin?

    Absolutely! If you don’t have a mini muffin pan, you can shape the dough squares on a baking sheet, but they won’t be as uniform or hold their shape quite as well. Just make sure to keep the pieces tightly folded around the fillings.

  3. Is it necessary to use fresh rosemary?

    Fresh rosemary gives the best aroma and flavor, but if you only have dried, use a very small pinch sprinkled on top. It won’t be quite the same, but still tasty.

  4. How early can I prepare these before baking?

    You can assemble the bites a few hours ahead and keep them chilled in the fridge, covered tightly with plastic wrap. Just bring them to room temperature for 10 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking.

Final Thoughts

I have to say, this Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen—it’s my go-to when I want to impress with minimal effort. The flavors, the ease, the presentation—it all comes together so nicely every time. I can’t recommend it enough if you want to treat yourself or brighten up a gathering. Give it a try and watch these little beauties disappear fast!

Print
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Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.5 from 45 reviews
  • Author: Madison
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 24 servings
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Cranberry Brie Bites are delightful bite-sized appetizers featuring flaky crescent dough filled with creamy brie cheese, topped with tangy whole berry cranberry sauce and a fresh rosemary sprig. Perfect for holiday parties or any gathering, these warm, golden treats combine smooth, sweet, and savory flavors in a convenient mini muffin form.


Ingredients

Dough

  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (for dusting the dough and cutting board)
  • 8 ounce crescent dough sheet (or crescent rolls)

Filling

  • 8 ounce wheel of brie cheese
  • 1 cup whole berry cranberry sauce (not jellied)
  • 2 fresh rosemary sprigs (small pieces for topping)


Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Prepare a 24-count mini muffin tin by spraying it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Prepare Dough: Lightly dust your counter or cutting board with all-purpose flour. Roll out the 8-ounce crescent dough sheet (if using crescent rolls, pinch the seams together to form one continuous sheet).
  3. Cut Dough Squares: Cut the dough into 24 equal-sized squares to fit into the mini muffin tin slots.
  4. Fill Muffin Tin: Place each dough square into the slots of the muffin tin, pressing gently to form little cups.
  5. Add Brie Cheese: Cut the brie wheel into small pieces and place one into each dough cup inside the muffin tin.
  6. Top with Cranberry Sauce: Spoon a generous amount of whole berry cranberry sauce over each piece of brie.
  7. Garnish with Rosemary: Add a small piece of fresh rosemary sprig on top of each cranberry-topped brie bite for added aroma and flavor.
  8. Bake: Bake in the oven for about 15 minutes or until the crescent dough is a light golden brown and puffed.
  9. Serve Warm: Remove from the oven and serve these delicious cranberry brie bites warm for the best taste experience.

Notes

  • Removing the rind from the brie is optional; you can keep it for texture or remove if preferred.
  • If you don’t have a 24-count mini muffin tin, use a smaller one (12 or 18 count) and bake in batches.
  • The fresh rosemary sprig adds a lovely flavor but can be omitted if unavailable.
  • Use whole berry cranberry sauce rather than jellied for better texture and appearance.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bite
  • Calories: 90 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 110 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 5 g
  • Fiber: 0.3 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 10 mg

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