Amazing Cranberry Brie Bites: 12 Minutes

Oh, the holidays! So many parties, so little time, right? I totally get it. It feels like just when you think you’ve got your menu sorted, another invitation lands on your doorstep! That’s why I’m always on the hunt for those magical recipes that look like you slaved over them all day but are actually ridiculously simple. These Cranberry brie bites? They are EXACTLY that. Seriously, they’re my secret weapon for looking like a super-organized hostess even when I’m running on caffeine and pure holiday spirit, just like my Grandma used to be. Remember how she always managed to have the perfect little something ready for unexpected guests? These bites are a little taste of that same warmth and welcome. They’re so darn good, everyone will be asking for the recipe! You can read more about my love for kitchen traditions over on my About page.

Why You’ll Love These Cranberry Brie Bites

Seriously, these little bites are a game-changer for any party, and you’re going to adore how simple they are! I’m all about those recipes that make you look like a culinary wizard without actually spending hours in the kitchen, and these deliver exactly that. That burst of sweet-tart cranberry paired with the gooey, rich brie tucked into flaky pastry? It’s just pure magic, and it makes every bite feel extra special, just like the appetizers my Grandma used to serve. They’re so incredibly versatile too – perfect for anything and everything!

• SO EASY, You Won’t Believe It: Honestly, the hardest part is opening the crescent roll can. We’re talking minimal ingredients and hardly any prep time. You’ll be done before your guests even arrive!
• The Perfect Flavor Party: That sweet and tangy cranberry sauce with the creamy, dreamy brie gets wrapped up in the most delicious, flaky crescent dough. It’s a flavor combination that just screams “celebration!”
• Your Go-To for Any Gathering: Whether it’s a big holiday blowout, a casual potluck, or even a relaxed weekend brunch, these bites fit right in. They’re festive, elegant, and always a hit.
• Guaranteed Crowd-Pleasers: These little wonders disappear fast! They have that perfect sweet-savory balance that everyone loves, and they disappear from the serving plate in a flash.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Got a busy schedule? You can totally assemble these ahead of time and just bake them off right before you need them. Less stress, more holiday sparkle!
• So Adaptable: Feel like adding a little something extra? Tuck in a tiny sprig of fresh rosemary, or even a pinch of black pepper for a little zing. They’re super forgiving!

Gather Your Ingredients for Cranberry Brie Bites

Alright, let’s get down to business! To whip up these delightful little bites, you’ll want to have these things ready. Don’t worry, they’re all super common and probably most of them are already in your pantry!

• 1 package (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough
• 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (the whole berry kind is my favorite!)
• 4 ounces brie cheese, cut into nice little 1-inch cubes
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary (this is optional, but oh-so-good!)
• 1 tablespoon melted butter
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Cranberry Brie Bites

Okay, so about these ingredients – they’re pretty straightforward, but a few little details can really make these cranberry brie bites sing! First up, the cranberry sauce. I’m a HUGE fan of the whole berry kind; I love the little bursts of fruitiness and the texture it gives. But if you happen to only have the jellied stuff, no worries! It still works beautifully, it’s just a little smoother. If you’re feeling super ambitious (or just really love cranberries!), you could even whip up your own! Here’s a simple cranberry sauce recipe that’s really easy. For the brie, just make sure it’s good quality. You can use brie with or without the rind – I usually leave it on since it melts right in! If brie isn’t your jam, a nice creamy goat cheese or even a mild Muenster would be delicious alternatives.

And that rosemary? It’s totally optional, but trust me, it adds this lovely, subtle piney note that pairs *so* well with the cranberry and cheese. If you don’t have fresh, you can use a tiny pinch of dried, but fresh is always best when you can get it.

How to Make Cranberry Brie Bites: Step-by-Step

Alright, let’s get these little bundles of joy made! Learning how to make cranberry brie bites couldn’t be easier, and honestly, it’s where the real magic happens. You just need to follow along, and before you know it, you’ll have the most delicious appetizers ready to wow everyone.

Preheating and Preparing the Muffin Tin

First things first, get that oven warming up to 375°F (190°C). You want it nice and toasty! While that’s heating, grab your mini muffin tin. A good spray of cooking spray or a little brush of melted butter in each cup works wonders to make sure these beauties pop right out later. Nobody wants their lovely little bites stuck to the pan!

Assembling the Cranberry Brie Bites

Now for the fun part! Unroll that crescent roll dough – the smell alone is a good sign of things to come! You’ll see it’s pre-cut into triangles. Gently press each triangle into a mini muffin cup. You don’t need to be super precise; just stretch it a little to cover the bottom and sides. It doesn’t have to be perfect; the dough puffs up and hides any little imperfections. Then, spoon a little bit of that gorgeous cranberry sauce into each one. Don’t overdo it, or it might ooze out too much. Finally, pop a cube of that creamy brie right on top of the cranberry goodness. It’s like a little cheese surprise!

SAVE IT

Adding the Finishing Touches for Flavor

This is where we add those extra little whispers of flavor that take these bites from good to unforgettable. If you’re using that lovely fresh rosemary, sprinkle a tiny bit over the brie now. It just adds this absolutely delightful aroma and taste. Then, in a tiny bowl, mix up that melted butter with the black pepper. This isn’t just for show; the pepper adds a tiny bit of warmth that cuts through the richness of the cheese and butter. Gently brush this mixture all over the tops of the crescent roll dough. It gives them a beautiful golden sheen when they bake!

SAVE IT

Baking to Golden Perfection

Into the hot oven they go! Bake them for about 12 to 15 minutes. You’re looking for that crescent dough to be puffed up and beautifully golden brown all around. And the brie? Oh, it should be gorgeously melted and bubbly, just peeking out from the dough. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes because ovens can be so different – you want ‘golden’, not ‘burnt’!

SAVE IT

Cooling and Serving Your Cranberry Brie Bites

Once they’re perfectly baked, pull that muffin tin out of the oven. Let them cool in the tin for just a few minutes – maybe 5. This helps them set up a little so they don’t fall apart. Then, carefully use a small offset spatula or a butter knife to gently coax them out of the cups onto a serving platter. They are best served warm; that’s when the brie is perfectly gooey and the pastry is flaky and tender. Enjoy the deliciousness!

SAVE IT

Tips for the Best Cranberry Brie Bites

You know, even with super easy recipes like these cranberry brie bites, a couple of little tricks can make all the difference! I’ve learned a thing or two from making these for tons of parties, and I’m happy to share them so yours turn out just as perfect. It’s all about those little details that make cooking joyful, not stressful, right?

• Don’t Overstuff the Cups: I know it’s tempting to pile on the cranberry sauce and brie, thinking more is better! But trust me, filling the crescent dough too full can make them overflow and stick. You want just enough to have a lovely dollop of sauce and a good cube of cheese that the dough can hug nicely. The dough will puff up around it beautifully.
• Room Temp Brie is Your Friend: When you cut your brie, make sure it’s firm but not rock solid. If it’s too cold, it might not melt as evenly. Letting it sit out for just a few minutes while you prep the other ingredients is usually enough. It makes it melt into that lovely gooeyness we’re after!
• Watch Your Oven Like a Hawk: Seriously, ovens can be divas! Yours might run hotter or cooler than mine. Keep a close eye on those bites during the last few minutes of baking. You’re looking for that gorgeous golden-brown color on the pastry and that delightfully melted brie. A little darker is fine, but burnt is a party foul!
• Rosemary is Optional, But SO Good: If you’re a fan of fresh herbs like I am, that tiny bit of rosemary is a flavor bomb waiting to happen! It adds this subtle, fragrant note that really complements the sweet and the cheesy. Don’t have fresh? A teeny, tiny pinch of dried rosemary will work in a pinch, but fresh is definitely the star here. It just makes these feel extra special, like something you’d find at the fanciest appetizer spread.

Serving Suggestions for Your Holiday Party Recipe

These little Cranberry brie bites are pretty much the ultimate party starter, aren’t they? They fit perfectly on any holiday spread. I love serving them alongside some mini quiches or maybe some smoked salmon crostini for a really impressive appetizer table. They’re also fantastic for a casual get-together with a glass of mulled wine or a crisp white wine; check out some appetizer ideas and some festive drink pairings! I have loads of great drink recipes that would be perfect. Honestly, though, they’re so good, they can totally stand on their own as the star of your appetizer lineup. Everyone always grabs for them first!

Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions

Life gets crazy during the holidays, right? That’s why I love that these Cranberry brie bites are total pros when it comes to making ahead! You can totally assemble them completely (dough, cranberry, brie, rosemary, even the butter wash) and then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just bake them as usual, maybe adding an extra minute or two to the cooking time since they’ll be colder. If you have any leftovers, which is rare, pop them in a lightly covered baking sheet in a low oven (around 300°F or 150°C) for about 5-7 minutes until they’re warm and gooey again. They’re honestly delightful served warm!

Frequently Asked Questions about Cranberry Brie Bites

Got questions about these little gems? I’ve got answers! These Cranberry brie bites are pretty foolproof, but it’s always good to know a few extra tips and tricks. Let’s dive in!

Can I use puff pastry instead of crescent rolls?

Oh, puff pastry is a total boss! If you want something a little more decadent and flaky, absolutely! Just cut out squares of puff pastry, press them into your mini muffin tin, and then layer your cranberry sauce and brie on top. They might bake a little faster, so keep an eye on them. It’s a delicious variation!

Can I make these vegan or dairy-free?

That’s a great question! Making them fully vegan takes a little swap. You’d want to use a vegan crescent roll dough (they’re becoming more common!) and a dairy-free brie alternative. You can find some really good ones these days that melt beautifully. You’d also skip the butter wash or use a plant-based butter.

How do I prevent the brie from leaking out?

Ah, the dreaded brie leak! It’s usually because there’s just *too much* brie or it’s cut too small and melts too fast. Try not to overstuff the cups, and make sure the brie is in a solid cube that fills most of the cup. Also, letting them cool for a few minutes in the pan before trying to remove them helps them set up a bit, keeping all that cheesy goodness contained!

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of sauce?

You totally can! If you have fresh cranberries on hand, that’s fantastic. You’ll want to cook them down with a little sugar (maybe 1/4 to 1/3 cup, to taste) and a splash of water or orange juice until they soften and become saucy. It will take a little longer than just spooning in the canned stuff, but the fresh flavor is amazing!

Nutritional Information

Just a heads-up, these are estimates because every batch can turn out a little differently depending on the exact brands and ingredients you use. We’re looking at about 150 calories per serving (that’s roughly 3 little bites), with around 9g of fat, 12g of carbs, and 4g of protein. Sounds about right for a delicious, festive treat!

Cranberry Brie Bites

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Easy and delicious cranberry brie bites perfect for holiday parties, potlucks, or any festive gathering.

• Author: Carla Davis
• Prep Time: 15 min
• Cook Time: 15 min
• Total Time: 30 min
• Yield: 24 bites 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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• 1 package (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough
• 1/2 cup cranberry sauce
• 4 oz brie cheese, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary (optional)
• 1 tablespoon melted butter
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a mini muffin tin.
2. Unroll the crescent roll dough and press each triangle into a mini muffin cup, stretching it slightly to cover the bottom and sides.
3. Place a spoonful of cranberry sauce into each dough cup.
4. Top the cranberry sauce with a cube of brie cheese.
5. Sprinkle with fresh rosemary, if using.
6. In a small bowl, mix melted butter with black pepper. Brush the tops of the dough lightly with the butter mixture.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crescent dough is golden brown and the brie is melted and bubbly.
8. Let cool slightly in the muffin tin before carefully removing. Serve warm.

Notes

• For a smoother cranberry topping, you can pulse store-bought cranberry sauce in a food processor.
• If you don’t have a mini muffin tin, you can form the bites on a baking sheet, but they may spread more.
• These can be made ahead and reheated before serving.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3 bites
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 180mg
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 20mg