Cranberry Brie Bites are the ultimate holiday appetizer flaky, golden crescent dough filled with creamy brie cheese, tart cranberry sauce, and crunchy pecans. They’re quick to make, irresistibly delicious, and beautiful enough to serve at any festive gathering.
Each bite delivers the perfect combination of buttery pastry, soft melted brie, and sweet-tart cranberry flavor, all topped with a hint of rosemary for a touch of elegance. These mini appetizers look impressive but come together in just minutes, making them ideal for last-minute holiday entertaining or cozy nights with friends.
Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Brie Bites
Cranberry Brie Bites are the perfect fusion of sweet, savory, and buttery goodness all in one bite-sized pastry. They’re elegant enough for entertaining yet simple enough to whip up in under 30 minutes. From their caramelized edges to the creamy centers and burst of cranberry flavor, they bring a taste of the holidays to every occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 (8-ounce) tube crescent dough
- Cooking spray
- All-purpose flour, for dusting surface
- 1 (8-ounce) wheel of brie cheese
- ½ cup whole berry cranberry sauce
- ¼ cup chopped roasted unsalted pecans
- 6 sprigs fresh rosemary, cut into 1-inch pieces
Step-by-Step Method
Step 1: Prepare the dough
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a mini muffin pan with cooking spray. Dust your work surface with a little flour, then unroll the crescent dough sheet. Gently press the seams together if using perforated dough.
Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the dough into 24 equal squares. Press one square into each muffin cup, gently pressing it up the sides to form a small cup shape.
Step 2: Add the brie
Cut the brie wheel into small cubes, about ¾-inch each you’ll need around 24 pieces. Place one cube of brie into each crescent cup.
Step 3: Top with cranberry sauce
Add about a teaspoon of whole berry cranberry sauce on top of each brie cube. The cranberry sauce will melt slightly and create that beautiful sweet-tart balance once baked.
Step 4: Sprinkle the pecans
Top each filled cup with a few chopped pecan pieces for crunchy texture and a nutty contrast to the soft brie.
Step 5: Bake
Bake for 13–15 minutes, or until the crescent dough is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on them toward the end they brown quickly.
Step 6: Garnish and serve
Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes before transferring to a serving platter. Top each warm bite with a small sprig of fresh rosemary for a pretty, aromatic finish. These bites taste best warm but can also be enjoyed at room temperature.
Expert Tips for Success
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Use Brie with the rind on: The rind is edible and helps the cheese hold its shape during baking.
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Chill before cubing: Brie cuts more cleanly when slightly chilled, making it easier to portion evenly.
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Don’t overfill: A small spoonful of cranberry sauce is enough too much can overflow during baking.
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Prevent sticking: A light coating of cooking spray ensures easy removal, especially with melted cheese.
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Holiday prep tip: Assemble the bites ahead, refrigerate on a baking sheet, and pop them into the oven just before guests arrive.
Tasty Variations to Try
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Puff pastry version: Swap crescent dough for puff pastry squares for an extra flaky, bakery-style touch.
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Maple pecan twist: Drizzle each bite with a bit of maple syrup before baking for added caramelized sweetness.
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Savory rosemary honey: Replace cranberry sauce with a dollop of honey and add a rosemary leaf for a sweet-savory flavor mix.
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Fig and walnut variation: Use fig preserves instead of cranberry sauce and top with chopped walnuts for a rich, earthy twist.
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Spicy cranberry: Stir a pinch of cayenne or red chili flakes into the cranberry sauce for a surprising, fiery edge.
Serving Ideas
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Holiday appetizer: Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year’s Eve parties.
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Brunch platter: Add them to a brunch board with grapes, crackers, and charcuterie for elegance.
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Gift idea: Pack cooled bites in festive boxes as edible gifts for friends and neighbors.
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Fall entertaining: Pair with other fall favorites like baked brie, spiced nuts, or mulled cider.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen puff pastry instead of crescent dough?
Yes! Puff pastry works wonderfully and creates a crispier, more layered texture. Just cut it into squares and bake as directed.
Do I need to remove the rind from the brie?
No. The rind is entirely edible and melts beautifully, adding a subtle depth of flavor. Removing it can cause the cheese to lose structure as it bakes.
Can I make them ahead of time?
Yes, these bites are perfect for prepping ahead. Assemble them on a baking sheet, cover, and refrigerate for up to a day. Bake fresh just before serving for maximum flakiness and melty Brie.
How do I reheat leftovers?
Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5–7 minutes until warm and crisp again. Avoid microwaving it can make the dough soggy.
Can I freeze Cranberry Brie Bites?
Yes. Freeze after baking, then reheat directly from frozen in the oven at 375°F for 8–10 minutes until heated through.
Print
Cranberry Brie Bites
- Total Time: 25
- Yield: 24 bites 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Festive appetizer with flaky crescent dough, creamy brie, tart cranberry sauce, and crunchy pecans. Buttery, sweet-savory bites perfect for holiday entertaining or cozy gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 (8-oz) tube crescent dough
- Cooking spray
- All-purpose flour, for dusting
- 1 (8-oz) wheel brie cheese
- ½ cup whole berry cranberry sauce
- ¼ cup chopped roasted unsalted pecans
- 6 sprigs fresh rosemary, cut into 1-inch pieces
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a mini muffin pan with cooking spray. Dust work surface with flour and unroll crescent dough. Press seams together if perforated, then cut into 24 small squares. Press each square into muffin cups to form dough cups.
- Cut brie into ¾-inch cubes, keeping rind on. Place one cube into each dough cup.
- Add about 1 teaspoon cranberry sauce over each brie cube. Sprinkle with chopped pecans.
- Bake 13–15 minutes until dough is golden and cheese melts. Watch carefully near end as they brown quickly.
- Cool 5 minutes, remove from pan. Top each bite with a rosemary sprig. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
Brie rind is edible and helps cubes hold shape when baking.
Chill brie slightly before cutting for cleaner cubes.
Avoid overfilling dough cups to prevent overflow.
Assemble ahead; refrigerate unbaked up to 24 hours.
Reheat in oven to keep pastry crisp, avoid microwave.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bite
- Calories: 95
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 110mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: cranberry brie bites, holiday appetizers, crescent dough recipes, brie cranberry pecan bites, mini party snacks, festive finger foods
