Cranberry Brie Bites are the kind of appetizer that instantly upgrades any table. They’re buttery, cheesy, and topped with tangy cranberries and crunchy pecans. I remember making these for a holiday gathering, and the smell of warm brie baking inside golden pastry had everyone hovering near the kitchen. The best part? They’re made with crescent dough, so you don’t need to fuss with complicated pastry skills. If you’ve been searching for an easy, crowd-pleasing appetizer, this is it. You’ll be proud to serve them and even more excited to sneak one (or two) before they hit the table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll love these Cranberry Brie Bites for so many reasons:
- Easy prep: Crescent dough makes the base effortless.
- Flavorful: Sweet cranberries, creamy brie, and nutty pecans hit all the right notes.
- Festive look: Rosemary sprigs add a holiday touch that feels special.
- Beginner-friendly: Even if you’re new to cooking, these come together beautifully without stress.
The Story Behind Cranberry Brie Bites
These bites may seem modern, but their inspiration combines timeless traditions:
- Brie cheese has been a French favorite for centuries, known for its creamy, buttery flavor.
- Cranberries are native to North America and often tied to holiday celebrations.
- Crescent dough became popular in the U.S. as a quick shortcut for home cooks.
- When combined, they create a dish that feels festive, global, and incredibly easy.
Key Ingredients in Cranberry Brie Bites
- Crescent dough – A shortcut dough that bakes into buttery, golden cups.
- Brie cheese – Creamy and rich, it melts into the perfect filling.
- Whole berry cranberry sauce – Tart and sweet, a festive contrast.
- Roasted pecans – Add crunch and nutty depth to every bite.
- Fresh rosemary – A fragrant garnish that makes the bites look and taste elegant.
How to Make Cranberry Brie Bites
- Preheat oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly spray a 24-cup mini muffin tin with cooking spray.
- Prepare dough: On a floured surface, roll out crescent dough. Pinch seams together and cut into 24 equal squares. Place each square into the muffin cups.
- Add cheese: Slice the brie into small cubes and tuck one piece inside each dough square.
- Top with flavor: Spoon a little cranberry sauce on top, then sprinkle with chopped pecans. Finish with a small sprig of rosemary.
- Bake to golden: Bake for about 15 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
- Cool slightly: Let the bites rest for a few minutes before serving warm.
Cranberry Brie Bites Tips and Twists
- Tips:
- Chill brie before cutting for cleaner slices.
- Use a sharp knife to cut dough evenly into squares.
- Avoid overfilling—just a little sauce goes a long way.
- Grease your muffin tin well to prevent sticking.
- Serve warm so the brie stays melty.
- Twists:
- Swap cranberry sauce for fig jam or apricot preserves.
- Add a drizzle of honey instead of nuts for extra sweetness.
- Use puff pastry instead of crescent dough for a flakier version.
Storage, Reheating, and Make-Ahead Tips
Cranberry Brie Bites are great for planning ahead.
- Storage: Keep leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
- Reheating: Rewarm in the oven at 325°F for about 8 minutes to bring back crispness.
- Make-Ahead: Assemble ahead and refrigerate, unbaked, for up to 24 hours. Bake fresh before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these bites as part of a holiday spread or casual brunch. Pair them with a fresh grilled vegetables recipe for a savory balance. They also shine next to a cozy bowl of Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti as a starter. For drinks, try sparkling cider or a light white wine. Arrange them on a rustic wooden board with rosemary sprigs for presentation that looks effortless yet impressive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use puff pastry instead of crescent dough?
Yes, puff pastry works beautifully and gives a flakier texture.
Do I need to peel the brie rind?
No, the rind is edible and melts into the filling.
Can I make these nut-free?
Absolutely—just skip the pecans, or replace with pumpkin seeds for crunch.
Can I freeze them after baking?
Yes, but reheat in the oven to crisp them up again.
Are these vegetarian?
Yes, as long as you’re not adding any meat-based toppings.
Enjoy Your Cranberry Brie Bites
Cranberry Brie Bites are the ultimate appetizer for busy cooks who want big flavor without the fuss. With crescent dough, creamy brie, tangy cranberries, and crunchy pecans, you’ve got a combination that’s festive yet simple. These little golden bites are sure to impress at parties, family gatherings, or even just as a cozy weekend snack. Once you make them, they’ll quickly become a favorite that you’ll return to year after year. So grab that muffin tin and let the magic happen in your kitchen!
Explore More Recipes
Love these bites? You’ll want to try more easy and impressive dishes. The Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Meatballs with Gnocchi bring hearty comfort to the table. For something sweet, the Best Carrot Cake Cookies deliver cozy flavors in a portable treat. Or brighten up your mornings with How to Make Cinnamon Swirl Pancakes at Home. Each one pairs beautifully with these bites, giving you more ideas for any occasion.
Cranberry Brie Bites – Easy Holiday Appetizer
Ingredients
- 1 8-oz. tube crescent dough
- Cooking spray
- All-purpose flour for surface
- 1 8-oz. wheel of brie cheese
- 1/2 cup whole berry cranberry sauce
- 1/4 cup chopped roasted unsalted pecans
- 6 sprigs fresh rosemary cut into 1″ pieces
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 24-cup mini muffin tin with cooking spray.
- Roll out crescent dough on a lightly floured surface, pinching seams together. Cut into 24 squares. Place squares into muffin cups.
- Cut brie into small cubes. Add one cube to each dough square.
- Top with a spoonful of cranberry sauce, sprinkle pecans, and add a rosemary piece.
- Bake for 15 minutes, or until pastry is golden brown.
- Cool slightly before serving warm.
Notes
Calories: 95
Carbohydrates: 7g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 110mg