Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe

If you’re looking for a festive, crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s both easy and elegant, I absolutely love this Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe. These little bites are bursting with creamy brie, tangy cranberry sauce, and a delightful crunch from pecans—it’s basically the perfect combo. When I first tried this recipe, it became an instant favorite at holiday parties, and honestly, anytime I want to impress guests without stressing out. Keep reading because I’m sharing everything you need to make these irresistible treats at home!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe works because of the simplicity and quality of each ingredient. I recommend choosing fresh rosemary and a good-quality brie for the best flavor—once you try it, you’ll understand why these little touches matter.

• Crescent dough: Using pre-made crescent dough saves tons of time and creates a buttery, flaky crust.
• Cooking spray: Helps the bites slide out easily and keeps the muffin tin clean.
• All-purpose flour: For rolling and cutting dough without sticking.
• Brie: I peel off the rind sometimes if I want a milder taste, but leaving it on adds creaminess.
• Whole berry cranberry sauce: The texture and tartness are what make these bites memorable, so I prefer whole berry over jelly cranberry sauce.
• Chopped roasted unsalted pecans: Adds a great crunchy texture without overpowering the other flavors.
• Fresh rosemary sprigs: The fresh herb aroma balances the richness of the cheese and the sweetness of the cranberries perfectly.

Variations

I love this recipe the way it is, but feel free to make it your own! You’ll find that these bites are pretty flexible, whether you want to swap out nuts or add your favorite herbs.

• Herb swap: Instead of rosemary, try thyme or sage sprigs for a different herbal note—I’ve done this and it adds a nice twist.
• Nut alternatives: If you’re not a fan of pecans, walnuts or sliced almonds work beautifully too.
• Cheese variations: Brie is perfect because it melts smoothly, but camembert or even a mild goat cheese can change the flavor profile in a delicious way.
• Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free pastry dough to make these bites suitable for gluten-sensitive guests.

How to Make Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe

Step 1: Prep the dough and muffin tin

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Spray a mini (24-cup) muffin tin with cooking spray so your bites won’t stick. On a lightly floured surface, unroll the crescent dough and press all the seams together so it’s one even sheet. This is key to avoid any holes where the cheese can bubble out. Then, cut it into 24 even squares and gently press each square into the muffin cups to create little dough cups.

Step 2: Add the brie, cranberry, and toppings

Cut your brie into small cubes or slices that fit neatly inside each dough cup. I’ve found that smaller bits melt evenly and avoid overwhelming the other flavors. Spoon about a teaspoon of whole berry cranberry sauce on top of the brie in each cup, followed by a sprinkle of chopped pecans. Finally, tuck in a small sprig (about 1 inch) of fresh rosemary on top—this gives off a lovely herbal fragrance as it bakes.

Step 3: Bake until golden and bubbly

Bake your cranberry brie bites in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep a close eye during the last few minutes—the pastry can go from perfectly golden to overdone quickly. Once done, let them cool for a few minutes in the tin before removing so they hold together better.

How to Serve Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe

Garnishes

I like to garnish my cranberry brie bites with an extra tiny sprinkle of chopped pecans or a little fresh rosemary leaf right before serving—it adds a fresh pop of color and aroma. Sometimes, a light drizzle of honey over the top adds a subtle sweetness that my family goes crazy for.

Side Dishes

These bites are fantastic alongside a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette or a charcuterie board featuring cured meats and olives. I often serve them with a glass of crisp white wine or sparkling cider for a complete appetizer spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties, I like to arrange these cranberry brie bites on a beautiful wooden platter lined with fresh rosemary sprigs and cranberries scattered around for a festive look. Another lovely idea I tried was serving them on mini decorative paper doilies inside the muffin tin for easy grab-and-go.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (though I doubt it!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. I always let mine cool completely before packing them away, so the pastry doesn’t get soggy.

Freezing

I’ve frozen these bites a couple of times by assembling them but not baking, then freezing on a tray before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to enjoy, bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes. The texture holds up surprisingly well!

Reheating

To reheat, I pop them in a 350°F oven for about 8-10 minutes until warmed through and the crust is crispy again. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that flakey texture intact.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe has become my go-to for holiday gatherings and special occasions because it’s simple, elegant, and delicious every single time. I love how the creaminess of the brie pairs with the tart cranberries and crunchy pecans—it’s honestly magic in bite form. If you want to wow your guests with minimal effort, trust me, this recipe’s got your back. Give it a try—you’ll be glad you did!

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