Indulge in the ultimate crowd-pleaser—miniature baked Brie enveloped in buttery crescent dough. Each bite unveils a perfect blend of gooey cheese, sweet-tart cranberry sauce, toasted pecans, and a touch of rosemary for a memorable appetizer bite. These cranberry Brie bites are perfect for the holiday season.
If I need winning over a crowd with appetizers, nothing beats the charm of gooey baked Brie snugly encircled in crescent dough. It’s a tried-and-true classic that never fails to disappear when served.
Personally, I believe the pinnacle of appetizer perfection lies in its miniature form, so grab that mini muffin tin of yours. This petite appetizer ensures every bite is packed with buttery dough, creamy cheese, sweet-tart cranberry sauce, toasted pecans, and a touch of rosemary in each bite.
Related: Kahlua-Pecan-Brown Sugar Baked Brie
Why You’ll Love Serving These Cranberry Brie Bites
Ingredients
Fresh and Pantry Ingredients for Cranberry Brie Bites
Crescent Dough: The flaky and buttery outer layer, providing the perfect base for the appetizer.
Brie: Creates the rich and gooey texture, offering a decadent and creamy contrast to the crisp dough.
Whole Berry Cranberry Sauce: Adds the sweet and tart element.
Pecans: Provides the crunch and nutty flavor.
Fresh Rosemary: Infuses a fragrant and herby note.
Substitutions That Work
- Puff pastry or pre-made pie crust (won’t be as fluffy) can serve as an alternative for crescent dough, offering a different texture but maintaining a flaky base.
- Camembert or a similar soft, creamy cheese can be substituted for Brie, for that guaranteed melt-in-your-mouth experience.
- Raspberry, fig or blackberry preserves can impart a sweet and tart flavor if cranberry sauce is unavailable.
- Walnuts or almonds can replace pecans, contributing a similar nutty crunch to the appetizer.
- Dried rosemary or fresh or dried thyme can be used as substitutes, adjusting the quantity to maintain the desired herbal essence.
How to Make Cranberry Brie Bites
- Preheat oven and grease a mini muffin tin.
- Roll out crescent dough, and cut into squares, and place in muffin tin slots.
- Add small pieces of Brie into each dough square.
- Top with cranberry sauce, chopped pecans, and rosemary sprigs.
- Bake until dough is cooked through.
- Serve immediately.
Get Creative With These Recipe Variations
For a sweet and spicy twist, add some heat by incorporating a pinch of red pepper flakes into the cranberry sauce or drizzle the finished bites with hot honey.
To create a fruitier tasting option, try using apricot preserves, instead of cranberry sauce.
Mix finely chopped herbs like thyme, sage, or chives into the Brie for an even more savory herbaceous flavor.
Feel free to swap out pecans for a mix of different nuts like almonds, walnuts, and pistachios for a varied crunch.
Sauté and caramelize onions to layer on top of the Brie before adding the cranberry sauce. This adds a savory-sweet flavor.
Expert Tips
- Let the Brie to come to room temperature before assembling to ensure it melts uniformly in the oven.
- For easier handling, make sure the crescent dough is cold before rolling it out. You could even freeze it for 10 minutes for a little bit of extra insurance.
- Make sure to lightly flour your work surface and rolling pin to prevent the dough from sticking during the rolling process.
- Cut the crescent dough into evenly sized squares (use a pizza cutter for ease) to ensure consistent baking and so each bite is uniform in size.
- Make these bites your own by tailoring toppings to your preference; experiment with different nuts, herbs, or fruit preserves for a personalized touch. Make sure to read my ideas in the substitution and recipe variation sections of this post.
- These bites are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, so time the baking to coincide with your guests’ arrival.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I store leftovers? If there are any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat in the oven for optimal texture.
Can I freeze these bites? While the texture may slightly change upon thawing, you can freeze them before baking and then bake from frozen for a convenient option.
Another substitute for rosemary? Try fresh chives for a different herbaceous flavor, or omit if preferred.
Can I make these gluten-free? Certainly! Opt for gluten-free crescent dough or puff pastry to accommodate gluten-free diets.
Can I make a larger batch for a bigger crowd? Yes. Simply scale up the quantities of ingredients to accommodate your guest list. Use both tiers of your oven to bake a larger batch.
Can I add a meat component? Consider adding a small slice of prosciutto or cooked bacon for a savory twist. Sausage crumbles work well too.
How can I make these more kid-friendly? Kids often love simplicity. Consider omitting rosemary or using a milder cheese to cater to younger taste buds.
Can I customize the shape of the dough? Feel free to get creative. Experiment with different shapes for the dough, like triangles, circles or pinwheels, for a unique presentation. The goal is to use up all the dough.
More Holiday Appetizer Party Bites
- Italian Stuffed Mushrooms
- Pork Stuffed Mushrooms
- Ham and Cheese Pinwheels
- Crab and Chive Puffs
- Jalapeno Popper Pinwheels
- Sausage Bites
- Slow Cooker Hawaiian Meatballs
- Avocado Caprese Bites
- Cauliflower Ranch Bites
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Cranberry Brie Bites
Ingredients
- cooking spray
- 1 can (8 oz.) crescent dough
- 1 wheel (8 oz.) of Brie cheese
- 3/4 cup whole berry cranberry sauce
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans
- rosemary sprigs cut into small pieces
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Grease a mini muffin tin with cooking spray.cooking spray
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out your crescent roll dough and cut into 24 squares.1 can (8 oz.) crescent dough
- Place your squares into your muffin tin slots.
- Cut the brie into 24 small pieces and place inside the dough.1 wheel (8 oz.) of Brie cheese
- Top each square with a spoonful of cranberry sauce, chopped pecans and rosemary sprigs.3/4 cup whole berry cranberry sauce, 1/4 cup chopped pecans, rosemary sprigs cut into small pieces
- Bake for 15 minutes or until the crescent dough is cooked through and golden.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
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