Why You’ll Love Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe
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They’re simple and quick: from dough to oven in minutes.
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The flavor contrast — rich, melty Brie with tangy cranberry and crunchy pecans — hits all the right sweet, savory, and textural notes.
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They look elegant on a platter yet taste like comfort food, making them ideal for parties or cozy nights in.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Crescent dough (or puff pastry if preferred)
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Brie cheese (a wheel)
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Whole‑berry cranberry sauce
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Finely chopped roasted unsalted pecans
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Fresh rosemary sprigs (cut into small pieces)
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All-purpose flour (for dusting)
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Cooking spray
Directions
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 24‑cup mini muffin tin with cooking spray.
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Lightly flour a work surface, roll out the crescent dough, and pinch seams together if necessary. Cut the dough into 24 even squares.
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Press each dough square into a muffin tin cup, forming a little pastry cup.
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Cut the Brie into small pieces (it’s easier if the Brie is slightly chilled). Place one piece in each pastry cup.
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Add about one teaspoon of cranberry sauce on top of the Brie, sprinkle some chopped pecans, and place a small sprig of rosemary over each bite.
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Bake until the pastry is golden and the cheese is melted, about 15 minutes. Serve warm.
Servings and timing
Yields about 24 bites. Total time is roughly 30 minutes (about 10 minutes prep, 15 minutes baking).
Variations
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Substitute puff pastry for crescent dough for a slightly different texture and flakiness.
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Use different jams or preserves instead of cranberry — for example, raspberry, fig, or apricot for a sweeter twist.
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Swap the pecans for walnuts, pistachios, or almonds depending on what you have or prefer.
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Skip the rosemary (or use thyme) if you prefer a more neutral or less herb-forward bite.
Storage/Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
To reheat, place bites back into a mini muffin tin and warm in the oven until the pastry is crisp and the cheese is soft again. You can also serve them at room temperature.
FAQs
How can I make slicing Brie easier?
Chill or slightly freeze the Brie wheel before cutting — cold cheese slices much cleaner and less messily, especially when soft.
Do I need to remove the rind from the Brie?
No. The rind is edible and helps keep the cheese from melting too much. But if you don’t like the texture, you can trim it off.
Can I make these bites ahead of time?
Yes — assemble them, cover, and refrigerate. Bake them shortly before serving for best texture.
What if I don’t have crescent dough?
You can substitute puff pastry — just roll it out, cut into squares, and press into the muffin tin.
Can I use a different fruit topping instead of cranberry sauce?
Absolutely. Raspberry, fig, or apricot jam, even pepper jelly or chutney, work well and offer tasty variations.
What other nuts can I use besides pecans?
Walnuts, almonds, or pistachios make great substitutes, especially if you prefer a different flavor or texture.
Can I skip the nuts?
Yes — they add crunch and contrast, but the bites are still delicious and satisfying without them.
Is rosemary necessary?
No — it adds a festive, herbal note. If you don’t have it, you can omit it or use another fresh herb (like thyme) for a different flavor.
Can I freeze the bites after baking?
Yes. Once baked and cooled, freeze in an airtight container. Reheat later in the oven for best results.
Are these bites good at room temperature or only hot?
They’re fine — and still tasty — served warm or at room temperature. Some people even prefer them slightly cooled for easier handling.
Conclusion
Cranberry Brie Bites are a simple yet elegant appetizer that blends creamy cheese, tangy cranberry, flaky pastry and nutty crunch — all in one luscious little package. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or just want a cozy snack, these bites are easy to make, versatile, and always a crowd‑pleaser.
Cranberry Brie Bites
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 bites
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cranberry Brie Bites are the perfect holiday appetizer, combining creamy brie, tart cranberry sauce, and flaky crescent dough for a delicious and festive bite-sized treat.
Ingredients
- 1 (8-oz.) tube crescent dough
- Cooking spray, for pan
- Flour, for surface
- 1 (8-oz.) wheel of brie
- 1 cup whole berry cranberry sauce
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 6 sprigs of rosemary, cut into 1-inch pieces
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F and grease a mini muffin tin with cooking spray.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out crescent dough and pinch together seams. Cut into 24 squares.
- Place the dough squares into the muffin tin cups.
- Cut brie into small pieces and place one piece in each dough cup.
- Top each with a spoonful of cranberry sauce, some chopped pecans, and a small rosemary sprig.
- Bake until the crescent dough is golden and the cheese is melted, about 15 minutes.
- Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Use whole berry cranberry sauce for the best texture and flavor.
- You can prep these bites ahead of time and bake just before serving.
- For extra crunch, toast the pecans before adding them.
- Swap crescent dough with puff pastry for a flakier texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bite
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 135 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
