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The holiday season is upon us, and with it comes the joy of festive gatherings and delectable treats. Among the plethora of holiday appetizers, one standout steals the spotlight with its golden brown, flaky crust and the harmonious marriage of creamy brie, tart cranberry sauce, and buttery crescent dough – the Cranberry Brie Bites.
This, along with Cranberry Fruit Dip and Caramelized Onion Baked Brie en Croûte, is one of my favorite holiday appetizers! My other popular Christmas recipes include prime rib roast, monkey bread with biscuits for Christmas morning, and microwave fudge!
Reasons to Make This Recipe
Cranberry Brie Bites might just be the best holiday appetizer recipe out there.
- Perfect holiday appetizer – The colors and the flavors embody the taste of the holidays. As far as flavor and texture, the flaky, buttery layers of the crescent dough create the ideal vessel to encase the rich, melted brie cheese and tart cranberry sauce. The result? A golden brown, heavenly bite that will have your guests coming back for more.
- Super easy to make – No special skills required.
- Over the top with homemade cranberry sauce – Remember when I told you to double or triple that batch of cranberry sauce you made for Thanksgiving? Here’s one of the reasons why to have leftover cranberry sauce stored away! Even if you didn’t, it’s quick and easy to make up a new batch and you can use any excess to make cranberry martinis to serve your guests.
Ingredients Needed
Only three simple ingredients, including homemade cranberry sauce which is best made from fresh cranberries, double cream brie, and buttery crescent roll dough, make this two-bite appetizer a tasty treat that everyone will love.
How to Make Cranberry Brie Bites
Fear not, for creating these delicious appetizers is as easy as it is fun. Using a lined baking sheet or a mini muffin pan and some simple ingredients, you can whip up these little bites in no time.
Step 1: The Prep Work
Start by opening the package of the crescent rolls and rolling out your crescent roll dough. I find that it doesn’t stick too bad, but you can use a lightly floured work surface. Cut it into equal-sized squares. Place squares onto the prepared baking sheet or into the muffin tin slots, creating the perfect base for your bites.
Step 2: Add the Cranberry Sauce and Brie
Cut the brie into small pieces, placing a portion on top of each crescent roll square. Add a generous spoonful of sweet cranberry sauce on top of the brie. The result? A beautiful melding of textures and flavors. Pinch the opposite corners of the dough together.
Step 3: Bake and Serve
Bake until golden brown, and you’ll be rewarded with the perfect holiday appetizer. The aroma alone will have your guests eagerly awaiting the moment they can sink their teeth into these delectable treats.
FAQs
Pop them in an airtight container or a freezer-safe storage bag and refrigerate or freeze.
Yes! Make them ahead and store in the fridge or freezer until you’re ready to bake. Be sure to allow the frozen bites to thaw to room temperature before baking.
You can use store-bought, but homemade cranberry sauce is always best! You can also replace with something like apricot preserves for a different flavor.
Absolutely! Try a sheet of puff pastry or phyllo dough for a tasty twist.
I think nothing beats a melty brie cheese, but goat cheese might work if you’re looking for a tangy twist.
Go for it! Top with a little sprig of rosemary or a sprinkle of red pepper after baking can add festive flavor.
Bake until they’re golden brown – that’s the sign they’re ready to be enjoyed!
Arrange them on a pretty plate, and watch them disappear at your holiday gathering!
Recommended Cranberry Recipes
If you love the tart flavor and bold red color of cranberries this time of year, you’ll love these other recipes!
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Equipment
Ingredients
- 8 ounces crescent roll dough
- 4 ounces brie
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce see link on how to make your own in recipe notes!
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 F. Prepare a large baking sheet by lining with parchment or a silicone mat. If you have a mini muffin pan, it works great to make these as long as you spray the wells with a thin layer of oil first to prevent sticking.
- Roll the 8 ounces crescent roll dough into a single sheet that is about 12" long and 8" wide. If you're worried about sticking, you can lightly flour the surface. Ensure all seams have been pinched together to create a tight seal. Cut the dough into 24 equal sized squares using a 6×4 grid.
- To prepare the bites, add a small cube of brie (about one cubic centimeter in size) and a small scoop of cranberry sauce (about 1/2 teaspoon) to the center of each square of dough. Bring opposite corners of the dough to the center and pinch in the middle.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 11-13 minutes, or until golden brown. The cheese may melt out of some (this is where the mini muffin pan helps), but you can easily scoop it back in when the appetizers or hot, or serve as is. They will be eaten either way!
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
This recipe was first posted in December of 2017 but has been updated with additional photos and more helpful information. Don’t worry – the recipe hasn’t changed!
What’s the best way to store these if I want to prep ahead and then bake later?
You can prep all of the bites and then refrigerate until you’re ready to bake.
Should you leave the rind on the Brie when you make these?
I do, but it’s a matter of preference. Sorry for the late reply – I was traveling for the holiday!
Do these reheat ok?
I don’t like the way puff pastry reheats. You can definitely warm them in the oven at a very low heat (do not microwave) but they are best when served fresh.
Where is the homemade cranberry sauce recipe?
Hi Cheryl, It’s linked in the ingredients in the recipe card and listed at the notes at the bottom of the recipe. Here’s the link as well: Fresh Cranberry Sauce
Can I use like a fig.preserve or onion instead of cranberry?
Absolutely!
can you freeze these??
I wouldn’t
Delicious! Any tips on best way to store them if I make them same day but won’t be serving them for a few hours? Do they need to be refrigerated?
They’re definitely best if served immediately but you can make them earlier in the day and I think they’d be fine without refrigeration for a few hours. Any longer I would refrigerate and then reheat to take the chill out before serving.
Will using Puff pastry work as well?
yes
Can these be made with pre-made pie crust?
They can, but you won’t get as many light and tender layers.
Can I make these in the morning and bake that afternoon?
That should work!
Can these be made in paper muffin cups in a mini tin?
yes!