Cranberry Brie Bites: A Festive Holiday Party Appetizer

Cranberry Brie Bites: The Ultimate Holiday Party Appetizer

Cranberry Brie Bites are a crowd-pleasing, easy-to-make appetizer that transform simple ingredients into a show-stopping treat. A flaky crescent dough base is filled with creamy brie and sweet-tart cranberry sauce for the perfect holiday bite. Whether you’re hosting a large gathering or an intimate dinner, these bites will bring festive flair and delicious flavor to your table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy: Minimal prep and bake time means you spend less time in the kitchen, more time with guests.
• Festive Appeal: The vibrant cranberry and gooey melted brie look as beautiful as they taste.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep in advance and bake just before serving for fresh, warm appetizers.
• Customizable: Play with flavors—add chopped nuts, substitute jams, or switch up the dough.
• Perfect for Parties: Bite-sized portions are easy to eat and encourage mingling.

Ingredients

• 1 sheet refrigerated crescent dough (or use puff pastry for a flakier texture)
• 8 ounces brie cheese (rind on or off, to preference)
• 1/2 cup whole cranberry sauce (homemade or canned)
• 1/4 cup candied pecans or walnuts (optional, for extra crunch and flavor)
• Fresh rosemary sprigs (optional, for garnish)
• Flour (for dusting, if rolling out dough)
• Nonstick cooking spray (for greasing the mini muffin tin)

How to Make Cranberry Brie Bites

1. Prepare the Muffin Tin: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 24-cup mini muffin tin with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
2. Shape the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, unroll the crescent dough. If using perforated dough, gently press seams together. Cut the dough into 24 equal squares using a sharp knife or pizza cutter.
3. Fill the Cups: Place each dough square into a muffin cup, pressing down gently to shape. Add a slice of brie (approximately 3/4-inch cube) into each cup, followed by a teaspoon of cranberry sauce. For added crunch, sprinkle with candied pecans or walnuts.
4. Bake: Bake for 15–18 minutes until the dough is golden and cheese is melted.
5. Finish and Serve: Optionally, top each bite with fresh rosemary. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving warm or at room temperature.

Tips for the Best Cranberry Brie Bites

• Cut Even Squares: To ensure consistent baking, try to cut dough into equal-sized pieces.
• Chop Cheese in Advance: Pre-cutting the brie makes assembly quick and seamless.
• Variety of Jams: Substitute cranberry sauce with raspberry, blackberry, or fig preserve for a delicious twist.
• Don’t Overfill: Filling too much can cause leaks during baking—1 teaspoon of cranberry per cup is ideal.
• Easy Clean-Up: Use nonstick spray and line up a baking sheet under your tin to catch any sticky overflow.

Ingredient Substitutions

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

These brie bites shine on their own, but you can also:

• Serve as part of a holiday appetizer platter with fresh fruits, cured meats, and crackers.
• Pair with sparkling wine, prosecco, or a fruit-forward rosé to complement the creamy and tart flavors.
• Add a light salad (like arugula with lemon vinaigrette) for contrast if serving at a sit-down event.

Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating Tips

• Make-Ahead: Assemble the bites (without baking) up to one day in advance, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. Bake fresh before serving.
• Freezing: Freeze assembled, unbaked bites on a tray until solid; then package in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Add 2–3 minutes to baking time when baking from frozen.
• Leftover Storage: Store cooled, baked bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes to crisp up the pastry.

Recipe Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of chopped fresh jalapeño or a dash of hot honey over the top before baking.
• Savory & Herbaceous: Mix in a teaspoon of chopped fresh thyme or rosemary with the cranberry sauce for herbal aroma.
• Vegan Version: Use vegan crescent dough and vegan brie substitute; replace cranberry sauce with a vegan brand.
• Gluten-Free: Substitute for a gluten-free crescent or puff pastry available at specialty stores.

Nutrition Information (per bite, approximate)

Nutrition values may vary based on ingredients and substitutions used.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use homemade cranberry sauce?

Absolutely! Homemade sauce brings even more flavor and freshness. Just ensure it’s not too runny so it sits nicely in the dough cups.

Can I prepare Cranberry Brie Bites in advance?

Yes, you can assemble everything a day ahead, refrigerate, and bake when guests arrive. They are also delicious at room temperature.

Do I have to remove the rind from brie?

It’s a matter of personal preference. The rind is edible and becomes soft when baked, but you can trim it off if you prefer a milder taste and a smoother texture.

What if I don’t have a mini muffin tin?

You can use a standard muffin tin for larger bites—simply cut the dough into larger squares and adjust the baking time up by a few minutes.

How do I keep the bites from sticking to the pan?

Use a generous amount of nonstick spray or line the pan with mini muffin liners to ensure easy removal after baking.

More Holiday Appetizer Ideas

• Bacon-Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese
• Stuffed Mushrooms with Sausage and Herbs
• Mini Caprese Skewers
• Phyllo-Wrapped Asparagus

Helpful Tips for Success

• Work Quickly with Dough: Crescent dough can get sticky if it warms up. If needed, pop it back into the fridge for a few minutes during assembly.
• Use Quality Brie: Because the flavor is simple, high-quality cheese makes a difference.
• Don’t Skip the Garnish: Even a small sprig of fresh rosemary or thyme adds a festive, aromatic touch and visual appeal.
• Let Rest Before Serving: Allow bites to rest for a few minutes after baking to avoid burns from hot cheese and allow the flavors to develop.

Printable Recipe Card

Final Thoughts

Cranberry Brie Bites deliver the perfect balance of buttery, creamy, and tart flavors in one irresistible appetizer. Their ease of preparation and stunning presentation make them a go-to holiday classic—one that will draw rave reviews and requests for the recipe every time you serve them.

Author

medha deb

 

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

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