Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe

There’s something truly irresistible about this Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe that always makes it my go-to for holiday parties or any time I want to impress guests with minimal effort. The combination of creamy, melty brie paired with sweet-tart cranberry sauce nestled inside flaky crescent dough produces a delightful bite every time. I love that it’s quick to whip up, but the flavors feel like you’ve been cooking all day.

Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or just craving an elegant snack, you’ll find that this Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe hits just the right notes of savory, sweet, and crunchy in every bite. Plus, these little morsels come together in under half an hour, making them perfect for last-minute entertaining or a cozy night in with friends. I promise, once you try them, they’ll be on your rotation too!

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together in a way that’s both familiar and a little special. I always recommend using fresh rosemary because it adds just the right hint of piney aroma that complements the brie and cranberry beautifully.

• Crescent dough: The pre-made dough makes these bites so easy, and it bakes up flaky and buttery every time.
• Cooking spray: For greasing the muffin tin, so the bites pop right out without sticking.
• All-purpose flour: Helps to roll and cut the dough cleanly without sticking to your surface or rolling pin.
• Brie cheese: I always pick a creamy wheel or wedge; the rind is edible and adds a lovely subtle earthiness.
• Whole berry cranberry sauce: I prefer the chunky kind for a nice texture contrast and sweet-tart flavor burst.
• Chopped roasted unsalted pecans: Adds crunchiness and a toasty depth—roasted nuts bring out the best flavor.
• Fresh rosemary sprigs: Chopped into small pieces for a fresh herbal kick that brightens up each bite.

Variations

I love playing around with this Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe to suit different occasions and moods. Feel free to swap the pecans or rosemary for alternatives that fit your pantry or dietary preferences—these bites are very forgiving and adaptable.

• Nut-Free Option: I once used sunflower seeds instead of pecans, and it was still delicious and crunchy—great if you’re allergic to nuts.
• Herb Swap: Thyme or sage gives a different herbal note if you don’t have rosemary on hand, and it pairs wonderfully with brie.
• Sweet Twist: Try a drizzle of honey over the cranberry before baking for an extra touch of sweetness that my family went crazy for.
• Vegan Variation: You can substitute vegan crescent dough and dairy-free brie alternatives to make this recipe plant-based and just as tasty.

How to Make Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Muffin Tin

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F — having it fully warmed helps the crescent dough puff up beautifully and bake evenly. Grease your mini 24-cup muffin tin really well with cooking spray so the bites can pop out easily later. I like to also lightly flour my work surface before handling the dough to keep things from sticking.

Step 2: Roll Out and Cut the Dough

Unroll your crescent dough and gently pinch the seams together to make one even sheet. This makes the pockets sturdier and prevents leaks of melted brie while baking. Then cut the dough into 24 squares — I use a sharp knife or pizza cutter, which works like a charm for clean edges. Place each square into a muffin cup, pressing the dough gently down to form a little crust pocket.

Step 3: Add Brie, Cranberry, Pecans & Rosemary

Cut your brie into small chunks so every bite gets that gooey, creamy center. Place one piece inside each dough cup. Top with a spoonful of cranberry sauce — I love how the sauce melts slightly but still holds its texture. Sprinkle the chopped roasted pecans on top to add crunch, then finish each bite with a tiny sprig or piece of fresh rosemary for an herbal pop.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake the bites for about 15 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and puffy. Keep an eye on them to make sure the dough doesn’t over-brown—every oven is a little different, so rotate the pan halfway through if needed. Once done, let them cool for a few minutes in the tin before popping them out carefully with a small spatula or knife.

How to Serve Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep garnishes simple because the bites are loaded with flavor already. But sometimes, I add a tiny fresh rosemary leaf or a sprinkle of finely chopped pecans on top after baking for a little extra visual pop and an extra crunch. If you want to get fancy, a light drizzle of honey or balsamic glaze just before serving is heavenly!

Side Dishes

These cranberry brie bites stand well on their own, but I like pairing them with a light green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness. They’re also fantastic alongside a charcuterie board piled with cured meats, olives, and crusty bread to round out the savory-sweet theme.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties, I’ve served these cranberry brie bites on a beautiful wooden platter lined with fresh rosemary sprigs and cranberries scattered around. They instantly elevate the table’s look and make the bites easy for guests to grab. Using mini cupcake liners inside the muffin tin also makes cleanup easier and adds a festive touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (which is rare!) store them in an airtight container in the fridge. I place them in a single layer with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. They keep well for up to 3 days and still taste great when reheated.

Freezing

I’ve frozen these bites successfully by assembling them but not baking. Then I tightly wrap the muffin tin with plastic wrap and freeze. When I’m ready, I bake them directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the bake time. This trick is a lifesaver for prepping ahead of a party.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, I pop them in a 350°F oven for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through and the crust is crisp again. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the pastry soggy and the cheese rubbery.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe is one of those dishes that feels fancy but is incredibly straightforward to make—which I adore. Every time I bring these to a gathering, people ask for the recipe, and that little victory makes me happy. So go ahead, try them out for your next event or cozy night in; I’m confident you’ll love how these bites bring a little sparkle to your table and make you look like a superstar cook without breaking a sweat.

Print