Cranberry Brie Bites

Introduction

When I first made Cranberry Brie Bites for a holiday gathering, I was immediately struck by how quickly they disappeared from the table. These little appetizers are a perfect combination of flavors—creamy brie, sweet cranberry-orange sauce, and a crunchy, flaky crust that melts in your mouth. They are incredibly easy to make but look and taste like something you’d spend hours preparing. The balance of sweetness and richness in each bite makes them an irresistible addition to any meal or party. Whether you’re serving them as a pre-dinner snack or bringing them to a potluck, these cranberry brie bites are sure to be a hit. They are especially perfect for the holiday season when everyone is looking for something festive and indulgent to nibble on.

Ingredients

• 1 (8-ounce) tube crescent roll dough
• Flour (for rolling out dough)
• 6 ounces Brie cheese
• ¼ cup orange marmalade
• ¼ cup whole cranberry sauce
• ¼ cup chopped pistachios, pecans, or walnuts
• Fresh rosemary or candied orange pieces (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Oven and Pan:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 24-count mini-muffin pan with nonstick cooking spray. This will help prevent the crescent dough from sticking and ensure easy removal once the bites are baked.

2. Cut the Brie:

Slice the Brie cheese into 1-inch (or slightly smaller) squares. You want each piece of Brie to fit comfortably inside the crescent dough. Once cut, place the Brie squares in the refrigerator to keep them cool until you’re ready to assemble the bites.

3. Mix the Sauce:

In a small bowl, combine the orange marmalade and cranberry sauce. Stir well until the two are thoroughly mixed. This sweet, tangy sauce will be the perfect complement to the rich, creamy brie. Set aside to allow the flavors to combine.

4. Roll and Cut the Dough:

Lightly flour a flat surface and roll out the crescent dough. Stretch it slightly to form an even rectangle and pinch any seams together. Then, cut the dough into 24 even-sized squares. These squares will be placed into your mini muffin pan to form the base of your cranberry brie bites.

5. Assemble the Bites:

Place each dough square into one of the mini-muffin cups. Gently press the dough into the cup, ensuring it fits snugly. Add a square of Brie cheese into each dough square, followed by a teaspoon of the orange-cranberry sauce mixture. Sprinkle a few chopped nuts on top of the sauce for a bit of crunch. Finally, garnish with a small sprig of fresh rosemary or a piece of candied orange for a festive touch.

6. Bake:

Bake the cranberry brie bites in your preheated oven for 10-13 minutes or until the crescent dough is golden brown and fully cooked. Keep an eye on the bites during the last few minutes to avoid overbaking. The edges of the dough should be crispy and golden, while the Brie cheese should be melting into the sauce.

7. Cool and Serve:

Once baked, remove the cranberry brie bites from the oven and let them cool for 5-10 minutes before serving warm. This cooling time helps them firm up slightly, making them easier to handle and less likely to fall apart when you pick them up.

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 8 (3 bites per serving)
• Calories per serving: 250 kcal
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 320mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 25mg

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 13 minutes
• Total Time: 28 minutes

How to Serve

• As an Appetizer: Serve these cranberry brie bites at the start of your meal. They make an impressive, crowd-pleasing appetizer that pairs well with drinks like white wine, champagne, or cider.
• For a Party: These bites are perfect for holiday parties or gatherings with friends. They are easy to serve and can be enjoyed by guests without utensils.
• As a Snack: If you’re craving a light snack, cranberry brie bites are a perfect bite-sized treat that’s not too filling but still satisfying.
• With Salad: Pair these bites with a light salad, such as a spinach or mixed greens salad, for a delightful appetizer or side dish.

Additional Tips

1. Use Cold Brie: Make sure the Brie is cold when you assemble the bites. This helps it hold its shape better when baked and prevents it from melting too quickly.
2. Customize the Nuts: Feel free to swap out the pistachios, pecans, or walnuts for your favorite nuts or seeds. Almonds or hazelnuts would work great as well.
3. Try a Different Jam: While the cranberry-orange mixture is delicious, you can experiment with different jams or marmalades such as raspberry or apricot for a unique twist.
4. Don’t Skip the Rosemary: The fresh rosemary adds an aromatic and earthy flavor that complements the sweet cranberry sauce and rich Brie cheese. If you prefer, use candied orange pieces for a slightly sweeter garnish.
5. Make Ahead: You can prepare these bites a day ahead by assembling them and refrigerating them before baking. Bake them just before serving to enjoy the fresh, warm flavors.

Recipe Variations

• Apple-Cranberry Brie Bites: Swap out the orange marmalade for apple jelly or apple butter, and combine it with the cranberry sauce for a cozy, autumn-inspired twist.
• Bacon and Brie Bites: Add crumbled bacon to the topping for a savory and smoky contrast to the sweet cranberry sauce.
• Vegan Version: For a vegan-friendly version, use dairy-free cheese and vegan crescent roll dough. You can also substitute the honey in the marmalade with maple syrup to keep the recipe plant-based.
• Spicy Cranberry Brie Bites: Add a small pinch of red pepper flakes or finely diced jalapeño to the cranberry sauce for a hint of heat that balances the richness of the Brie.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with Wine: These cranberry brie bites go wonderfully with a light white wine, such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, or even a sparkling wine like Prosecco. For a more festive touch, serve them with a holiday punch or cider.
• Serve with Dips: Offer a side of balsamic glaze or honey for dipping. The sweetness of the honey or the tang of balsamic vinegar will pair perfectly with the flavors of the Brie and cranberry.
• For a Cheese Board: Add these cranberry brie bites to a cheese board alongside other cheeses, crackers, fresh fruit, and nuts for an elegant spread that will impress your guests.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: These cranberry brie bites can be frozen before baking. To do so, assemble the bites and place them on a baking sheet in the freezer. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. To bake from frozen, just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
• Storing Leftovers: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes to crisp up the dough again.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use store-bought cranberry sauce? Yes, store-bought cranberry sauce works just as well as homemade. Just make sure it’s thick enough to hold together when you spoon it onto the dough.
2. Can I make these bites ahead of time? Absolutely! You can assemble the bites and store them in the fridge for a few hours before baking them.
3. Can I substitute the Brie with another cheese? While Brie is ideal due to its creamy texture, you can substitute it with cream cheese, Camembert, or even goat cheese for a different flavor.
4. How do I keep the dough from sticking to the pan? Make sure to grease the mini-muffin pan well with nonstick cooking spray to prevent the dough from sticking. Alternatively, you can line the cups with parchment paper liners.
5. What can I use instead of pistachios? You can use chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds as a substitute for pistachios, or omit them if you prefer.
6. Can I bake these at a different temperature? 375°F is the best temperature for baking the crescent dough to ensure a golden, crispy texture. You may need to adjust the time if you bake at a different temperature.
7. How can I make the bites spicier? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or finely chopped jalapeños to the cranberry sauce mixture for a spicy kick.
8. Can I use puff pastry instead of crescent roll dough? Yes, you can substitute puff pastry for a flakier, puffier texture, though the baking time may vary slightly.
9. How can I prevent the filling from leaking? Be sure to seal the dough tightly around the

filling and avoid overfilling each bite to prevent the cheese and sauce from leaking during baking.

10. Can I serve these cranberry brie bites at room temperature? Yes, they are still delicious at room temperature, but they’re best when served warm so the cheese is soft and gooey.

Conclusion

Cranberry Brie Bites are a wonderfully festive and flavorful appetizer that’s sure to impress any crowd. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or bringing a dish to a potluck, these bites are an easy and elegant choice. The combination of creamy Brie, sweet cranberry sauce, and the flaky crescent dough creates a perfect bite every time. Add some fresh rosemary or candied orange for a special garnish, and you’ve got a holiday treat that’s both beautiful and delicious. Enjoy making and serving these delightful bites—they’ll become a favorite in no time!

Print