Made with buttery crescent rolls, melty brie, and tart cranberry sauce, these Cranberry Brie Bites are the ultimate bite-sized appetizers for the holiday season. They come together in just over 30 minutes, making them an easy recipe for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any festive gathering.
These baked brie bites have everything you could want in an appetizer: flaky puff pastry, sweet cranberry sauce, creamy brie, and crunchy pecans. Whether you’re serving them for a holiday cocktail party or just as an indulgent snack, they’re guaranteed to be a hit. Keep reading for tips on making the perfect holiday appetizer, plus fun variations and storage instructions.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy – Made with simple ingredients, these easy appetizers require minimal prep.
- Versatile – Swap the store-bought cranberry sauce for homemade cranberry sauce or switch up the nuts and herbs.
- Crowd-Pleaser – These bite-sized appetizers are always a hit at holiday parties and get rave reviews.
What Are Cranberry Brie Bites?
These cranberry brie bites are mini pastry cups filled with creamy brie, sweet cranberry sauce, and crunchy pecans. Baked in a mini muffin pan, they come out golden brown with a perfectly flaky texture. The combination of flavors makes them an irresistible treat for Thanksgiving appetizers or any festive occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Essential Ingredients
- Crescent roll dough – Buttery and easy to work with, this is the perfect base.
- Brie cheese – A wheel of brie adds a rich, creamy texture.
- Cranberry sauce – Sweet cranberry sauce balances the savory brie.
- Pecans – Toasted for added crunch.
- Fresh rosemary – A small sprig on top adds a touch of elegance.
Tools & Equipment
- Mini muffin tins – Helps create uniform muffin cup shapes.
- Rolling pin – To flatten and shape the dough.
- Sharp knife – For cutting small squares of dough and brie.
- Cooking spray – To prevent sticking.
- Parchment paper – Useful for easy cleanup.
How to Make Cranberry Brie Bites
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Preheat the degree oven to 375°F. Grease a mini muffin pan with cooking spray. On a lightly floured work surface, roll out the crescent roll dough sheet and place squares into the muffin tin slots.
Step 2: Add the Brie & Cranberry Sauce
Using a sharp knife, cut the wheel of brie into small pieces. Slice of brie should fit neatly into each pastry square. Top with a spoonful of cranberry sauce and sprinkle with pecans.
Step 3: Bake Until Golden Brown
Place the mini muffin tins in the oven and bake for about 15 minutes, or until the puff pastry dough is golden brown and the brie is melted.
Step 4: Garnish & Serve
Top each bite with a little sprig of rosemary for a festive touch. Serve warm, at room temperature, or enjoy the next day!
The Ultimate Cranberry Brie Bites for Your Holiday Table
Ingredients
- 1 8-oz. tube crescent dough
- Cooking spray
- All-purpose flour for surface
- 1 8-oz. wheel of brie
- ½ cup whole berry cranberry sauce
- ¼ cup chopped roasted unsalted pecans
- 6 sprigs fresh rosemary cut into 1" pieces.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- Preheat the degree oven to 375°F. Grease a mini muffin pan with cooking spray. On a lightly floured work surface, roll out the crescent roll dough sheet and place squares into the muffin tin slots.
Step 2: Add the Brie & Cranberry Sauce
- Using a sharp knife, cut the wheel of brie into small pieces. Slice of brie should fit neatly into each pastry square. Top with a spoonful of cranberry sauce and sprinkle with pecans.
Step 3: Bake Until Golden Brown
- Place the mini muffin tins in the oven and bake for about 15 minutes, or until the puff pastry dough is golden brown and the brie is melted.
Step 4: Garnish & Serve
- Top each bite with a little sprig of rosemary for a festive touch. Serve warm, at room temperature, or enjoy the next day!
Video
Notes
Pro Tips for the Best Cranberry Brie Bites
1. Use Puff Pastry for Extra Flakiness
While crescent rolls make this recipe super easy, you can also use puff pastry sheets for a flakier texture. Just cut into equal-sized squares and follow the same instructions.2. Keep Brie Cold for Easy Slicing
Brie is easier to cut when it's cold. If needed, place it in the freezer section of your local grocery store for a few minutes before slicing.3. Try Different Fillings
If you love experimenting, try these variations:- Camembert cheese + raspberry jam + pecans
- Goat cheese + strawberry jam + almonds
- Double cream brie + hot pepper jelly + candied pecans
Pro Tips for the Best Cranberry Brie Bites
1. Use Puff Pastry for Extra Flakiness
While crescent rolls make this recipe super easy, you can also use puff pastry sheets for a flakier texture. Just cut into equal-sized squares and follow the same instructions.
2. Keep Brie Cold for Easy Slicing
Brie is easier to cut when it's cold. If needed, place it in the freezer section of your local grocery store for a few minutes before slicing.
3. Try Different Fillings
If you love experimenting, try these variations:
- Camembert cheese + raspberry jam + pecans
- Goat cheese + strawberry jam + almonds
- Double cream brie + hot pepper jelly + candied pecans
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- Make-Ahead: Assemble and store in an airtight container in the fridge. Bake just before serving.
- Freezing: Place in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or air fryer basket.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F or in an air fryer basket for a crispy texture.
Serve These for Any Occasion!
These Cranberry Brie Bites are the perfect holiday appetizers and work for:
- Thanksgiving appetizers
- Christmas parties
- Holiday cocktail parties
- Easy appetizers for any gathering
More Appetizers You May Love:
Brie and Dark Cherry Brie Bites
Sweet and Savory Easy Bruschetta
Make sure to save this cranberry brie bites recipe with a printable recipe card and share on social media for rave reviews!
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