If you’re on the hunt for a bite-sized appetizer that’s bursting with festive flavors and creamy textures, look no further than this Cranberry and Brie Bites Recipe. These delightful morsels blend the tangy sweetness of cranberry sauce with the rich, melting creaminess of Brie, all nestled inside a perfectly golden crescent dough cup. Quick to prepare and visually stunning, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser whether for holiday gatherings, casual get-togethers, or just a special treat after a long day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Cranberry and Brie Bites Recipe lies in its simplicity. Every ingredient plays a starring role, creating a delicious balance of flavors, textures, and colors that make these bites irresistible and elegant.
- Crescent sheet roll: Provides a buttery, flaky base that crisps beautifully in the oven.
- Brie cheese: Offers a creamy, soft texture and mild richness that melts perfectly.
- Unsalted butter: Used to brush the muffin tin, helping the bites release easily and adding a subtle lusciousness.
- Cranberry sauce: Brings a sweet-tart pop that complements the Brie perfectly and adds vibrant color.
- Fresh thyme or rosemary: Adds an aromatic, earthy herbaceousness that elevates the flavor profile.
- Walnuts: Provide a satisfying crunch and a nutty contrast to the creamy Brie.
- Honey (optional): A sweet drizzle that perfectly rounds off the tart and savory elements if desired.
How to Make Cranberry and Brie Bites Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. While it’s warming up, grease your 12-cup mini muffin pan with melted butter. This step ensures your cranberry and Brie bites will come out cleanly and maintain their beautiful shape.
Step 2: Cut and Fill the Dough
Take your crescent sheet roll and cut it evenly into twelve 1.5 to 2-inch squares. Each piece will become a little cup to hold layers of flavor. Next, cube the Brie into one-inch pieces that will melt inside the dough, delivering creamy goodness in every bite.
Step 3: Assembly
Place each crescent dough square firmly into the mini muffin tin, pressing slightly to form a mini cup. Into each cup, add a cube of Brie as the heart of the bite. Top the cheese with about a teaspoon of cranberry sauce, then sprinkle with finely chopped fresh thyme or rosemary for that inviting herbal note. Finally, add crushed walnuts for texture. If you prefer, walnuts can be sprinkled on after baking to retain more crunch.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pop the filled muffin tin into your preheated oven for about 10 minutes. You’re looking for the crescent dough to turn golden brown and for the Brie to start melting blissfully. Keep an eye on them to avoid over-browning, but know that once bubbly and golden, they’re ready to go.
Step 5: Cool and Optional Honey Drizzle
Remove your Cranberry and Brie Bites from the oven and let them rest for a couple of minutes. This cooling allows flavors to settle and makes them easier to handle. If you love a touch of sweetness, now’s the perfect moment to drizzle a little honey over the warm bites for an extra layer of flavor magic.
How to Serve Cranberry and Brie Bites Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Cranberry and Brie Bites truly pop visually and flavor-wise, consider garnishing with a small sprig of fresh thyme or rosemary right before serving. The fresh herb adds brightness and complements the rustic elegance of the bites.
Side Dishes
These bites shine as appetizers but pair beautifully alongside a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette or a bowl of hearty butternut squash soup. The crisp and creamy nature of the bites balances well with fresh or warm side dishes, creating a well-rounded serving experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Presenting the Cranberry and Brie Bites on a wooden charcuterie board alongside clusters of grapes, nuts, and cured meats makes for a stunning arrangement. Alternatively, nestle them on a bed of colorful lettuce or kale leaves to add an extra pop of green and freshness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Cranberry and Brie Bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to two days, allowing you to enjoy their delightful flavors again without sacrificing texture or taste.
Freezing
If you want to prepare these ahead of time for a special occasion, you can freeze the assembled bites before baking. Wrap them tightly and freeze for up to a month. When ready, bake straight from frozen, adding a couple extra minutes to the cooking time.
Reheating
To reheat, place the bites on a baking sheet and warm them in a 350-degree Fahrenheit oven for about 5-7 minutes until heated through and crisp once more. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can make the dough soggy and the cheese separate.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese besides Brie?
Absolutely! While Brie offers a perfect creamy texture and mild flavor, cheeses like Camembert or a mild goat cheese can work well. Just make sure they melt nicely to maintain that gooey, delicious center.
Is cranberry sauce necessary in this recipe?
The cranberry sauce is essential to the flavor balance in this Cranberry and Brie Bites Recipe. It adds sweetness and zing that perfectly complements the richness of Brie and the crunch of walnuts, but if you really prefer, a dollop of fig jam or chutney could be an interesting alternative.
Can I make these vegan or dairy-free?
To adapt this recipe, use a dairy-free crescent dough and substitute the Brie with a plant-based cheese that melts well. Replace butter with a vegan-friendly option, and ensure your toppings align with your preferences. The cranberry and walnut mix is naturally vegan and delicious!
What’s the best herb to use for this recipe?
Fresh thyme and rosemary both shine here, each adding their own character—thyme is more subtle and lemony, while rosemary is piney and aromatic. Choose based on your taste or even mix a little of both for complexity.
Can these bites be made larger for a different serving style?
You can definitely scale up this recipe by using a regular muffin tin rather than mini to make larger bites. Just increase the cooking time accordingly and adjust the ingredients so each cup is well filled without overflowing.
Final Thoughts
It’s hard not to fall in love with this Cranberry and Brie Bites Recipe—it’s simple, elegant, and full of wonderful layers of flavor that come together so effortlessly. Whether you’re entertaining guests or looking to treat yourself, these bites deliver a mouthful of joy every time. Give them a try and watch how quickly they disappear from your plate!
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Cranberry and Brie Bites Recipe
These Cranberry and Brie Bites are an easy and elegant appetizer featuring creamy Brie, tangy cranberry sauce, and crunchy walnuts baked in buttery crescent roll dough. Perfect for a festive gathering or a simple treat, these bite-sized delights come together quickly with minimal ingredients and bake to golden perfection.
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients
Pastry
- 1 8 oz tube Crescent Sheet roll, cut into 2 inch squares
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (to brush pans)
Filling & Toppings
- 6 oz Brie cheese, cubed into 1 inch pieces
- ⅓ cup cranberry sauce (about 1 tsp per piece)
- 1 tsp fresh thyme or rosemary, finely chopped
- ¼ cup walnuts, crushed
- 2 tbsp honey (optional for topping drizzle)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking the cranberries and Brie bites.
- Prepare the muffin tin: Grease a 12-piece non-stick mini muffin tin pan thoroughly with melted unsalted butter to prevent sticking and allow easy removal of the bites.
- Cut the dough: Cut the crescent roll sheet into 12 equal squares approximately 1.5 to 2 inches each to fit perfectly into the mini muffin cups.
- Prepare the cheese: Cut the Brie cheese into 1-inch cubes, which will provide a creamy center for each bite.
- Assemble the bites: Place each crescent dough square into a muffin cup, gently pressing to form small cups. Add one cube of Brie cheese on top of each dough cup, then spoon about 1 teaspoon of cranberry sauce over the cheese. Sprinkle finely chopped fresh thyme or rosemary and crushed walnuts on top. Optionally, walnuts can be added after baking for extra crunch and freshness.
- Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for about 10 minutes, or until the crescent dough is golden brown on the sides and the Brie cheese inside is melted.
- Cool and serve: Remove the bites from the oven and let them cool for a couple of minutes. If desired, drizzle honey over the warm bites just before serving for added sweetness and shine.
- Enjoy: Serve these warm cranberry and Brie bites as an elegant appetizer or party snack and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors.
Notes
- You can substitute fresh rosemary for thyme or vice versa based on your preference.
- For a nut-free version, omit the walnuts or replace with pecans or sliced almonds.
- If you prefer a stronger cheese flavor, allow the Brie to warm slightly at room temperature before cubing.
- Adding the walnuts after baking keeps them crunchier, but adding before baking allows them to toast nicely.
- These bites are best enjoyed warm but can be reheated in the oven for a few minutes if needed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
