Cranberry Brie Bites are a festive, bite-sized appetizer that brings together creamy brie, tart cranberry sauce, crunchy nuts, and flaky dough, all in one elegant little morsel. Perfect for holiday gatherings, cocktail hour, or whenever you want a savory-sweet treat that looks impressive but comes together easily. With just a couple of simple steps, you’ll have 24 of these ready to wow your guests.
Why You’ll Love These Cranberry Brie Bites
You’ll love these Cranberry Brie Bites because they combine beloved flavors, rich, soft brie cheese, vibrant cranberry, buttery pastry, with minimal fuss. The contrast of textures (melty cheese, crisp pastry, crunchy nuts) makes each bite irresistible. They look fancy enough for entertaining, yet are simple enough to whip up on short notice. And they’re wonderfully customizable, swap in your favorite jam or nuts, or adjust toppings to suit the occasion.
Ingredients
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8 oz (≈ 225 g) tube crescent roll dough
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Flour for rolling out the dough
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6 oz (≈ 170 g) brie cheese
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¼ cup orange marmalade
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¼ cup whole cranberry sauce
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¼ cup chopped nuts (pistachios, pecans or walnuts)
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Fresh rosemary sprigs or candied orange pieces for garnish
Step-by-Step: How to Make Cranberry Brie Bites
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Preheat your oven to 375 °F (≈ 190 °C) and grease a 24-count mini muffin pan with nonstick cooking spray.
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Cut the brie into small squares (about 1 inch or just under) and chill in the refrigerator until ready to use—this helps with cleaner slices.
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On a lightly floured surface, roll out the tube of crescent roll dough. Stretch slightly to form a uniform rectangle and pinch together any seams.
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Cut the dough into 24 even squares.
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Press each dough square into one of the prepared mini muffin cups, forming a little pastry “nest.”
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Place a brie square into each dough-lined cup. Then add about 1 teaspoon (or a little less) of the orange marmalade and cranberry-sauce mixture on top of each brie.
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Sprinkle the chopped nuts over each one, then add a small sprig of rosemary or a piece of candied orange for garnish.
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Bake for about 10–13 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and cooked through. (Keep an eye on them—once the brie is melty and the pastry golden, they’re done.)
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Let the bites cool in the pan for 5–10 minutes before removing and serving warm.
Helpful Tips
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Chilling the brie (or even freezing for 10–15 minutes) makes it easier to slice and keeps it from melting too rapidly.
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Use whole-berry cranberry sauce (rather than jellied) for better texture and presentation.
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Grease the mini muffin pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
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Don’t overfill each cup with cranberry sauce: about ½ to 1 teaspoon is enough. Overfilling may cause spillover while baking.
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If you’re making ahead: you can assemble the bites, refrigerate, and then bake just before serving.
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Watch the baking time closely: pastry should be fully cooked through and golden brown. A good test is that the brie looks melty and the edges of dough are set.
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For best texture, serve warm rather than fully room temperature—warm pastry plus melty cheese is the magic.
Substitutions And Variations
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Use puff pastry instead of crescent roll dough for a flakier, more refined texture.
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Swap the orange marmalade for another jam or preserve (e.g., fig, apricot, raspberry) for a different flavor profile.
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Change the nuts: pistachios, pecans, walnuts or even toasted almonds will work.
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Garnish with fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme) or candied orange peel for extra color and flavor.
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If you prefer to omit the marmalade and just use cranberry sauce—totally fine! It will be slightly simpler and still delicious.
Storage Instructions
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days.
To reheat: place bites in a 350 °F (≈ 175 °C) oven for 5–8 minutes to restore crispness.
Freezing: these can be frozen (especially if baked) for up to 3 months. Reheat from frozen in the oven. Some versions allow you to freeze unbaked assembled bites (particularly if using puff pastry) for up to 1 month.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (assuming 3 bites per serving): approximately 229.65 kcal | Carbohydrates: 22.53 g | Protein: 6.23 g | Fat: 13.74 g | Saturated Fat: 6.47 g | Cholesterol: 21.26 mg | Sodium: 364.46 mg | Potassium: 71.72 mg | Fiber: 0.55 g | Sugar: 12.54 g | Vitamin A: 141.82 IU | Vitamin C: 0.87 mg | Calcium: 46.96 mg | Iron: 0.61 mg
Serving Suggestions
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Serve them on a platter lined with fresh rosemary sprigs for a festive presentation.
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Pair with sparkling wine or a light white such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to balance richness.
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Set alongside a charcuterie board with other bite-sized appetizers (e.g., mini quiches, stuffed mushrooms) so guests can graze.
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Offer extra garnish like candied orange peel or finely chopped pistachios so people can customize.
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Because they’re warm and rich, include some fresh veggie crudités or a crisp green salad to balance the spread.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cranberry Brie Bites
Should I take off the rind from the brie before baking?
No, the rind on brie is edible and helps the cheese hold its shape during baking. If you prefer the texture without it you can remove it, but it isn’t necessary.
Can I use a regular muffin pan instead of a mini muffin one?
Technically, yes, but mini muffin pans create the right “bite-sized” portion and help the pastry rise up the sides. Using a regular muffin pan would change the size and possibly the cook time and ratio of dough to filling. For best results, go with a 24-cup mini muffin pan.
Can I prepare these ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble them ahead, chill them, and then bake just before serving. Some guides also show you can freeze pre-assembled (especially with puff pastry) and bake later. However, serving them newly baked yields the best texture.
What kind of sauce should I use with brie?
A whole-berry cranberry sauce is a great choice for texture and holiday flavor. But other jams or preserves (e.g., fig, apricot, raspberry) work beautifully and offer variation. Also, marmalade adds a citrusy twist.
How will I know when they’re done?
The pastry should be golden brown, particularly around the edges, and the brie should be melty and starting to ooze slightly. If the dough still looks pale or undercooked, give it another minute or two. Many recipes suggest around 10–15 minutes, depending on the oven and the dough thickness.
Final Thoughts
Thank you for spending time with this Cranberry Brie Bites recipe. I hope you’ll enjoy making and sharing it as much as I enjoyed writing it. These little bites are easy, flavorful, and full of holiday charm. Whether you’re serving them to guests or simply treating yourself, they bring warmth, flavor, and delight to any table. Wishing you wonderful cooking, memorable gatherings, and many happy moments around delicious food. Enjoy the ease and the flavor of this dish — and thank you for being part of the food-loving community. Happy cooking!
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Cranberry Brie Bites
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 24 bites 1x
Description
Cranberry Brie Bites are a crowd-pleasing, bite-sized holiday appetizer made with crescent dough, melty brie, tart cranberry sauce, and a sprinkle of crunchy nuts. They’re quick, festive, and perfect for parties or family gatherings.
Ingredients
8 oz tube crescent roll dough
Flour for rolling
6 oz 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
-
Preheat your oven to 375 °F (≈ 190 °C) and grease a 24-count mini muffin pan with nonstick cooking spray.
-
Cut the brie into small squares (about 1 inch or just under) and chill in the refrigerator until ready to use—this helps with cleaner slices.
-
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the tube of crescent roll dough. Stretch slightly to form a uniform rectangle and pinch together any seams.
-
Cut the dough into 24 even squares.
-
Press each dough square into one of the prepared mini muffin cups, forming a little pastry “nest.”
-
Place a brie square into each dough-lined cup. Then add about 1 teaspoon (or a little less) of the orange marmalade and cranberry-sauce mixture on top of each brie.
-
Sprinkle the chopped nuts over each one, then add a small sprig of rosemary or a piece of candied orange for garnish.
-
Bake for about 10–13 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and cooked through. (Keep an eye on them—once the brie is melty and the pastry golden, they’re done.)
-
Let the bites cool in the pan for 5–10 minutes before removing and serving warm.
Notes
Chill brie before slicing for cleaner cuts.
Use puff pastry for a fancier version.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheat in oven to restore crispness.
Freeze baked bites for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 bites
- Calories: 229.65
- Sugar: 12.54g
- Carbohydrates: 22.53g
- Protein: 6.23g