Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe

If you’re looking for a show-stopping appetizer that’s both elegant and easy to make, your search is over. This Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe is one of my all-time favorites because it delivers that perfect combo of creamy, tangy, and flaky in every bite. It’s the kind of recipe that turns ordinary gatherings into memorable moments, and I can’t wait to share it with you!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

For this Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe, the ingredients come together to create contrasting textures and balanced flavors. I love using crescent dough because it browns beautifully, and the fresh rosemary adds that subtle herby kick that sets these bites apart.

• All-purpose flour: Just a little dusting helps keep the crescent dough from sticking, making it easier to roll and cut.
• Crescent dough sheet or crescent rolls: I prefer the sheet for uniformity, but rolls work well too—just pinch the seams carefully.
• Brie cheese: An 8-ounce wheel is perfect; make sure to cut it into small pieces so it melts evenly inside the dough.
• Whole berry cranberry sauce: Go for whole berry, not jellied—this adds lovely texture and bursts of flavor.
• Fresh rosemary sprigs: Adds a fragrant pop that makes these bites feel extra special.

Variations

I love tweaking this Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe depending on the season or occasion—it’s so easy to make it your own! Feel free to get creative, and trust me, your guests will appreciate it.

• Swap the fruit topping: Instead of cranberry sauce, try fig jam or apricot preserves for a sweeter twist—I’ve done this, and my family couldn’t get enough!
• Herb variations: Rosemary is my favorite, but thyme or sage work great too if you want a more earthy note.
• Make it savory: Leave out the cranberry and add caramelized onions or a dollop of Dijon mustard inside the bites for a different flavor profile.
• Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free crescent dough if available — the rest of the recipe works just the same.

How to Make Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Muffin Tin

First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F. While it’s warming up, grab a 24-count mini muffin tin and give it a good spray with cooking oil. This is a small but key step—nothing worse than these beauties sticking to the pan when you’re ready to serve!

Step 2: Roll and Cut the Crescent Dough

Sprinkle a little all-purpose flour onto your counter or cutting board to keep the dough from sticking. If you’re using crescent rolls, don’t forget to pinch those seams together to make one long sheet. Then roll it out a bit to smooth it out. Cut the dough into 24 equal squares, each just the right size to line a muffin cup.

Step 3: Fill the Dough Cups

Pop each square into a muffin tin cup and press gently so they take shape. Next, cut your brie into small pieces and place one inside each crescent dough square. Top each piece of cheese with a generous spoonful of whole berry cranberry sauce—don’t skimp here; that lovely tartness is part of what makes this bite so addictive.

Step 4: Add Your Rosemary and Bake

Finally, add a small sprig of fresh rosemary on top of each bite. This may seem like a tiny touch, but trust me, it adds a fresh aroma that makes these so special. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until the dough turns a lovely light golden brown. Serve warm and watch everyone go back for seconds!

How to Serve Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe

Garnishes

I usually stick to fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish since they add a lovely scent and look lovely against the warm golden dough. But if I’m feeling adventurous, a tiny drizzle of honey over the top right before serving can add a pleasant sweet touch that pairs so well with the cranberry and brie.

Side Dishes

When I serve these cranberry brie bites, I often pair them with a crisp green salad dressed in vinaigrette—something light to balance out the richness. They also go great alongside a charcuterie board or a simple bowl of mixed nuts for variety.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties, I love arranging these bites on a wooden serving platter with sprigs of fresh rosemary scattered around for decoration. Another fun trick is to serve them in mini paper cupcake liners inside the muffin tin, which makes cleanup super easy and adds a festive touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover cranberry brie bites (which is rare in my house!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They stay good for about 2 days. I recommend reheating them lightly to bring back that flaky texture and warm melted cheese.

Freezing

I’ve tried freezing these before baking, which works well. Just assemble the bites in the muffin tin, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When you’re ready, bake them straight from frozen—just add a couple of extra minutes to the bake time. It’s a great way to prep for unexpected guests!

Reheating

To reheat, pop the bites in a 350°F oven for about 8 minutes or until warmed through. Using the oven instead of a microwave keeps the dough crisp instead of soggy—trust me, the texture difference is huge!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe turns out every single time—those melty brie pockets wrapped in golden, flaky dough with sweet-tart cranberry sauce and fragrant rosemary just scream “party perfection.” When I first tried this recipe, I remember thinking, “Why haven’t I made this before?” It’s quick, easy, and almost everyone who tries it asks for the recipe. Give it a shot—I think you’ll find it becomes a staple for your holiday celebrations and cozy get-togethers, just like it is for me.

Print