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The holiday season is upon us, and with it comes the joy of festive gatherings and delectable treats.Among the plethora of holiday appetizers, one standout steals the spotlight with its golden brown, flaky crust and the harmonious marriage of creamy brie, tart cranberry sauce, and buttery crescent dough – the Cranberry Brie Bites.
This, along withCranberry Fruit DipandCaramelized Onion Baked Brie en Croûte, is one of my favorite holiday appetizers! My other popular Christmas recipes include prime rib roast, monkey bread with biscuits for Christmas morning, and microwave fudge!
Table of Contents
- Reasons to Make This Recipe
- Ingredients Needed
- How to Make Cranberry Brie Bites
- Step 1: The Prep Work
- Step 2: Add the Cranberry Sauce and Brie
- Step 3: Bake and Serve
- FAQs
- Recommended Cranberry Recipes
- Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe
Reasons to Make This Recipe
Cranberry Brie Bites might just be the best holiday appetizer recipe out there.
- Perfect holiday appetizer– The colors and the flavors embody the taste of the holidays. As far as flavor and texture, the flaky, buttery layers of the crescent dough create the ideal vessel to encase the rich, melted brie cheese and tart cranberry sauce. The result? A golden brown, heavenly bite that will have your guests coming back for more.
- Super easy to make– No special skills required.
- Over the top with homemade cranberry sauce– Remember when I told you to double or triple that batch of cranberry sauce you made for Thanksgiving? Here’s one of the reasons why to have leftover cranberry sauce stored away! Even if you didn’t, it’s quick and easy to make up a new batch and you can use any excess to make cranberry martinis to serve your guests.
Ingredients Needed
Only three simple ingredients, including homemade cranberry sauce which is best made from fresh cranberries, double cream brie, and buttery crescent roll dough, make this two-bite appetizer a tasty treat that everyone will love.
How to Make Cranberry Brie Bites
Fear not, for creating these delicious appetizers is as easy as it is fun. Using a lined baking sheet or a mini muffin pan and some simple ingredients, you can whip up these little bites in no time.
Step 1: The Prep Work
Start by opening the package of the crescent rolls and rolling out your crescent roll dough. I find that it doesn’t stick too bad, but you can use a lightly floured work surface. Cut it into equal-sized squares. Place squares onto the prepared baking sheet or into the muffin tin slots, creating the perfect base for your bites.
Step 2: Add the Cranberry Sauce and Brie
Cut the brie into small pieces, placing a portion on top of each crescent roll square. Add a generous spoonful of sweet cranberry sauce on top of the brie. The result? A beautiful melding of textures and flavors. Pinch the opposite corners of the dough together.
Step 3: Bake and Serve
Bake until golden brown, and you’ll be rewarded with the perfect holiday appetizer. The aroma alone will have your guests eagerly awaiting the moment they can sink their teeth into these delectable treats.
FAQs
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Pop them in an airtight container or a freezer-safe storage bag and refrigerate or freeze.
Can I prepare these bites ahead of time?
Yes! Make them ahead and store in the fridge or freezer until you’re ready to bake. Be sure to allow the frozen bites to thaw to room temperature before baking.
Can I use store-bought cranberry sauce, or is homemade better?
You can use store-bought, but homemade cranberry sauce is always best! You can also replace with something like apricot preserves for a different flavor.
Can I make these bites with something other than crescent roll dough?
Absolutely! Try a sheet of puff pastry or phyllo dough for a tasty twist.
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of brie?
I think nothing beats a melty brie cheese, but goat cheese might work if you’re looking for a tangy twist.
Can I add extra ingredients for more holiday flair?
Go for it! Top with a little sprig of rosemary or a sprinkle of red pepper after baking can add festive flavor.
How do I know when they’re ready to eat?
Bake until they’re golden brown – that’s the sign they’re ready to be enjoyed!
What’s the best way to serve them at a holiday party?
Arrange them on a pretty plate, and watch them disappear at your holiday gathering!
Recommended Cranberry Recipes
If you love the tart flavor and bold red color of cranberries this time of year, you’ll love these other recipes!
- Cranberry Buttermilk Pancakes
- Cranberry Cobbler
- Cranberry Orange Bread
- Cranberry Vodka Screwdriver
- Cranberry Fizz
- Fresh Cranberry Gelatin Mold
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Cranberry Brie Bites
Prep15 minutes mins
Cook12 minutes mins
Total27 minutes mins
Cranberry Brie Bites are an easy three ingredient appetizer that are perfect for holiday parties. Warm and delicious – everyone will love them!
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Equipment
Ingredients
- 8 ounces crescent roll dough
- 4 ounces brie
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce see link on how to make your own in recipe notes!
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375 F. Prepare a large baking sheet by lining with parchment or a silicone mat. If you have a mini muffin pan, it works great to make these as long as you spray the wells with a thin layer of oil first to prevent sticking.
Roll the crescent roll dough into a single sheet that is about 12" long and 8" wide. If you're worried about sticking, you can lightly flour the surface. Ensure all seams have been pinched together to create a tight seal. Cut the dough into 24 equal sized squares using a 6×4 grid.
To prepare the bites, add a small cube of brie (about one cubic centimeter in size) and a small scoop of cranberry sauce (about 1/2 teaspoon) to the center of each square of dough. Bring opposite corners of the dough to the center and pinch in the middle.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 11-13 minutes, or until golden brown. The cheese may melt out of some (this is where the mini muffin pan helps), but you can easily scoop it back in when the appetizers or hot, or serve as is. They will be eaten either way!
Notes
makes 24 bites. Nutritional information based on a serving size of one bite.
Make your own homemade cranberry sauce with this recipe: https://selfproclaimedfoodie.com/fresh-cranberry-sauce/
Nutrition
Calories: 58kcal, Carbohydrates: 6g, Protein: 1g, Fat: 3g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Cholesterol: 5mg, Sodium: 106mg, Potassium: 9mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 3g, Vitamin A: 30IU, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 9mg, Iron: 1mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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This recipe was first posted in December of 2017 but has been updated with additional photos and more helpful information. Don’t worry – the recipe hasn’t changed!
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Hi! I’m Krissy.
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