If you’re looking for an appetizer that dazzles both in looks and flavor, you cannot go wrong with Cranberry Brie Bites. This irresistible bite-sized treat combines buttery crescent dough, creamy Brie cheese, tart cranberry sauce, and a sprinkle of pecans and fresh rosemary for a harmony of textures and tastes. Cranberry Brie Bites are perfect for holidays, parties, or just spoiling yourself with a little luxury on a weeknight — they’re as stunning on the table as they are easy to put together!

Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These simple ingredients create magic when brought together — and each one truly shines in every bite. Choosing quality and prepping thoughtfully is the secret to those luscious Cranberry Brie Bites. Here’s what you’ll need and why:

Crescent Dough: The flaky, buttery dough provides an easy and convenient base for these elegant appetizers.
Cooking Spray: This helps release every bite cleanly from your mini muffin tin, preventing sticking (and broken dreams).
All-Purpose Flour: A light dusting keeps the dough from sticking to your rolling surface and makes shaping effortless.
Brie Cheese: Buttery, melty Brie gives each bite a creamy center that pairs perfectly with sweet and tart accents.
Whole Berry Cranberry Sauce: This adds zingy sweetness and an eye-catching jewel-bright color.
Roasted Unsalted Pecans: A bit of crunch and earthy flavor balances out the richness of the cheese and fruit.
Fresh Rosemary: Just a small sprig adds an aromatic, festive note that makes each bite feel special.

How to Make Cranberry Brie Bites

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Give your mini muffin tin a generous mist of cooking spray so nothing sticks. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the crescent dough and gently press the seams together to create a single, even sheet. Slice the sheet into 24 small squares and tuck each square into a cup of the prepared muffin tin, ensuring the dough covers the base and climbs a little up the sides.

Step 2: Assemble the Bites

Cut your Brie cheese into 24 small cubes, aiming for roughly even pieces so every Cranberry Brie Bite gets its fair share of cheesy goodness. Place one Brie cube in the center of each dough square. Add a spoonful of cranberry sauce on top of the Brie, and sprinkle over some roasted unsalted pecans for a nutty crunch. Finally, tuck in a 1-inch sprig of fresh rosemary on each bite, which adds instant aroma and a festive touch.

Step 3: Bake

Slide your loaded muffin tin into the preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes. Keep an eye on them — you want the crescent dough to puff up and turn a gorgeous golden brown. By the time you smell melty cheese, toasted nuts, and fragrant rosemary, you know your Cranberry Brie Bites are ready to shine.

How to Serve Cranberry Brie Bites

Garnishes

For a picture-perfect finish, you can sprinkle a touch of flaky sea salt or a dash of orange zest over the top right before serving. If you want to really impress, add a tiny drizzle of honey for glistening sweetness and shine — it contrasts beautifully with the tart cranberry and creamy Brie.

Side Dishes

Cranberry Brie Bites work so well alongside other festive nibbles. Arrange them on a platter with fresh grapes, apple slices, or a handful of spiced nuts. If you’re serving these at a gathering, add them to a charcuterie board or offer alongside a salad of greens with a citrusy vinaigrette — simple, sophisticated, and absolutely crowd-pleasing!

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re hoping to impress, serve your Cranberry Brie Bites in a rustic wooden tray lined with fresh rosemary sprigs; this adds an herbal aroma before the first bite. You can also use colorful mini cupcake liners for a pop of color, or stack the bites in a tall tower for dramatic effect. Don’t be afraid to get whimsical — these bites are as photogenic as they are delicious!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’ve got extra Cranberry Brie Bites (lucky you!), allow them to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep beautifully for up to 3 days — just be sure to layer them with parchment paper so they don’t stick together.

Freezing

To freeze, assemble the bites but don’t bake them. Freeze on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag or airtight container. When you’re ready to serve, just bake from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time. The flavors and textures will be just as delightful as when freshly made.

Reheating

For best results, reheat Cranberry Brie Bites in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes, just until warmed through. This helps bring back their original crispness. Avoid microwaving, which can make the pastry a bit soggy — an oven or even a toaster oven is your best friend here!

FAQs

Can I use a different cheese instead of Brie?

Absolutely! While Brie’s creamy texture is iconic in Cranberry Brie Bites, you can substitute with Camembert or even a mild goat cheese for a tangier twist. Just keep the pieces small so they melt nicely inside the pastry.

Is homemade cranberry sauce better than store-bought?

Both work wonderfully! If you have homemade cranberry sauce, go for it — the homemade tang and freshness are hard to beat. Store-bought whole berry cranberry sauce is a fantastic shortcut and tastes great too, especially when you’re short on time.

How can I make these nut-free?

If you or your guests have nut allergies, feel free to leave out the pecans. You could add a sprinkle of pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds for a bit of crunch, or skip the crunch entirely — they’ll still be irresistible!

Can I prep these ahead for a party?

Yes! You can assemble the bites a few hours ahead and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. Pop them in the oven just before guests arrive, and you’ll have warm, melty bites with zero stress at serving time.

What if I don’t have a mini muffin tin?

No mini muffin tin? No problem! You can bake the squares on a regular baking sheet, folding the corners over the filling to make tiny bundled puffs. They might look a little rustic, but the taste is just as spectacular.

Final Thoughts

If you want to wow your friends and delight your taste buds, give Cranberry Brie Bites a spot on your menu. They’re easy to make, melt-in-your-mouth delicious, and add an elegant touch to any occasion. Give them a try — it’s hard to stop at just one!