Cranberry Brie Bites: The Perfect Elegant Holiday Appetizer

When it comes to appetizers that check all the boxes—elegant, easy, crowd-pleasing, and bursting with seasonal flavor—it’s hard to beat Cranberry Brie Bites. With just six ingredients and minimal prep, these sweet, savory, and creamy mini-tarts are the ultimate holiday party starter. Whether you’re hosting a Thanksgiving gathering, a Christmas cocktail party, or simply enjoying a cozy winter evening at home, these bites deliver gourmet flavor without the fuss.

This recipe is especially great for entertaining novices and seasoned hosts alike, thanks to its foolproof method and visually impressive presentation. Ready in just 30 minutes from start to finish, these baked treats bring together buttery crescent dough, gooey melted Brie, tangy cranberry sauce, crunchy pecans, and a fragrant sprig of rosemary for the perfect bite-sized indulgence.

Who These Cranberry Brie Bites Are For

• Holiday entertainers looking for simple yet elegant hors d’oeuvres.

• Cheese lovers who can’t resist a creamy, melty bite of Brie.

• Beginner bakers wanting an impressive result with minimal effort.

• Busy hosts seeking a make-ahead or quick-assembly appetizer.

• Anyone craving a festive finger food with sweet and savory harmony.

These bites are universally loved and fit seamlessly into any appetizer spread, charcuterie board, or small plates dinner.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what goes into making these festive bites:

• 1 (8-oz.) tube crescent dough

• Cooking spray

• All-purpose flour, for surface

• 1 (8-oz.) wheel of brie

• ½ cup whole berry cranberry sauce

• ¼ cup chopped roasted unsalted pecans

• 6 sprigs fresh rosemary, cut into 1″ pieces

Each component complements the others: the buttery dough cradles the creamy Brie, while cranberry sauce adds tartness, pecans bring crunch, and rosemary provides a hint of piney aroma that screams “holiday.”

Kitchen Equipment Needed

To make these Cranberry Brie Bites, you’ll need:

• Mini muffin tin (24-cup capacity)

• Rolling pin

• Sharp knife or pizza cutter

• Cutting board

• Measuring cups

• Baking tray or cooling rack

• Small spoon (for scooping cranberry sauce)

Optional but helpful tools include a silicone baking mat and a small cookie scoop for portioning the sauce.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 24-cup mini muffin tin with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

2. Roll Out the Crescent Dough

On a lightly floured surface, unroll your crescent dough. Pinch the seams together to form one solid sheet. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the dough into 24 even squares.

3. Fill the Muffin Tin

Press each square of dough into the muffin tin wells, gently pushing down to form a small cup.

4. Add the Brie

Cut the Brie wheel into small 1-inch pieces (about ½ to ¾ inch thick). Remove the rind if you prefer a smoother texture, although it’s edible and softens as it bakes. Place one piece of Brie into each dough cup.

5. Top with Cranberry and Nuts

Add about a ½ teaspoon of whole berry cranberry sauce over the Brie. Sprinkle each with a few chopped roasted unsalted pecans for added texture and nuttiness.

6. Garnish with Rosemary

Place one 1-inch sprig of fresh rosemary on top of each bite for both fragrance and visual appeal.

7. Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the crescent dough is puffed and golden brown. The Brie should be fully melted and gooey.

8. Cool and Serve

Let cool in the pan for 5 minutes before gently removing with a spoon or knife. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Recipe Tips and Shortcuts

• Don’t overfill. Too much Brie or cranberry sauce can cause overflow and make removal tricky.

• Use store-bought cranberry sauce or make your own with fresh cranberries, sugar, and orange zest.

• Substitute crescent dough with puff pastry for a flakier finish.

• Pre-cut the Brie and keep all ingredients chilled if prepping ahead for assembly later.

• Freeze unbaked bites in the muffin tin, pop them out, and store in a freezer-safe bag. Bake from frozen at 375°F for 18–20 minutes.

Variations and Swaps

• No pecans? Try walnuts, slivered almonds, or leave out nuts for a nut-free version.

• Brie alternatives: Camembert, goat cheese, or a dollop of cream cheese.

• Sweet twist: Use fig jam, apricot preserves, or orange marmalade instead of cranberry.

• Savory option: Add a sliver of prosciutto or crispy bacon before baking.

These customizations let you tailor the bites to your taste or dietary needs while keeping the same basic structure.

How to Store and Reheat

Storing Leftovers:
Place cooled bites in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Reheating:
To maintain crispness, reheat in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 8–10 minutes. The microwave works for speed (20–30 seconds), but will soften the crust.

Freezing:
Freeze baked bites in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 1 month. Reheat directly from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for 12–15 minutes.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

These bites shine at:

• Holiday cocktail parties

• Brunch buffets

• Charcuterie boards

• Bridal or baby showers

• Potlucks or office parties

Drink Pairings:

• Sparkling wine like Prosecco or Champagne enhances the creamy Brie and cranberry zing.

• Pinot Noir or Merlot balance the richness and fruitiness.

• Apple cider (hard or non-alcoholic) complements the tart cranberry.

Food Pairings:

• Pair with other cheese-focused appetizers like baked goat cheese crostini.

• Serve alongside a winter salad with arugula, pears, and balsamic glaze.

• Add to a platter with grapes, figs, and assorted crackers for a stunning presentation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make Cranberry Brie Bites ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the bites a few hours in advance and refrigerate, covered. Bake just before serving for best texture.

Can I use homemade cranberry sauce?

Absolutely. A chunky, whole berry sauce made from scratch gives extra freshness and control over sweetness.

Do I have to remove the rind from the Brie?

No, the rind is edible and softens when baked. If you prefer a smoother bite, you can trim it off.

Can I use a regular muffin tin?

You can, but the bites will be larger. Increase dough and filling amounts accordingly, and bake an extra 2–3 minutes.

Can I serve these cold?

They’re best warm or room temp, but still tasty cold. Just know the Brie will firm up.

Final Thoughts

Cranberry Brie Bites are the MVP of holiday appetizers. Easy to make, stunning to present, and addictively delicious, they strike the perfect balance between sweet, savory, and buttery. Whether you’re a seasoned entertainer or planning your first holiday gathering, this recipe is your secret weapon for stress-free hosting.