Zesty Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe: A Holiday Finger Food Gem

Delectable cranberry brie bites sparkle with festive elegance at any gathering.

Crisp pastry shells cradle melted cheese and tangy fruit in perfect harmony.

Small yet impressive, these little appetizers pack serious flavor into each bite-sized morsel.

Guests will adore the contrast between creamy brie and bright cranberry notes.

Elegant enough for holiday parties yet simple to assemble, these treats require minimal kitchen skills.

Winter celebrations demand something special, and these miniature delights deliver maximum excitement with minimal effort.

Your next social event just found its star appetizer.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute brie with other soft cheeses like camembert or goat cheese for similar results.

• Are pistachios necessary for the recipe?

No, you can use other nuts like almonds or walnuts, or skip nuts entirely if you prefer.

• Can I make these bites ahead of time?

You can prepare the ingredients in advance, but assemble and bake just before serving to keep the pastry crisp and fresh.

• Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, the Cranberry Brie Bites are vegetarian-friendly as they don’t contain meat ingredients.

Why Everyone Raves About Cranberry Brie Bites

• Whip Up Quickly: Minimal prep work means you can have these delightful appetizers ready in just a few simple steps, perfect for spontaneous gatherings or last-minute entertaining.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Combo: The sweet-tangy cranberry marmalade paired with creamy brie creates an irresistible taste that appeals to both adults and kids, making it a versatile party snack.
• Customize with Ease: Swap nuts or experiment with different preserves to match your taste preferences, allowing you to put a personal spin on this crowd-favorite bite-sized treat.
• Elegant Yet Simple: These gorgeous appetizers look professionally made but require minimal culinary skills, impressing guests without requiring advanced cooking techniques.

All Essential Ingredients for Cranberry Brie Bites Perfection

• Crescent Dough: A soft and flaky foundation that creates the delicate bite-sized pastry shell.

• Brie Cheese: A creamy and mild French cheese that melts beautifully and provides a rich flavor.
• Cranberry Sauce: A sweet and tangy sauce that adds festive color and bright taste.
• Orange Marmalade: A citrusy spread that enhances the cranberry sauce with a subtle orange zest.

• Pistachios, Chopped Nuts: Crunchy nuts that add texture and a nutty depth to the bite.
• Rosemary Sprig: A fragrant herb that provides an elegant and aromatic finishing touch.

• Nonstick Spray: Ensures easy removal of the bites from the muffin tin.

Cranberry Brie Bites: Steps for Easy Preparation

Step 1: Prep the Oven

Heat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Grab a mini muffin tin and give it a quick spray with nonstick cooking spray to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Slice the Brie

Take your creamy brie and slice it into neat 1-inch squares.

Pop these in the refrigerator to keep them cool and firm.

Step 3: Create the Flavor Fusion

• Cranberry sauce
• Orange marmalade

Stir until these sweet and tangy friends are well combined.

Step 4: Transform the Dough

Unroll your crescent roll dough and smooth out those pesky seams.

Using a sharp knife, cut the dough into 24 equal squares – precision is your friend here!

Step 5: Build Your Bite-Sized Wonders

Gently press each dough square into the muffin tin cups.

Top each square with a piece of brie and a generous teaspoon of the cranberry-marmalade mixture.

Step 6: Add Nutty Crunch

Sprinkle chopped pistachios (or your favorite nuts) over each bite for a delightful textural surprise.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the muffin tin into the oven and bake for 10-13 minutes.

You’re looking for a beautiful golden-brown color and fully cooked dough.

Step 8: Fresh Herb Finishing Touch

Once out of the oven, crown each bite with a tiny sprig of fresh rosemary for an elegant herbal note.

Step 9: Serve and Savor

Allow these little flavor bombs to cool for 5-10 minutes.

Then dive in and enjoy the magical combination of creamy, sweet, and crunchy!

Top Tips for Making Cranberry Brie Bites at Home

• Refrigerate brie for 15-20 minutes before slicing to ensure clean, precise squares without crumbling.
• Pinch crescent roll seams thoroughly to prevent filling from leaking during baking and maintain a neat appearance.
• Use homemade or thick cranberry sauce to prevent excess liquid that might make the pastry soggy.
• Replace pistachios with sunflower seeds, almonds, or skip nuts entirely for nut-free guests while maintaining crunch.
• Assemble bites up to 2 hours before baking, refrigerate, and pop in the oven just before serving for fresh, warm appetizers.

Fun Ways to Twist Classic Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe

• Gluten-Free Cranberry Brie Bites: Replace crescent dough with gluten-free puff pastry or almond flour-based dough for a celiac-friendly option.
• Vegan Cheese Alternative: Swap brie with plant-based cheese like cashew brie or vegan cream cheese to create a dairy-free version.
• Savory Mediterranean Remix: Substitute cranberry sauce with sundried tomato tapenade and use feta cheese instead of brie for a Mediterranean-inspired appetizer.
• Spicy Jalapeño Version: Add finely chopped jalapeños to the cranberry-marmalade mixture for a zesty kick and extra heat.

How to Serve Cranberry Brie Bites to Guests

• Party Platter Paradise: Arrange these delightful bites on a wooden charcuterie board with complementary cheeses and fresh herbs for a stunning appetizer spread.
• Holiday Hosting Hero: Perfect for seasonal gatherings, serve these warm bites alongside sparkling wine or festive cocktails to impress your guests with minimal effort.
• Brunch Brilliance: Pair these cranberry brie bites with a light mixed green salad and mimosas for an elegant weekend morning meal that feels special and indulgent.
• Cocktail Companion: Create a sophisticated appetizer tray by clustering these bites with other small finger foods like olive tapenade crostini and prosciutto-wrapped asparagus.

Proper Ways to Store Cranberry Brie Bites Fresh

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent soggy texture.
• Wrap individual bites in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bag. Freeze for maximum 1 month to maintain quality and taste.
• Warm at 350F for 5-7 minutes until cheese melts and bites become crispy. Avoid microwave to prevent soggy pastry.
• Crisp at 325F for 2-3 minutes, ensuring even heating and maintaining original crunch of dough and nuts.

Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe

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4.8 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Cranberry brie bites bring festive cheer to holiday gatherings with their irresistible blend of tangy and creamy flavors. Crisp puff pastry cradles warm melted brie and cranberry sauce, creating perfect bite-sized appetizers you’ll crave at every celebration.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 (8 ounces / 226 grams) tube crescent roll dough
• 6 ounces / 170 grams brie cheese (cut into small squares)

Sauce and Toppings:

• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) orange marmalade
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) whole cranberry sauce
• 1/4 cup (30 grams) chopped pistachios (or pecans/walnuts)

Garnish:

• Fresh rosemary

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at 375°F (190°C) and thoroughly coat a 24-count mini muffin tin with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Slice the brie into precise 1-inch cubes and immediately refrigerate to maintain firmness.
3. Create a vibrant topping by blending cranberry sauce with orange marmalade, mixing until well combined, then set aside for later use.
4. Unroll the crescent dough sheet, carefully seal all perforated seams, and methodically slice into 24 uniform squares using a sharp knife.
5. Gently press each dough square into the prepared muffin tin wells, ensuring complete coverage of the bottom and sides.
6. Position a chilled brie cube at the center of each dough-lined cup, then delicately spoon the cranberry-marmalade mixture over the cheese.
7. Generously scatter chopped pistachios or alternative nuts across the top of each bite, providing a delightful textural contrast.
8. Slide the muffin tin into the preheated oven and bake for 10-13 minutes, watching for a golden-brown crust and fully cooked pastry.
9. Remove from oven and adorn each bite with a small, fresh rosemary sprig for an aromatic garnish.
10. Allow the cranberry brie bites to cool for 5-10 minutes, permitting the filling to set, then serve and savor immediately.

Notes

• Chill brie beforehand to make cutting into perfect 1-inch squares easier and prevent crumbling during assembly.
• When rolling out crescent dough, work quickly on a lightly floured surface to prevent sticking and maintain a consistent thickness.
• Swap pistachios with pecans, almonds, or walnuts for different flavor profiles and dietary preferences, ensuring a crunchy texture.
• Assemble bites up to 2 hours before baking, refrigerate, and pop in the oven just before serving to maintain crisp, fresh taste.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 165 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 11 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg