If you are searching for a delightful appetizer that perfectly balances sweet, savory, and nutty flavors, look no further than this Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe. These bite-sized treats combine creamy Brie cheese with zesty orange marmalade and tart cranberry sauce, all nestled in a buttery crescent roll crust. The crunchy nuts on top add a wonderful texture contrast, while the fresh rosemary or candied orange pieces provide a festive touch. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or just craving something special, these Cranberry Brie Bites are guaranteed to wow your guests and leave everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is half the fun, especially when each one brings a unique flavor or texture to this recipe. From the soft and creamy Brie to the bright tang of cranberry sauce, every component serves a delicious purpose in making these bites irresistible.
- 8 ounce Tube crescent roll dough: This provides a flaky, buttery base that perfectly holds all the flavors together.
- Flour for rolling out the dough: Just a light dusting keeps the dough from sticking and makes cutting easier.
- 6 ounces Brie cheese: Creamy and mild, Brie melts beautifully and lends a luscious texture.
- ¼ cup Orange marmalade: Adds a bright, citrusy sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the cheese.
- ¼ cup Whole cranberry sauce: Gives a tart and fruity contrast that wakes up each bite.
- ¼ cup Chopped pistachios, pecans or walnuts: Nutty crunch adds an amazing texture and depth of flavor.
- Fresh rosemary or candied orange pieces for garnish: These final touches bring an earthy or sweet aroma that elevates presentation.
How to Make Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Muffin Pan
Begin by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and greasing a 24-count mini-muffin pan with nonstick cooking spray. This step ensures your bites will bake evenly and come out effortlessly without sticking.
Step 2: Cut the Brie
Slice the Brie cheese into small squares about 1 inch or slightly less each. Pop them into the fridge so they stay firm and are easier to work with when assembling the bites.
Step 3: Mix the Orange and Cranberry Sauces
In a small bowl, stir together the orange marmalade and whole cranberry sauce until well combined. This luscious mixture adds a jammy sweet and tart flavor that’s the heart of the recipe.
Step 4: Roll and Cut the Crescent Dough
On a lightly floured surface—think a big wooden cutting board—roll out your crescent roll dough. Stretch it gently into an even rectangle and pinch any seams together for a smooth layer. Then, cut the dough into 24 equal squares, just the right size to fit into your muffin pan.
Step 5: Assemble the Bites
Place each dough square into the prepared muffin cups, forming little crust cups. Add a piece of Brie to each, then spoon about a teaspoon (or slightly less) of the orange-cranberry mixture on top. Sprinkle with chopped nuts and finish with a small sprig of fresh rosemary or a piece of candied orange for a festive flair.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden
Pop the muffin pan into the oven and bake for 10 to 13 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and cooked through. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning, but know that golden edges are what you’re aiming for!
Step 7: Cool and Serve Warm
Let the Cranberry Brie Bites cool for 5 to 10 minutes so they firm up slightly but remain warm and gooey inside. This is when they taste absolutely divine, so don’t wait to dig in.
How to Serve Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe
Garnishes
A little garnish goes a long way in making Cranberry Brie Bites look as good as they taste. Fresh rosemary sprigs lend a lovely piney fragrance, while candied orange pieces add a bright citrus sparkle and a hint of chewiness that complements the crunchy nuts perfectly.
Side Dishes
Serve these bites alongside a light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or a bowl of mixed olives for a well-rounded appetizer spread. They also pair beautifully with a crisp white wine or sparkling cider, creating a balance between richness and brightness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a holiday table, arrange your Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe on a rustic wooden platter surrounded by fresh rosemary sprigs and dried orange slices. You can even serve them warm in individual mini bowls with a small spoon of the remaining orange-cranberry sauce for dipping. Presentation like this invites your guests to indulge and makes the experience even more memorable.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers (though they might disappear fast), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to 2 days without losing much of their fresh flavor or texture.
Freezing
You can also freeze these bites before baking by assembling them in a freezer-safe pan, then covering tightly and freezing for up to 1 month. When ready to enjoy, bake directly from frozen adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
To reheat, place leftover bites on a baking sheet and warm them in a 350-degree oven for about 5 to 7 minutes. This method keeps the crust crisp and the cheese creamy, making them almost as good as fresh.
FAQs
Can I use different types of cheese instead of Brie?
Absolutely! While Brie is classic for this recipe due to its creaminess and mild flavor, cheeses like Camembert or even a mild Havarti can work well. Just make sure the cheese melts nicely.
Is it possible to make these bites vegan or dairy-free?
For a dairy-free version, look for vegan crescent dough and use plant-based Brie alternatives. Keep in mind the texture and flavor will differ, but you can still get a tasty result.
What nuts work best for topping Cranberry Brie Bites?
Pistachios, pecans, and walnuts are all fantastic choices. They add crunch and a nutty dimension that complements the sweet and savory flavors beautifully. Feel free to mix or match based on your preference.
Can I prepare the Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the bites and keep them covered in the fridge for a few hours before baking. Just bring them to room temperature before placing them in the oven to ensure even cooking.
What is the best way to serve these at a party?
Serve them warm, arranged neatly on a platter with fresh garnishes. Offering small plates and napkins nearby invites guests to grab and enjoy without mess, making them perfect finger foods for any gathering.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the combination of creamy Brie, vibrant cranberry, and nutty crunch wrapped in flaky crescent dough. This Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe not only dazzles your taste buds but also brings warmth and joy to your table. I hope you give these delightful bites a try soon – they will surely become one of your favorite go-to appetizers for any occasion!
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Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 24 bites (serves 8)
Description
Cranberry Brie Bites are delightful, bite-sized appetizers combining creamy Brie cheese, tangy cranberry-orange marmalade, and crunchy nuts, all wrapped in buttery crescent roll dough and baked to golden perfection. Perfect for holiday gatherings or any festive occasion, these easy-to-make treats deliver a balance of sweet, savory, and nutty flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
Dough
- 8 ounce Tube crescent roll dough
- Flour for rolling out the dough
Filling and Toppings
- 6 ounces Brie cheese
- ¼ cup Orange marmalade
- ¼ cup Whole cranberry sauce
- ¼ cup Chopped pistachios, pecans, or walnuts
- Fresh rosemary or candied orange pieces for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) and grease a 24-count mini-muffin pan with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Brie: Cut the Brie cheese into approximately 1-inch squares and place them in the refrigerator to keep firm until ready to assemble the bites.
- Make marmalade mixture: In a small bowl, combine the orange marmalade and whole cranberry sauce, mixing gently to blend flavors. Set this mixture aside for topping the bites.
- Roll out dough: Lightly flour a flat surface such as a wooden cutting board. Roll out the crescent roll dough into an evenly sided rectangle, stretching it slightly. Pinch the seams together to create a solid sheet of dough.
- Cut and place dough: Cut the rolled dough into 24 equal squares and place each square into the prepared mini-muffin pan cups to form small dough cups.
- Assemble bites: Place one Brie square inside each dough cup. Then, add about a teaspoon (or slightly less) of the orange-cranberry mixture on top of the Brie. Sprinkle a few chopped nuts over the top and add a small sprig of fresh rosemary or a piece of candied orange for garnish.
- Bake: Bake the assembled bites in the preheated oven for 10 to 13 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and cooked through.
- Cool and serve: Remove from the oven and let the bites cool for 5 to 10 minutes. Serve warm to enjoy the perfect blend of melted Brie, sweet-tart topping, and crunchy nuts.
Notes
- You can substitute the mixed nuts with your preferred variety or omit them for a nut-free option.
- For a stronger rosemary flavor, lightly crush the sprigs before garnishing.
- These bites are best served warm shortly after baking but can be reheated gently in the oven.
- If you prefer a spicier twist, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the orange-cranberry mixture.
- Make sure the Brie is chilled before assembling to help maintain its shape during baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
