Easy Cranberry Brie Bites

Featured in Bite-Sized Favorites.

These brilliant little cranberry brie bites combine everything wonderful about holiday appetizers into perfect two-bite treats! Buttery crescent dough creates this flaky shell that cradles creamy, melty brie and sweet-tart cranberry sauce, while fresh rosemary adds this lovely seasonal touch. What makes them extra special is how the brie gets all gooey while the outside stays perfectly crispy, creating these irresistible little flavor bombs. They come together so quickly but look totally elegant, making them perfect for holiday parties when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen!
A smiling woman in an apron poses for a selfie in a professional kitchen.
Updated on Tue, 14 Jan 2025 21:05:54 GMT
An assortment of flaky pastry squares topped with cranberry sauce, a pat of butter, and fresh rosemary, arranged on a baking sheet. Pin it
An assortment of flaky pastry squares topped with cranberry sauce, a pat of butter, and fresh rosemary, arranged on a baking sheet. | tastygusto.com

Let me share my favorite holiday appetizer that always has guests asking for the recipe these Cranberry Brie Bites. I love how they combine buttery crescent dough creamy brie and sweet tart cranberries into the perfect little bite. And that fresh rosemary on top? It makes them look absolutely beautiful while adding just a hint of herbal flavor. The best part is how quickly they come together.

Why These Are Pure Magic

What makes these bites so special is how they look fancy but are actually so simple to make. That combination of warm melty brie and tangy cranberries wrapped in flaky dough is absolutely irresistible. They're my go to when I need something impressive but don't have hours to spend in the kitchen.

Let's Gather Our Ingredients

  • All-Purpose Flour: Just a dusting keeps everything from sticking.
  • Crescent Dough Sheet: This makes everything so easy.
  • Brie Cheese: Get the good stuff it makes a difference.
  • Whole Berry Cranberry Sauce: The texture is key here.
  • Fresh Rosemary Sprigs: These make everything look festive.

Let's Make Some Magic

Get Started
That mini muffin tin is your best friend here.
Build Your Bites
Layer everything carefully for the perfect bite.
Bake to Perfection
When they're golden brown you know they're ready.

My Best Tips

After making these countless times I've learned that using a mini muffin tin gives you the perfect size every time. And don't skip the whole berry cranberry sauce those little bits of fruit make each bite special.

Keeping Them Fresh

While these are best served warm they'll keep nicely in the fridge for a few days. Just pop them in the oven or air fryer to crisp them up again. The microwave works in a pinch but you'll lose that lovely crispy texture.

Mix It Up

Sometimes I'll switch things up with different cheeses or jams. Camembert is lovely and raspberry jam adds such a nice sweetness. Adding some chopped nuts gives them a wonderful crunch too.

Perfect Every Time

What I love most about these bites is how they're always a hit no matter the occasion. That combination of flaky dough creamy cheese and sweet tart cranberries just works. They're perfect for everything from fancy holiday parties to casual get togethers.

A tray of golden pastry squares topped with cream cheese, berry jam, and garnished with sprigs of rosemary. Pin it
A tray of golden pastry squares topped with cream cheese, berry jam, and garnished with sprigs of rosemary. | tastygusto.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make these appetizers ahead of time?

You can prep the ingredients ahead, but these bites are best baked right before serving. They're most delicious when the brie is warm and melty.

→ What can I use instead of cranberry sauce?

Fig jam, raspberry preserves, or apple butter make great alternatives to cranberry sauce. Just make sure to use preserves rather than jelly for better texture.

→ Can I use puff pastry instead of crescent dough?

Yes, puff pastry works well as a substitute for crescent dough. Just be sure to thaw it completely before using and adjust baking time as needed.

→ Why does my brie leak out while baking?

Make sure your dough pieces are sealed well at the edges and aren't overfilled. Keep the brie pieces small and centered in each cup.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven for 5 minutes to restore crispiness.

Cranberry Brie Bites

Simple but elegant appetizers made with crescent dough, creamy brie, cranberry sauce, and fresh rosemary. Ready in just 25 minutes.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
25 Minutes


Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American Appetizer

Yield: 24 Servings (24 bites)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 All-purpose flour for dusting.
02 1 tube (8 ounces) crescent dough sheet or crescent rolls.
03 1 wheel (8 ounces) brie cheese.
04 1 cup whole berry cranberry sauce.
05 2-3 sprigs fresh rosemary.

Instructions

Step 01

Heat oven to 375°F. Spray a 24-count mini muffin tin with cooking spray.

Step 02

Dust work surface with flour. Roll out crescent dough and pinch seams together if using rolls.

Step 03

Cut the dough into 24 even squares.

Step 04

Press each dough square into a muffin tin cup to form a small pastry shell.

Step 05

Place a small piece of brie in each cup, top with cranberry sauce and a tiny sprig of rosemary.

Step 06

Bake for 15 minutes until dough is light golden brown. Serve while warm.

Notes

  1. Best served warm right from the oven when the brie is melty.
  2. Can substitute crescent rolls for the dough sheet by pinching seams together.

Tools You'll Need

  • 24-count mini muffin tin.
  • Rolling pin.
  • Cutting board.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (brie cheese).
  • Gluten (crescent dough).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 82
  • Total Fat: 5 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 8 g
  • Protein: 2 g