Holiday Cranberry Brie Bites

Brie, cranberry, and orange come together in these flaky golden bites that are perfect for holiday gatherings or anytime you want a flavorful appetizer. The crisp crescent dough pairs beautifully with the creamy Brie and bright fruit topping for a combination that delights every palate. Whether you are serving friends or family these bitesized treats will quickly become a favorite.

I first made these during a family holiday party and they disappeared before I even had one. Now I keep the ingredients on hand to bring them out whenever company comes.

Ingredients

• Crescent roll dough from a tube: provides a buttery flaky crust without the fuss look for refrigerated dough for best texture
• Brie cheese: creamy, mild, and melts perfectly use good quality Brie with a soft rind for rich flavor
• Orange marmalade: adds citrus brightness and a subtle sweetness that balances the tart cranberry
• Whole berry cranberry sauce: offers texture and a festive flavor opt for a wellknown brand or homemade if possible
• Chopped walnuts or pecans: provide crunch and depth choose fresh nuts for optimal taste
• Fresh rosemary sprigs: aromatic and visually adds a festive touch pick vibrant dark green rosemary that is not wilted

Instructions

Savour the Oven Preparation:

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and lightly grease a 24count minimuffin pan with nonstick spray to ensure easy removal.

Prepare the Cheese:

Cut Brie into small squares approximately one inch across. Keep the pieces chilled until you're ready to assemble to prevent them from getting too soft.

Mix the Fruit Topping:

In a small bowl, combine the orange marmalade with the whole berry cranberry sauce, stirring to blend textures and flavors. Set this mixture aside.

Handle the Dough:

Dust your workspace lightly with flour to avoid sticking. Unroll the crescent roll dough and gently stretch it to create an even rectangle. Pinch the seams firmly to prevent separating when sliced.

Cut and Shape:

Slice the dough rectangle into 24 equal squares. Press each square firmly into the minimuffin pan cups to form little pastry shells.

Assemble the Bites:

Place a piece of Brie in the center of each dough cup. Spoon about one teaspoon of the marmalade and cranberry mixture on top of the Brie. Sprinkle some chopped nuts over the fruit mixture and garnish with a small rosemary sprig.

Bake to Perfection:

Put the muffin pan in the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 13 minutes, watching carefully for the pastry to turn a lovely golden brown and ensuring the Brie melts nicely.

Cool and Serve:

Remove from the oven and let the bites cool in the pan for 5 to 10 minutes to set before serving while still warm.

One of my favorite things about this recipe is the way the fresh rosemary adds not only aroma but a festive appearance. It always reminds me of the time my kids helped me make these for a holiday party and were fascinated watching the crescent dough puff up in the oven.

Storage Tips

Store leftover bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in a warm oven for a few minutes to bring back their crispness without melting the cheese too much. If freezing, arrange the baked bites on a sheet to freeze individually first, then transfer to a freezer bag to keep them from sticking together.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have orange marmalade try apricot jam or a mild peach preserve for a similar sweetness and texture. You can swap walnuts or pecans with toasted almonds or even skip nuts for a nut free version. For the cheese, Camembert can be used as an alternative to Brie, offering a similarly creamy consistency with slight flavor differences.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these bites warm alongside a crisp green salad with a citrus vinaigrette for a light meal or pair with a glass of sparkling wine during a festive occasion. They also work wonderfully as part of a larger appetizer spread with olives, cured meats, and fresh fruit.

These cranberry brie bites are an easy elegant appetizer that's quick to assemble and perfect for holidays and gatherings. Keep ingredients on hand for a fast impressive treat.

Common Questions About Recipes

→ What type of cheese is best for these bites?

Soft Brie cheese is ideal for its creamy texture and mild, buttery flavor that complements the tart cranberry topping.

→ Can I use frozen crescent roll dough?

Refrigerated crescent roll dough works best for proper flakiness, but frozen dough thawed overnight can be used as well.

→ How do I prevent the dough from sticking while assembling?

Dust your work surface lightly with all-purpose flour before unrolling and cutting the dough squares.

→ What nuts work well as a garnish?

Chopped walnuts or pecans add a nice crunch and complement the cranberry and Brie flavors.

→ Can I prepare these bites ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble them and refrigerate before baking. Allow extra baking time if cold from the fridge.

→ What’s the ideal oven temperature and baking time?

Bake at 375°F for 10 to 13 minutes until the dough is golden and the Brie melts lightly.