Cranberry Brie Bites
Cranberry Brie Bites are little pockets of holiday joy that combine creamy, melty brie cheese with the sweet and tart flavor of cranberry sauce, all wrapped up in a flaky…
By Ava
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Reading time: 5 min
Tip: save now, make later.
Cranberry Brie Bites are little pockets of holiday joy that combine creamy, melty brie cheese with the sweet and tart flavor of cranberry sauce, all wrapped up in a flaky pastry shell. These bite-sized treats pop with color and taste, making them a perfect snack or appetizer for any festive gathering.
I love making these because they’re so easy to put together but always impress everyone who tries them. One of my favorite tricks is to add a sprinkle of chopped pecans or a tiny bit of fresh rosemary on top before baking to give a bit of crunch and an herby kick. It’s like a festive surprise in every bite.
Serving these warm, right out of the oven, is the best way to enjoy them. They’re great alongside a glass of sparkling wine or your favorite holiday cocktail. Whenever I bring these to parties, they’re always the first to disappear, which makes me feel like a total kitchen hero!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Crescent Roll Dough or Puff Pastry: I like using crescent rolls because they’re easy and quick. Puff pastry makes a flakier, more buttery bite if you want something a bit fancier. If gluten is a concern, try gluten-free pastry dough.
Brie Cheese: Brie gives that creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture. If you can’t find Brie, Camembert or even a mild goat cheese can work well. Just remove the rind for smoother bites.
Cranberry Sauce: Jarred cranberry sauce is super convenient, but homemade adds extra freshness. You can swap cranberries for other tart berries, like lingonberries, if you like a similar tangy flavor.
Rosemary & Nuts: Fresh rosemary adds a lovely herbal note, but thyme or sage are great alternatives. For crunch, pecans or walnuts work well, or skip nuts if you want a nut-free option.
How Do You Make Perfect Mini Pastry Baskets?
The key is gently pressing the dough squares into the muffin tin without stretching too much. This helps the dough hold its shape and bake evenly.
- Use lightly greased mini muffin tins to prevent sticking.
- Cut dough squares just big enough to cover the cup and make small walls.
- Press the dough flat but avoid thinning the edges too much to keep them from burning.
- Bake until golden brown, watching closely to avoid over-browning.
- Let the bites cool briefly to set before removing, so they keep their shape.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mini muffin tin – perfect size to shape the dough into little baskets that hold all the filling.
- Sharp knife or pizza cutter – for cutting the dough into neat, even squares quickly.
- Small mixing bowl – handy if you want to mix nuts or herbs with the cranberry sauce before topping.
- Pastry brush (optional) – helps if you want to brush egg wash for a golden crust on the dough.
- Cooling rack – so the bites can cool evenly without getting soggy on the bottom.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add a small piece of prosciutto or cooked bacon under the Brie for a salty contrast that pairs well with cranberry.
- Swap cranberries for a fig jam or apricot preserves for a sweeter, fruitier flavor twist.
- Stir chopped fresh thyme or sage into the cranberry topping for an earthy, herbal note.
- Top with chopped toasted walnuts or almonds for extra crunch and a nutty flavor that complements the cheese.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mini muffin tin – to shape the dough into perfect little cups that hold all the yummy fillings.
- Sharp knife or pizza cutter – for cutting the dough into even squares quickly and easily.
- Small mixing bowl – great if you want to mix nuts or herbs into the cranberry sauce before topping.
- Pastry brush (optional) – to brush an egg wash on the dough for a golden, shiny crust.
- Cooling rack – to help your bites cool down evenly without getting soggy underneath.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add a small slice of prosciutto or crispy cooked bacon under the Brie for a salty, savory twist.
- Replace cranberry sauce with fig jam or apricot preserves for a sweet and fruity change.
- Mix fresh thyme or sage into the cranberry topping to add earthy, fragrant notes.
- Sprinkle chopped toasted walnuts or almonds on top for extra crunch and nutty flavor.
- Try drizzling maple syrup instead of honey for a rich, warm sweetness.
Can I Use Frozen Puff Pastry or Crescent Dough?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw it fully in the refrigerator overnight before using. This makes the dough easier to handle and ensures it bakes evenly.
How Should I Store Leftover Cranberry Brie Bites?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-7 minutes to keep the pastry crisp.
Can I Make These Bites Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Assemble the bites and refrigerate them uncovered for up to 4 hours before baking. This makes party prep super convenient.
What Can I Substitute If I Don’t Have Brie?
Camembert or a mild cream cheese work well as substitutes. Just remove any rind for a smooth texture and similar creamy taste.