The very first time I made Cranberry Brie Bites, I was nervous about balancing the sweet and savory flavors. Living a busy life, I wanted a fuss-free holiday appetizer that felt fancy but didn’t take hours. Over time, I perfected this recipe with crescent dough, and I’m excited to share with you the ultimate guide to making these warm, comforting bites with confidence. You’ll find tips for using both crescent dough and puff pastry here.
Table of Contents
Cranberry Brie Bites
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 375°F and prepare muffin tin with cooking spray.
- Roll out dough, cut into 24 squares, and place in muffin tin.
- Add agar-agar pieces and top with cranberry sauce and rosemary.
- Bake for 15 minutes until golden brown and serve warm.
Notes
Why You’ll Love These Cranberry Brie Bites
- Foolproof method prevents cheese from leaking out during baking
- Perfect appetizer for any holiday party or cozy gathering
- Completely customizable with simple swaps for jams, nuts, and herbs
- Ready in under 30 minutes, ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute guests
- Combines buttery, flaky dough with rich brie and vibrant cranberry sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need
- All-purpose flour (for dusting the dough and cutting board)
- 8-ounce crescent dough sheet (or crescent rolls)
- 8 oz. wheel of brie
- 1 cup whole berry cranberry sauce (not jellied)
- Fresh rosemary sprigs (about 2, depending on length)
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
The Best Brie To Use
Opt for a good-quality wheel of brie with the rind on. The rind adds flavor and helps hold everything together while baking. Chill your brie in the fridge for 15-20 minutes before cutting into cubes to get clean, neat pieces that won’t melt too fast. If you’re looking for more baked brie inspiration, this Ultimate Baked Brie is a sensational appetizer.
Cranberry Sauce
Whole berry cranberry sauce is preferred for texture and bursts of tart flavor. It holds up better than jellied varieties. If you want, you can make a quick homemade version by simmering fresh cranberries with sugar and orange zest.
Fresh Herbs
Rosemary works beautifully with the brie and cranberry pairing. It adds a piney, aromatic note that lifts this bite from ordinary to special. Feel free to try other fresh herbs like thyme or sage for a twist.
Crescent Dough vs. Puff Pastry: Which is Best?
Choosing between crescent dough and puff pastry depends on what you want from your bites. Crescent dough is buttery and soft with a tender crumb. It’s easier to handle and comes pre-portioned in rolls or a sheet, which saves prep time.
Puff pastry offers a flakier, crispier texture that’s more delicate and elegant. However, it sometimes requires rolling out and trimming, which can be a bit more work. Puff pastry also browns beautifully and creates layers that add a crisp bite. If you’re considering puff pastry for your appetizer, this easy recipe with puff pastry offers a great alternative.
If you want a quick, cozy option, crescent dough wins for ease and softness. For a more refined, flaky experience, puff pastry is your best bet. Both pair wonderfully with brie and cranberry.
How to Make Cranberry Brie Bites Step-by-Step
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and spray a 24-count mini muffin tin with cooking spray.
- Dust your counter or cutting board lightly with all-purpose flour. Roll out your 8-ounce crescent dough sheet. If using crescent rolls, pinch the seams together to form one long sheet.
- Cut the dough into 24 equal squares and place each square into the muffin tin slots.
- Chill the brie for 15-20 minutes, then cut into small cubes. Place one cube inside each crescent dough square.
- Top each brie cube with a generous spoonful of whole cranberry sauce.
- Add a small piece of fresh rosemary sprig on top of the cranberry sauce for aroma and flavor.
- Bake until the crescent dough is lightly golden brown, about 15 minutes. Serve warm and enjoy!
Expert Tips for Perfect Bites Every Time
- Freeze your brie for 15-20 minutes before cutting to get clean cubes that won’t ooze too much when baking
- Don’t overfill the cups; too much cranberry sauce or cheese can cause leaks
- Use fresh rosemary sprigs, not dried, for the best flavor and presentation
- Lightly dust your work surface with flour to prevent sticking when rolling and cutting dough
- To avoid a soggy bottom, make sure your muffin tin is well greased and do not add extra moisture
Recipe Variations (The Fun Part!)
| Base | Jam/Sauce | Nut/Topping | Herb |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crescent Dough | Fig Jam | Chopped Walnuts | Thyme |
| Puff Pastry | Apricot Preserve | Slivered Almonds | Sage |
| Crescent Dough | Raspberry Jam | Pecan Pieces | Rosemary |
Vegan Cranberry Bites
For a vegan twist, substitute the brie with store-bought vegan brie or make a homemade vegan cheese using agar-agar as a gelling agent to create a firm base. Use whole berry cranberry sauce and fresh herbs just the same.
Gluten-Free Cranberry Brie Bites
Use a gluten-free puff pastry available at specialty stores. Follow the same assembly and baking instructions for a gluten-free holiday treat.
Make-Ahead, Storage, and Reheating Instructions
You can assemble the cranberry brie bites ahead of time by preparing the dough cups and filling them but baking them right before serving. Store unbaked bites covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
Leftover baked bites keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 325°F for 8-10 minutes to regain some crispness without drying them out. The air fryer is also an option—it reheats quickly and crisps edges nicely, but watch closely to avoid burning. You can find more helpful tips in our category on air fryer cooking.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make Cranberry Brie Bites in an air fryer?
Yes, you can! Use the air fryer at 350°F for about 10 minutes. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t over-brown.
Do I have to use a mini-muffin tin?
Mini muffin tins are best for perfectly sized bites, but you can use mini tart pans or even bake on a flat sheet with folded dough cups.
Should I take the rind off the brie?
No, keep the rind on. It adds flavor and helps the cheese hold its shape during baking.
How do I keep the brie from melting out?
Chilling the brie before cutting and not overfilling the dough cups helps prevent leaks.
What’s the best way to transport these to a party?
Bake them shortly before leaving, transport in a secure container lined with paper towels, and reheat briefly if possible at the venue.
What to Serve with Cranberry Brie Bites
These bites shine on their own but are wonderful as part of an appetizer board with sliced meats, cheeses, and nuts. They pair beautifully with light white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or sparkling wines. For cocktails, try a classic gin and tonic or a cranberry mule for a fresh holiday vibe.
Conclusion
These Cranberry Brie Bites are seriously easy, irresistibly delicious, and perfect for any occasion where you want a cozy, impressive appetizer without the stress. Now that you have the ultimate guide, I have to know—which will you be making? Team Buttery Crescent Roll or Team Flaky Puff Pastry? Let me know your pick in the comments below!
