Name: Cranberry Brie Bites
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 sheet crescent roll dough (or puff pastry); 6 oz brie cheese, rind on, cut into 24 small cubes; 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (whole berry preferred); 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional); Fresh rosemary or thyme (optional, for garnish)

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Cranberry Brie Bites are one of my go-to appetizers when I want something elegant but super easy. These little bites are made with buttery crescent dough, creamy brie, and tangy-sweet cranberry sauce — all baked until golden and gooey. I love how quickly they come together, and they’re always the first to disappear at any holiday party or gathering.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s simple, beautiful, and delivers big flavor in a tiny package. The melty brie pairs perfectly with the tart cranberry sauce, and the crescent dough creates a soft, flaky shell that makes each bite feel special. They look fancy, but I can whip them up with just a few ingredients and a mini muffin tin. Cranberry Brie Bites

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

crescent roll dough (or puff pastry)
brie cheese, rind on, cut into small cubes
cranberry sauce (whole berry or homemade)
chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
fresh rosemary or thyme (optional, for garnish)

Directions

I preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a mini muffin tin.
I unroll the crescent dough and cut it into 24 even squares.
I press each dough square into the mini muffin cups to form little crusts.
I place a cube of brie into each cup.
I top each one with about a teaspoon of cranberry sauce.
I sprinkle with chopped nuts if I’m using them.
I bake for 12–15 minutes, until the dough is golden and the brie is melted.
I garnish with a small sprig of rosemary or thyme, then serve warm.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes 24 bites. It takes me about 10 minutes to prep and 15 minutes to bake — ready in around 25 minutes.

Variations

Sometimes I swap the cranberry sauce for raspberry or fig jam. I’ve also added a tiny drizzle of honey on top for extra sweetness. For a savory version, I use caramelized onions. Puff pastry works beautifully too — I just cut it into squares and treat it the same way.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I place them in a 300°F oven for about 5–7 minutes until warmed through. They lose their crispness in the microwave, so I avoid reheating them that way. These are best served fresh, but still tasty the next day. Cranberry Brie Bites

FAQs

Can I use puff pastry instead of crescent dough?

Yes, and I’ve done it often — puff pastry gives them a flakier texture and works just as well.

Do I need to remove the rind from the brie?

No, the rind is edible and melts nicely. I leave it on for ease and flavor.

Can I make these ahead of time?

I assemble them a few hours ahead and keep them covered in the fridge. Then I bake them just before serving.

What kind of cranberry sauce works best?

Whole berry sauce works best for texture, but jellied sauce can work too — I just cut it into small pieces.

Can I serve these at room temperature?

Yes, but they’re definitely best warm when the brie is soft and melty.

Conclusion

Cranberry Brie Bites are the kind of elegant, no-stress appetizer that I turn to again and again — especially around the holidays. I love how the warm cheese, tart cranberry, and buttery crust come together in a single bite. Whether I’m hosting a party or need something quick to bring along, these are always a hit and couldn’t be easier to make.