Cranberry Brie Bites: Super Easy and Beautiful Holiday Appetizer
Welcome to my kitchen, dear friends! I’m Eva, and I’m thrilled to share with you one of my favorite holiday recipes: Cranberry Brie Bites. These bite-sized treats are perfect for any gathering, and they’re incredibly easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients like crescent roll dough, brie cheese, cranberry sauce, and rosemary, you’ll be on your way to creating a delicious and beautiful holiday appetizer. Cranberry Brie Bites are a perfect holiday appetizer recipe that’s sure to impress your guests.
Imagine the combination of tangy cranberry, creamy brie, and fresh rosemary all in one delicious bite. It’s a match made in heaven! The best part? These Cranberry Brie Bites are a hit at any holiday party, and they’re so easy to make that you’ll want to serve them at every gathering.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is a dream come true for anyone who loves simple, yet elegant appetizers. The combination of cranberry, brie, and rosemary is not only festive, but it’s also incredibly delicious. The best part? These Cranberry Brie Bites are a hit at any holiday party, and they’re so easy to make that you’ll want to serve them at every gathering. With their beautiful presentation and delicious flavors, you’ll be the star of the show.
The simplicity and beauty of this recipe make it perfect for any holiday gathering. Whether you’re hosting a large party or a small get-together, these Cranberry Brie Bites are sure to impress. So why not give them a try? Your guests will love them, and you’ll love how easy they are to make. You can also consider serving them with a side of honey glazed carrots for a delicious and well-rounded snack.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour
- 8-ounce crescent dough sheet (or crescent rolls, optional)
- 8-ounce wheel of brie cheese
- 1 cup whole berry cranberry sauce (not jellied)
- Fresh rosemary sprigs (optional, about 2 sprigs)
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
When it comes to the ingredients, you have a few options for substitutions. For example, you can use puff pastry instead of crescent dough if you prefer. Just keep in mind that you may need to adjust the baking time. You can also use other types of cheese, such as goat cheese or feta, if you don’t have brie on hand. And if you don’t have cranberry sauce, you can try using other types of jam or marmalade.
One of the best things about this recipe is that it’s very forgiving. You can use different types of ingredients and still get great results. So don’t be afraid to experiment and find the combination that works best for you. And if you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you can try using gluten-free crescent dough or puff pastry. For more gluten-free options, check out our buckwheat pancake recipe.
Let’s take a closer look at the main ingredients in this recipe. Cranberry sauce is a key component, and it’s what gives these bites their sweet and tangy flavor. You can use homemade or store-bought cranberry sauce, whichever you prefer. Cranberries are packed with nutritional benefits according to the USDA. Brie cheese is another important ingredient, and it adds a rich and creamy element to the dish. Brie is a soft-ripened cow’s-milk cheese that originated in northeastern France. You can use a wheel of brie or a block of brie, whichever you have on hand. And finally, fresh rosemary is the perfect garnish for these bites. It adds a fragrant and herbaceous flavor that complements the cranberry and brie perfectly. Rosemary has been traditionally used in medicine for its health benefits including improving memory and circulation.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray a 24-count mini muffin tin with cooking spray.
- Lightly dust your counter or a cutting board with all-purpose flour.
- Roll out the 8-ounce crescent dough sheet onto the floured surface. If using crescent rolls, pinch the seams together firmly to form a single sheet.
- Cut the prepared crescent dough sheet into 24 equal-sized squares.
- Place one dough square into each slot of the prepared mini muffin tin, gently pressing it down to form a cup.
- Cut the 8-ounce wheel of brie cheese into small pieces and distribute them evenly among the crescent dough cups.
- Spoon a generous amount of the 1 cup whole berry cranberry sauce over the brie cheese in each cup.
- Add a small piece of fresh rosemary sprig to the top of each bite, if using.
- Bake for about 15 minutes, or until the crescent dough is a light golden brown.
- Serve warm.
Visual Guide & Tips
As you’re making these Cranberry Brie Bites, you’ll want to keep an eye on them to make sure they’re baking evenly. You can check on them after 10 minutes and rotate the muffin tin to ensure that they’re browning evenly. You’ll know they’re done when the crescent dough is a light golden brown and the cheese is melted and creamy.
One of the best things about this recipe is that it’s very easy to customize. You can use different types of cheese or jam, and you can even add some chopped nuts or dried fruit to the mixture. So don’t be afraid to experiment and find the combination that works best for you. And if you’re looking for more delicious and easy-to-make recipes, be sure to check out our 30-minute soup recipes for a quick and satisfying meal.
Expert Tips & Troubleshooting
One of the most common mistakes people make when making Cranberry Brie Bites is overloading the muffin tin. This can cause the bites to stick together and make them difficult to remove from the tin. To avoid this, make sure to leave a little space between each bite and don’t overfill the muffin tin.
Another common issue is that the bites can become too brown or even burnt. This can happen if the oven is too hot or if the bites are baked for too long. To avoid this, keep an eye on the bites as they’re baking and adjust the cooking time as needed.
If you’re having trouble getting the bites to release from the muffin tin, try running a knife around the edges of each bite to loosen it. You can also try dusting the muffin tin with a little flour or cooking spray to help the bites release more easily.
In terms of troubleshooting, there are a few common issues that can arise when making Cranberry Brie Bites. One of the most common issues is that the bites can become too soggy or soft. This can happen if the crescent dough is not baked long enough or if the bites are not cooled properly. To avoid this, make sure to bake the bites for the full 15 minutes and let them cool completely on a wire rack.
Another common issue is that the bites can become too dry or crumbly. This can happen if the crescent dough is overbaked or if the bites are not stored properly. To avoid this, make sure to bake the bites for the right amount of time and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Storage & Freezing
Once you’ve made your Cranberry Brie Bites, you’ll want to store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will help keep them fresh for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months and reheat them in the oven or air fryer when you’re ready to serve.
To reheat the bites, simply place them on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for about 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also reheat them in an air fryer at 300°F (150°C) for about 2-3 minutes, or until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions people have about making Cranberry Brie Bites:
Q: Can I use puff pastry instead of crescent dough?
A: Yes, you can use puff pastry instead of crescent dough. Just keep in mind that you may need to adjust the baking time.
Q: How do I reheat Cranberry Brie Bites?
A: You can reheat Cranberry Brie Bites in the oven or air fryer. Simply place them on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for about 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also reheat them in an air fryer at 300°F (150°C) for about 2-3 minutes, or until warmed through.
Q: Can I freeze Cranberry Brie Bites?
A: Yes, you can freeze Cranberry Brie Bites for up to 2 months. Simply place them in an airtight container or freezer bag and store in the freezer. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat them in the oven or air fryer.
Q: What’s the best way to serve Cranberry Brie Bites?
A: Cranberry Brie Bites are best served warm, straight from the oven. You can serve them on their own or with a side of crackers or bread. They’re also delicious with a glass of wine or champagne.
Q: Can I make Cranberry Brie Bites ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make Cranberry Brie Bites ahead of time. Simply assemble the bites and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to serve, simply bake them in the oven until golden brown.
Q: What’s the nutritional information for Cranberry Brie Bites?
A: The nutritional information for Cranberry Brie Bites is approximately 1800 kcal per batch, with 50g of protein, 190g of carbs, 8g of fiber, 100g of fat, and 10g of sugar.
Conclusion
And there you have it, my friends! Cranberry Brie Bites are a delicious and easy-to-make holiday appetizer that’s sure to impress your guests. With their beautiful presentation and delicious flavors, you’ll be the star of the show. So why not give them a try? Make Cranberry Brie Bites for your next holiday party and watch them disappear in no time.
Did you make this? Pin it on Pinterest or tag me on Instagram @EvasRecipes! I’d love to see your creations and hear about your experiences with this recipe. Happy cooking, and happy holidays!
Cranberry Brie Bites
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray a 24-count mini muffin tin with cooking spray.
- Lightly dust your counter or a cutting board with all-purpose flour.
- Roll out the 8-ounce crescent dough sheet onto the floured surface. If using crescent rolls, pinch the seams together firmly to form a single sheet.
- Cut the prepared crescent dough sheet into 24 equal-sized squares.
- Place one dough square into each slot of the prepared mini muffin tin, gently pressing it down to form a cup.
- Cut the 8-ounce wheel of brie cheese into small pieces and distribute them evenly among the crescent dough cups.
- Spoon a generous amount of the 1 cup whole berry cranberry sauce over the brie cheese in each cup.
- Add a small piece of fresh rosemary sprig to the top of each bite, if using.
- Bake for about 15 minutes, or until the crescent dough is a light golden brown.
- Serve warm.