Cranberry Brie Orange Bites

These irresistible cranberry brie bites transform ordinary crescent roll dough into an elegant appetizer that will impress at any gathering. Ready in just 30 minutes from start to finish, this easy holiday appetizer combines creamy brie, tangy cranberry sauce, and flaky pastry for a show stopping bite size treat. Discover how cranberry brie bites become the perfect solution for last minute entertaining or winter celebrations.

I first made these cranberry brie bites for Thanksgiving when I was pressed for time but wanted a festive starter. The way the ruby red cranberry contrasts with the golden, flaky pastry and creamy brie turned them into an instant family favorite. Now, they are my signature holiday appetizer, and never fail to vanish within minutes of serving at any gathering!

Gather Your Ingredients

• Refrigerated crescent roll dough (8 ounces): Forms the flaky, buttery base that holds the filling together beautifully. Choose a brand with minimal additives or use gluten free dough if needed.
• All purpose flour for dusting: Prevents sticking when rolling out the dough for smooth prep. Any all purpose flour works; use gluten free if needed.
• Brie cheese (6 ounces), rind removed if desired: The key for creamy, melty centers. Select a firm brie so it is easy to cube, and rind can be left or removed for texture preference.
• Cranberry sauce (1/4 cup, whole berry preferred): Adds festive sweet tart flavor and color. Homemade or canned both work, but opt for whole berry for best texture and appearance.
• Orange marmalade (2 tablespoons): Boosts the cranberry with a layer of bright citrus flavor. Any orange marmalade is fine; apricot can be substituted.
• Chopped walnuts or pecans (2 tablespoons): Gives a crunchy, nutty contrast. Try almonds or pistachios as an alternative, or omit for nut free diets.
• Fresh rosemary sprigs: Classic garnish for aroma and presentation. Substitute thyme or mint for different occasions.
• Nonstick cooking spray: Ensures bites release easily from the muffin pan. Parchment liners work too for easy cleanup.

How to Make Cranberry Brie Bites

Prepare the Oven and Pan:

Preheat your oven to 375°F for optimal pastry browning and brie melting. Coat a 24 cup mini muffin pan with nonstick cooking spray, making sure every cup is covered to prevent sticking and achieve even golden color.

Cut the Brie Cheese:

Remove brie from the fridge and slice into about 24 one inch cubes. Keeping the brie chilled helps with clean slicing and shapes that fit snugly in each dough cup. Remove rind if a silkier texture is desired.

Mix Cranberry and Orange:

Stir together 1/4 cup cranberry sauce and 2 tablespoons orange marmalade in a small bowl. This blend delivers a balanced sweet tart citrusy burst on top of each bite, and can be made up to 3 days ahead.

Prepare Crescent Dough:

Lightly dust your countertop with all purpose flour before unrolling crescent dough. Press seams together to form a smooth rectangle, then use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice into 24 even squares for uniform baking and professional appearance.

Assemble the Bites:

Press each dough square gently into a muffin cup, letting corners rise above the edges. Add a brie cube, then top with about one teaspoon of the cranberry orange mixture. Sprinkle with chopped nuts and finish each with a small rosemary sprig for color.

Bake to Golden Perfection:

Transfer assembled bites to the oven and bake 10 to 13 minutes, watching closely at the end. Look for golden brown pastry, fully melted brie, jammy cranberry, and toasted nuts. The aroma signals the bites are ready to serve.

Cool Briefly and Serve:

Let the cranberry brie bites cool in the muffin pan for 5 to 10 minutes. This sets the cheese and pastry, enabling easy removal with a small spoon while keeping them warm for serving at their most irresistible.

Adding a pinch of cinnamon to the cranberry mixture was a tip I learned after a few experiments, bringing an extra layer of warmth to the bites. My mother-in-law, who rarely requests second servings, has asked for these three holiday seasons in a row, making them a new family tradition!

Smart Swaps and Variations

Cranberry brie bites are endlessly adaptable to suit dietary preferences and seasons. Swap cranberry sauce for fig jam, raspberry preserves, or apple butter for new flavor profiles that still balance sweet and savory. Try creamy goat cheese, tangy camembert, or sharp white cheddar in place of brie for distinct results, or opt for gluten free crescent dough or puff pastry so everyone can enjoy this festive appetizer.

How to Store and Reheat Cranberry Brie Bites

For freshest results, store completely cooled cranberry brie bites in an airtight container with parchment paper between each layer to prevent sticking. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, arrange bites on a baking sheet and warm in a 300°F oven for 5 to 7 minutes, just until the cheese softens and pastry crisps again. Avoid microwaving as it can make the bites soggy.

What to Serve with Cranberry Brie Bites

Cranberry brie bites pair beautifully with a range of holiday appetizers, from stuffed mushrooms and a charcuterie board to crisp vegetable platters and spiced nuts. For beverages, serve with sparkling Prosecco or champagne to cut through the richness, or a light Pinot Noir to highlight the fruity tang of the cranberry. Present them centrally on a festive platter for a crowd pleasing party centerpiece.

Nutritional Benefits

Each cranberry brie bite offers a balanced bite of protein, calcium, and healthy fats while keeping calories moderate at 60 to 70 per serving. Brie cheese contributes beneficial probiotics and calcium, cranberries provide antioxidants and vitamin C, and nuts offer heart healthy omega 3s and vitamin E. Choosing reduced fat dough and less brie can lighten each bite for those watching macros during the holidays.

Recipe Success Tips

If the dough sticks to the pan or tears, ensure the pan is fully coated with spray and the dough is kept chilled before use. For dough that shrinks during baking, press gently up the sides and refrigerate prepared bites for 5 minutes before baking. If cheese oozes out, cut slightly smaller cubes or make sure dough edges are wrapped around the filling for best results.

These cranberry brie bites rescue my holiday gatherings whenever I need a crowd pleasing appetizer with minimal stress. Let them bring you the same festive elegance and effortless entertainment this season!

Common Questions About This Recipe

→ What type of cranberry sauce works best?

Both homemade and store-bought cranberry sauces offer great flavor. Choose whole berry for texture or smooth for a more refined topping.

→ Can other jams replace orange marmalade?

Apricot or fig preserves work well as alternatives, providing a sweet contrast to cranberries and brie.

→ How should brie be prepared for these bites?

Slice brie into small, uniform squares. Cold brie from the fridge is easier to cut and handle.

→ Do these bites need to be served warm?

They taste best slightly warm so the cheese stays creamy and the dough remains crisp, but they can be enjoyed at room temperature as well.

→ Can nuts be omitted or substituted?

Chopped walnuts or pecans add crunch but can be left out, or swapped for pumpkin seeds if preferred.