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These cranberry brie bites are the perfect answer for holiday appetizers and impressing last-minute guests. The warm flaky dough paired with creamy brie and zesty cranberry is effortless yet always feels like the party has leveled up whenever I bring out a tray.
I first discovered these after a harried workday when friends announced they were dropping by. Now every year folks ask for them before I even send invites.
Ingredients
- Crescent roll dough: The ultimate shortcut for flaky buttery pastry. You want a cold tube for easiest rolling and cutting.
- A little flour: Keeps the dough from sticking as you shape it.
- Brie cheese: Rich, creamy, and perfectly melty. Choose a younger brie for milder flavor and trim the rind if preferred.
- Orange marmalade: For sweet citrusy zip. Select a jar with bits of peel for bonus texture.
- Whole cranberry sauce: Adds tart fruity brightness. Homemade or canned both work.
- Pistachios, pecans or walnuts: Bring crunch and a pretty finish. Freshly chop for best flavor.
- Fresh rosemary or candied orange: These look festive and add a fragrant or citrusy garnish. Use just a pinch per bite.
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Pan:
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F. Make sure your mini muffin pan is greased well with cooking spray or a bit of butter so the bites will release neatly.
- Prep the Brie:
- Slice the brie cheese into roughly one inch cubes. The cheese will melt so aim for bite sized and keep them chilled in the fridge so they are easy to work with.
- Mix the Topping:
- In a small bowl, stir together orange marmalade and cranberry sauce. Mixing ensures sweet tart flavors are in every bite. Set the mixture aside.
- Roll and Cut the Dough:
- On a floured surface, unroll the crescent dough. Use your hands to gently stretch it into an even rectangle. Seal up any seams with your fingers. Slice into twenty four little squares so each will fit into a muffin cup.
- Assemble the Bites:
- Press each dough square gently into a muffin cup. Add a cube of brie to each, then spoon a small amount of the marmalade cranberry mixture over the cheese. Sprinkle with your chosen chopped nuts and add rosemary or candied orange for flair.
- Bake:
- Slide the muffin tin into the oven. Bake ten to thirteen minutes or until the bites are puffed and deeply golden brown. The cheese should be soft and melting.
- Serve:
- Let cool a few minutes in the pan to firm up enough to handle. Serve warm where the melty cheese really shines.
I absolutely love how the brie turns gooey and blends with the punchy marmalade. That first warm bite always takes me back to my mom beaming as everyone swooned over the holiday platter.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. For best results rewarm in a toaster oven or regular oven so the dough crisps back up.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you cannot find brie, camembert makes a good substitute. For the sweet element, try fig or apricot jam instead of orange marmalade. Different nuts or even seeds can be used according to allergy needs and taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these as part of an appetizer board with grapes and sliced pears or next to a glass of bubbly. They are also lovely with a winter green salad for a light lunch.
Cultural and Historical Context
Brie and cranberry is a classic French inspired flavor pairing. Crescent roll dough is an American twist that makes the combination foolproof and quick for modern holiday cooking.
Seasonal Adaptations
Swap cranberry for fresh strawberries or figs in summer. Try apple butter and cheddar for an autumn spin. Use a little pomegranate aril for holiday sparkle.
This recipe is always a hit and comes together so quickly you will want to make it for every gathering. With a little creativity, it works for any season or occasion.
Recipe Q&A
- → Can I use puff pastry instead of crescent dough?
Yes, puff pastry can substitute for crescent dough; just roll, cut, and bake until golden and flaky.
- → Which nuts work best for topping?
Pistachios, pecans, or walnuts add great texture and flavor; use your favorite or mix for variety.
- → How can I make these ahead of time?
Prepare all components and assemble in the pan. Chill, then bake just before serving for best freshness.
- → What other garnishes pair well with these bites?
Fresh thyme, orange zest, or candied cranberries make flavorful, colorful garnishes alongside rosemary.
- → Do these bites need to be served warm?
They're best served warm, but they also taste good at room temperature within several hours of baking.