If you’re looking for a go-to party snack that’s quick, easy, and always a hit, you’ve got to try these cranberry brie crescent bites. I’ve made them for countless gatherings, and they disappear faster than I can refill the platter. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, they’re perfect for when you need something impressive but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Trust me, once you taste that melty brie paired with sweet-tart cranberry, you’ll be hooked!
Why You’ll Love These Cranberry Brie Crescent Bites
These little bites are my secret weapon for any gathering. Here’s why they’re always a hit:
- Quick & easy: Ready in under 25 minutes—perfect for last-minute guests!
- Crowd-pleaser: That sweet-salty combo of cranberry and brie? Absolute magic.
- Holiday superstar: Festive flavors that look fancy (but take zero effort).
- Make-ahead friendly: Bake them early and just reheat—stress-free hosting!
Seriously, they’re the appetizer that’ll make you look like a kitchen rockstar every time.
Ingredients for Cranberry Brie Crescent Bites
Okay, here’s the beautiful part—you only need 5 simple ingredients to make these irresistible bites. I’ll walk you through each one, because quality really matters here:
- 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent rolls: The shortcut hero! I use the classic seamless dough sheets to avoid perforation gaps when rolling.
- 4 oz brie cheese, cubed: Don’t skimp—get the good stuff! I leave the rind on for extra flavor (it melts beautifully). Cut into ½-inch pieces so they distribute evenly.
- ¼ cup cranberry sauce: My grandma’s rule? Homemade cranberry sauce wins, but in a pinch, a quality canned whole-berry sauce works too. Avoid the jellied kind—it’s too gluey.
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary: That earthy aroma is everything! Chop it fine so no one gets a mouthful of needles.
- 1 egg, beaten: Just enough for a golden sheen. Pro tip: Add a teaspoon of water to thin it for easier brushing.
See? Nothing fussy—just pantry staples transformed into something magical!
How to Make Cranberry Brie Crescent Bites
Alright, let’s get these beauties in the oven! Follow these simple steps, and in no time, you’ll have golden, melty bites that’ll have everyone asking for the recipe.
Step 1: Prep the Dough and Fillings
First things first—preheat that oven to 375°F (190°C). While it heats up, unroll your crescent dough on a clean surface. If you’re using the perforated kind, gently press the seams together so you’ve got one solid sheet. Now, slice it into 8 equal squares—no need to be perfect, just eyeball it!
Step 2: Assemble and Bake
Time for the fun part! Place a cube of brie and a small spoonful of cranberry sauce in the center of each square. Fold the corners over the filling, pinching the edges tightly—this keeps all that gooey goodness inside where it belongs. Brush each bundle with your egg wash (don’t skip this—it’s what gives them that gorgeous golden shine!) and sprinkle with rosemary. Pop them in the oven for 12-15 minutes until they’re puffed up and golden brown. Oh, and resist the urge to eat one straight from the pan—that cheese lava is no joke!
Tips for Perfect Cranberry Brie Crescent Bites
After making these dozens of times (and eating way too many test batches), here are my foolproof secrets for cranberry brie crescent bites that’ll wow every time:
- Brie matters: Splurge on a good triple-cream brie—it melts like velvet. The rind adds flavor, but trim it if you prefer a smoother texture.
- Cranberry upgrade: Simmer fresh cranberries with orange zest and a splash of maple syrup for a homemade sauce that’s next-level. (Though I won’t judge if you use canned in a pinch!)
- Seal tight: Pinch those edges like you’re mad at them! Any gaps = cheese explosions in the oven. (Delicious, but messy.)
- Reheat like a pro: 5 minutes in a 350°F oven revives them perfectly. Microwaving turns them rubbery—trust me, I learned the hard way!
Bonus tip: Let them cool just 2 minutes before serving—that molten brie is part of the magic, but you’ll avoid third-degree tongue burns.
Variations for Cranberry Brie Crescent Bites
Once you’ve mastered the classic version, try these easy twists to keep things exciting:
- Crunchy upgrade: Toss in chopped walnuts or pecans with the cranberry sauce—that nutty crunch takes it to another level.
- Puff pastry swap: For extra flakiness, use thawed puff pastry sheets instead of crescent dough. Cut into squares and fold into little parcels.
- Spicy kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cranberry filling—sweet, creamy, and spicy all at once!
- Herb variations: Swap rosemary for thyme or sage, or go sweet with a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on top.
Honestly? Half the fun is playing with flavors—make them your own!
Serving Suggestions
These cranberry brie crescent bites shine brightest when served warm—that oozy cheese is pure heaven! For parties, pair them with a crisp white wine (a chilled Chardonnay is perfection) or sparkling cider. They’re also fantastic alongside other easy appetizers like pear, walnut, and blue cheese tart or a simple charcuterie board. Just be ready to make a second batch—they vanish fast!
Storage and Reheating
Got leftovers? (Unlikely, but just in case!) Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, pop them in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes—just enough to bring back that melty brie goodness. Microwaving? Skip it—it’ll make them soggy and sad. Trust me, oven is the way to go!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the scoop per bite (based on standard ingredients): About 120 calories, 7g fat, and that perfect sweet-salty balance. Remember—nutrition varies slightly depending on your exact brands and tweaks!
FAQ About Cranberry Brie Crescent Bites
Can I use canned cranberry sauce?
Absolutely! While homemade cranberry sauce adds a special touch, a quality canned whole-berry sauce works just fine. Just steer clear of the jellied kind—it’s too thick and doesn’t spread well.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble them, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 6 hours before baking. Or bake them fully, let them cool, and reheat in the oven for 5 minutes before serving.
Can I use puff pastry instead of crescent dough?
Definitely! Puff pastry gives an extra flaky, buttery texture. Just roll it out, cut it into squares, and follow the same filling and folding steps.
Do I have to remove the brie rind?
Nope! The rind is edible and adds flavor. If you’re not a fan, though, feel free to trim it off before cubing the cheese.
Can I freeze these?
You can! Freeze the unbaked bites on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
25-Minute Cranberry Brie Crescent Bites: Irresistible Bliss
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Yield: 8 bites
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Easy-to-make cranberry brie crescent bites perfect for parties or snacks.
Ingredients
- 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent rolls
- 4 oz brie cheese, cut into small pieces
- 1/4 cup cranberry sauce
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Unroll crescent dough and separate into triangles.
- Place a small piece of brie and a teaspoon of cranberry sauce on each triangle.
- Roll up dough and seal edges.
- Brush with egg wash and sprinkle with rosemary.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- Use high-quality brie for best flavor.
- Fresh cranberry sauce works better than canned.
- Can be made ahead and reheated.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
