Cranberry Brie Bites

If you're looking for the most festive Christmas appetizer, these cranberry brie bites will be your holiday savior. Our base of crescent roll dough not only makes these bites extra flaky and delicious, but also ensures that everything comes together in well under an hour. Filled with classic flavors like cranberry sauce, cheesy brie and pecans, this easy appetizer will be the most festive dish on your holiday spread. 

What crescent roll dough should I use?

We used crescent roll sheets, but the regular kind will work too—just roll it out and pinch together the seams, then cut into squares. Whichever type you use, try to cut your squares as evenly as possible so that they will fit uniformly into the mini muffin pan. Centering the dough in each muffin tin will ensure that the dough comes evenly up the sides, creating an even nest for the cheese.

Do I need to take the rind off the brie?

Leave the rind on! For cheeses with an edible rind like brie, leaving the rind on will help keep the cheese from spreading too much while baking. Tip: Keep your cheese super cold before slicing. Freezing isn't necessary, but a good chill will make slicing a breeze. 

What jam goes best in these bites?

We think the cranberry sauce gives the most festive flair to these bites, but your options don't stop there. The best part about this recipe is its balance, and versatility. Once you’ve got the method down, you can create your own combos of creamy, sweet, salty, and herby. Just keep in mind that each brie bite needs about one teaspoon of your preserve of your choice. Here are a few genius pairings to get your creative juices flowing:

*Crumbled goat cheese + apricot preserves + toasted almonds + thyme

*Camembert + cherry preserves + crumbled bacon + black pepper

*Brie + hot pepper jelly + candied pecans + thyme 

Can I make these ahead?

Absolutely! Simply prep them the night before and keep in the fridge until you're ready to bake the next day. We recommend serving the assembled bites warm, but room temp also works.

Made these? Let us know how it went in the comment section below.