Cranberry Brie Bites

Cranberry brie bites are small crescent roll pastries filled with a cube of Brie and a spoonful of cooked cranberry sauce, with chopped pecans if you like. They are brushed with beaten egg, baked until golden, and cool enough to pick up in a few minutes. The recipe makes 12 bites and takes 30 minutes in all.

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The cranberry filling is simple: cranberries, sugar and orange juice cooked until the berries burst and the mixture thickens. Against creamy Brie it gives a sweet-tart treat that looks good on a holiday table. The bites are easy to make and suit a party or a quiet evening.

What Goes in the Bites

The amounts are in the recipe card at the bottom. These are the ingredients and what each one does.

• Cranberries (1 cup, fresh or frozen): the sweet-tart base of the filling.
• Sugar (1/2 cup): sweetens the cranberries and balances their tartness.
• Orange juice (1 tablespoon): adds brightness to the filling.
• Refrigerated crescent roll dough (1 package, 8 ounces): the flaky, buttery shell.
• Brie (8 ounces, cut into small cubes): melts into a creamy center.
• Chopped pecans (1/4 cup, optional): add crunch and nutty flavor. Skip them for a smoother bite.
• Egg (1, beaten): brushed on top, the egg wash gives a glossy, golden finish.

Making and Shaping Them

The card has the full method. Fitting it into the evening comes down to a few points, and the kitchen fills with aromas while they bake.

• Cook the filling first. Simmer the cranberries, sugar and orange juice in a small saucepan over medium heat for about 10 minutes. You will hear the berries pop. Stir occasionally, and take the pan off the heat once the mixture has thickened. Let it cool.
• Set up before you assemble. Measure everything and cut the Brie into small cubes. The oven goes to 375°F.
• Fill the triangles. Unroll the dough, separate it into triangles and lay them on a parchment-lined baking sheet with the wide end facing you. At the wide end, place a cube of Brie, a teaspoon of the cranberry mixture and some pecans.
• Roll and seal. Roll from the wide end to the point, tucking in the sides as you go to seal the filling inside.
• Glaze and bake. Brush the tops with the beaten egg and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until golden brown. Let the bites cool for a few minutes before serving.
• Plate them. A festive platter with a sprig of rosemary or a sprinkle of extra pecans makes a good presentation.

The tools are few: a cutting board and sharp knife for the Brie, a small saucepan for the cranberries, a parchment-lined baking sheet, a pastry brush for the egg wash, measuring cups and spoons, and a silicone spatula for stirring.

A creamy avocado dip or a fresh salad goes well alongside them.

For a version made in a mini muffin pan with crescent dough and a pinch of pecans, see these cranberry brie crescent bites .

Ways to Change Them

• Herbs: add a teaspoon of chopped fresh rosemary or thyme to the cranberry mixture for a savory twist that suits the Brie.
• Nuts: use walnuts or almonds in place of pecans. Toasting them first brings out their flavor.
• Heat: mix a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce into the cranberry filling.
• Other fruit: raspberry or cherry preserves can replace the cranberries, as can raspberries, cherries or diced apples. Each brings its own sweetness and tartness.
• Other cheeses: goat cheese, gouda or a sharp cheddar give a bolder flavor.
• Honey or maple syrup: drizzle a little over the Brie before adding the cranberry mixture.

What to Serve With Them

• Garlic butter asparagus: roasted asparagus drizzled with garlic butter is a fresh, crunchy side.
• Cauliflower rice: seasoned with herbs, it makes a light side dish.
• Spinach salad: spinach with avocado, cherry tomatoes and a lemon vinaigrette is a fresh contrast.
• Stuffed mushrooms: mushrooms filled with cream cheese and herbs fit an appetizer spread.
• Cheese platter: cheeses, olives and nuts make a satisfying snack.
• Zucchini noodles: lightly sautéed with olive oil and fresh herbs, a simple side.

For drinks, a dry red or white wine, sparkling water with lime, or herbal iced tea all work. Brewed herbal tea served chilled is refreshing next to the warm bites. A vodka soda with a twist of lemon or a gin and tonic is a festive option. With a few of these, the bites become a meal.

Time and Nutrition

Prep takes 15 minutes and baking takes 15, for 30 minutes in total. One bite has approximately 150 calories, 10 grams of fat, 10 grams of carbohydrates, 10 grams of sugar and 4 grams of protein. These are estimates.

FAQs

Can the bites be made ahead of time?

Yes. Prepare the cranberry mixture and assemble the bites a few hours in advance. Store them in the refrigerator until you are ready to bake.

What can replace the crescent roll dough?

Puff pastry or almond flour dough both give a flaky texture, and the swap lowers the carb count.

How should leftovers be stored?

In an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Put them back in the oven for a few minutes to bring back the crispness.

Can other fruits go in the filling?

Yes. Raspberries or cherries work, but the sweetness level may vary, so adjust the sugar to match.

Brie and cranberry suit a holiday gathering or a cozy night in, and the pairing has a distinct flavor of its own.

For a savory twist, top the brie with a little balsamic caramelized onion jam in place of the cranberry.

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Written and edited by The Foodie Yummy Kitchen Team

The Foodie Yummy Kitchen Team writes and edits the recipes on Foodie Yummy: classic American potluck salads, holiday sides and easy comfort food, with a few low-carb options. Every recipe lists exact quantities, numbered steps and a printable recipe card, plus notes on swaps, storage and make-ahead timing. Spot a problem with a recipe? Tell us through the contact page and we will correct it. About us