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Brie, cranberry, and orange come together in these flaky golden bites that make for the perfect appetizer at any gathering. The combination balances creamy cheese with sweet and tangy fruit flavors all encased in buttery pastry. They are simple to prepare and impressive to serve, making them ideal whether you are hosting a party or just craving a special snack.
I first made these for a holiday brunch and they disappeared so fast my family keeps asking for them every year. The contrast of warm Brie and bright cranberry-orange topping is truly irresistible.
Ingredients
- Refrigerated crescent roll dough: provides the flaky golden crust and makes shaping easy. Choose the freshest dough for a light texture
- Brie cheese: creamy and mild, delivers a mellow richness. Look for a good quality wheel with white rind intact
- Orange marmalade: adds citrus sweetness to complement the Brie and cranberries. Homemade or store-bought both work well
- Whole berry cranberry sauce: offers tang and texture, pick one with whole berries for the best bursts of flavor
- Chopped walnuts or pecans: provide crunchy contrast and deepen the taste. Fresh nuts will have a noticeable aroma and snap
- Fresh rosemary sprigs: add a piney herbal note and beautiful garnish, choose vibrant green stems with no wilting
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan:
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and lightly grease your minimuffin pan to ensure easy release of the bites once baked.
- Prepare the Brie:
- Prepare the Brie by cutting it into about one inch cubes. Keep it chilled until you begin assembling so it holds its shape perfectly.
- Mix the Topping:
- Mix the orange marmalade and cranberry sauce thoroughly in a small bowl and set aside to use as the sweet topping.
- Prepare the Dough:
- Lightly dust a clean flat surface with flour before unrolling the crescent roll dough. Stretch it gently into an even rectangle and pinch together any seams to seal. With a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the dough into 24 uniform squares.
- Form Cups:
- Press each dough square firmly into one cavity of the muffin pan, shaping it to form little cups perfect for holding the toppings.
- Assemble the Bites:
- Next, nestle one piece of Brie into each dough cup. Spoon approximately one teaspoon of the marmalade-cranberry mixture over the cheese to create a balanced burst of flavor. Sprinkle chopped nuts on top of each bite for added texture and flavor, then place a small rosemary sprig on each for a touch of elegance and herbal aroma.
- Bake:
- Bake for 10 to 13 minutes until the dough is browned and fully cooked through. Golden edges and puffed pastry are signs they are ready.
- Cool and Serve:
- Once baked, let the bites cool in the pan for 5 to 10 minutes to firm up slightly. Serve warm for the best taste experience.
Choosing Brie carefully makes a huge difference in the final flavor and texture. When I first tried using a very soft Brie it melted too much and was hard to handle so I recommend a slightly firmer cheese. The memory of sharing these bites with friends around a cozy fireplace always warms me up on chilly evenings.
Storage Tips
Store leftover bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in a warm oven rather than a microwave to preserve the pastry’s crispness. These also freeze well lay them flat on a baking sheet to freeze individually then transfer to a freezer bag for up to two months.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you can’t find crescent roll dough, puff pastry works wonderfully as an alternative. Swap out walnuts or pecans for toasted almonds or hazelnuts according to personal preference or dietary needs. Use any citrus marmalade like lemon or grapefruit if orange is unavailable for a different bright note.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the cranberry Brie bites with a light green salad tossed in a simple vinaigrette to balance the richness. They also pair well with sparkling wine or a crisp white like Sauvignon Blanc. These bites shine at holiday parties or as finger food during casual get-togethers.
These cranberry Brie bites are an elegant, easy appetizer perfect for holidays. Serve warm and enjoy.
Common Questions About Recipes
- → Can I prep the bites ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the bites and store them in the fridge unbaked for up to a few hours before baking for freshness.
- → What type of nuts work best as garnish?
Chopped walnuts or pecans add a nice crunch, enhancing the sweet and savory flavors in each bite.
- → How should I cut the brie for these bites?
Cut the brie into small 1-inch squares and keep them chilled until assembly to maintain shape and prevent spreading.
- → Can I substitute crescent roll dough?
Puff pastry is a good alternative that also creates a flaky, golden crust if crescent dough is unavailable.
- → What’s the best oven temperature for baking?
Bake at 375°F to ensure the dough crisps evenly while the cheese melts smoothly inside.