Cranberry Brie Bites are a perfect appetizer for your holiday parties or special gatherings. These mini treats combine the rich, creamy texture of Brie cheese with the sweet and tangy flavors of cranberry and orange marmalade, all wrapped in a golden, flaky crescent dough. Topped with chopped pistachios or other nuts and garnished with fresh rosemary, they’re as beautiful as they are delicious. These bites bake quickly, making them a great choice when you need a crowd-pleasing snack in a hurry.
INGREDIENTS
- Crescent Roll Dough: 1 (8 oz) tube, the base of these bites, providing a flaky, buttery shell.
- Brie Cheese: 6 oz, cut into small squares to fit inside the dough.
- Orange Marmalade: ¼ cup, mixed with cranberry sauce for a tangy-sweet topping.
- Cranberry Sauce: ¼ cup, providing a tart contrast to the sweet marmalade.
- Pistachios (or other nuts): ¼ cup, chopped, for a crunchy topping.
- Fresh Rosemary: for garnish, adding a touch of color and an aromatic finish.
INSTRUCTIONS
- Step 1:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 24-count mini muffin tin with nonstick spray.
- Step 2:
- Prepare brie: Cut the brie into 1-inch squares and refrigerate until ready to use.
- Step 3:
- Mix topping: In a small bowl, combine cranberry sauce and orange marmalade. Set aside.
- Step 4:
- Prepare dough: Roll out the crescent dough, pinch the seams together, and cut it into 24 squares.
- Step 5:
- Assemble: Place the dough squares into the muffin tin. Top each square with a piece of brie and a teaspoon of the cranberry-marmalade mixture.
- Step 6:
- Add nuts: Sprinkle chopped pistachios or other nuts on top of the brie and cranberry mixture.
- Step 7:
- Bake: Cook for 10-13 minutes, until the dough is golden brown and fully baked.
- Step 8:
- Garnish: Add a sprig of rosemary to each bite after baking.
- Step 9:
- Serve warm: Let cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Serving and Storage Tips
- These bites are best served warm for the ultimate melt-in-your-mouth experience.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days, and reheat before serving.
Helpful Notes
- Substitute pecans or walnuts for pistachios if preferred.
- For a festive touch, drizzle the bites with honey or balsamic glaze before serving.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Chef Rachael Ray recommends using a mix of brie and camembert for extra flavor.
- Chef Ina Garten suggests adding a dash of fresh orange zest to the cranberry-marmalade mixture for extra citrus punch.