Cranberry Brie Bites Orange

These Cranberry Brie Bites with Orange create flaky, golden little parcels of holiday flavor perfect for any gathering or as an elegant appetizer. The combination of creamy Brie, sweet and tangy cranberryorange topping, and the crunch of nuts make this recipe a crowd-pleaser that feels festive and sophisticated yet is easy to prepare.

I first made these bites one holiday season when hosting friends and they disappeared within minutes. Since then, they always make an appearance whenever I want an easy but impressive treat on the table.

Ingredients

• Crescent roll dough: eight ounces refrigerated tube provides a buttery, flaky crust look for good quality with visible layers
• Brie cheese: six ounces soft and creamy, the star cheese that melts beautifully pick a rind you enjoy as it is edible and adds flavor
• Orange marmalade: onethird cup adds citrus brightness choose one with real orange pieces for texture
• Whole berry cranberry sauce: onethird cup classic tart sweetness and texture contrast opt for natural or homemade if possible
• Chopped walnuts or pecans: onequarter cup adds crunch and nuttiness fresh nuts avoid rancidity for better flavor
• Fresh rosemary sprigs: a fragrant garnish that gives a subtle piney aroma, perfect for the holidays

Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

Set your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a 24count minimuffin pan with nonstick spray to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.

Prepare the Brie:

Cut the Brie cheese into small one inch squares. Keep the cheese chilled until you are ready to assemble the bites so it slices cleanly and is easier to handle.

Mix the Fruit Topping:

In a small bowl, combine orange marmalade and the whole berry cranberry sauce. Stir gently until blended but still holding some berry texture. Set aside.

Cut and Shape the Dough:

Dust a clean flat surface lightly with all purpose flour to prevent sticking. Unroll the crescent roll dough and gently stretch it to form an even rectangle, pressing together any seams. Cut the dough into 24 equal squares.

Assemble the Bites:

Press each dough square firmly into each muffin cup, forming a small cup shape. Place one Brie square inside each dough cup. Top with about one teaspoon of the cranberryorange mixture. Sprinkle with chopped nuts and add a small sprig of fresh rosemary on top of each bite.

Bake until Golden:

Place the muffin pan in the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 13 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and fully cooked through. Watch closely so they don’t overbake.

Cool before Serving:

Remove from oven and let the bites cool in the pan for 5 to 10 minutes. Serve warm to best enjoy the melty cheese and flaky crust.

My favorite part is the fresh rosemary on top. That tiny green sprig adds such an elegant aroma and a festive look that turns simple bites into something special. One year my kids helped me assemble these and insisted on adding extra sprigs to each bite, making it a fun family tradition.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They stay fresh for up to two days and can be reheated gently in the oven to refresh the crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it softens the crust too much. For longer storage, freeze unbaked dough squares with toppings separately and bake fresh when needed.

Ingredient Substitutions

If Brie is not available, Camembert or a mild creamy cheese works well as a substitute. For those avoiding nuts, pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds make a nice crunchy alternative. Orange marmalade can be swapped with apricot preserves for a different fruity note.

Serving Suggestions

These bites pair beautifully with a crisp white wine or sparkling cider. Serve on a festive platter garnished with extra rosemary sprigs and whole cranberries for a holiday pop of color. They make a lovely starter before a holiday meal or a delightful addition to a cocktail party spread.

These cranberry Brie bites are quick to assemble and make an elegant holiday appetizer. Serve warm for melty cheese and flaky pastry.

Your Recipe Questions Answered

→ What type of cheese is used in these bites?

Soft Brie cheese is used, offering a creamy and mild flavor that melts beautifully inside the dough.

→ Can I prepare these bites ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble them in advance and keep refrigerated until ready to bake, ensuring Brie stays firm.

→ What nuts are suitable as garnish?

Chopped walnuts or pecans add a crunchy texture and complement the sweet and savory flavors.

→ How long should the bites bake?

Bake for 10 to 13 minutes at 375°F until the pastry is golden brown and cooked through.

→ What is the purpose of the rosemary sprigs?

Fresh rosemary adds a subtle herbal aroma and enhances the overall flavor profile of the bites.

→ Is crescent roll dough essential for these bites?

Yes, refrigerated crescent roll dough provides the flaky, buttery texture essential to these bites.