Cranberry Brie Bites

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The holiday season has arrived, and it’s the perfect opportunity to elevate our appetizer game with some delightful creations! If you’re in search of a standout starter, look no further than these Cranberry Brie Bites. These little morsels are a harmonious blend of flavors: the tangy sweetness of cranberry sauce complements the creamy richness of Brie cheese, all enveloped in buttery, flaky crescent dough. Finished with a sprinkle of fresh thyme, they truly embody the festive spirit.

Imagine kicking off your next meal with a burst of flavor that’s also good for you! Healthy Appetizers can really amp up any gathering, making it exciting and delicious—without the guilt.

Have you ever tried swapping the usual chips and dip for a colorful platter of fresh veggies with creamy avocado hummus? It not only brightens up your table but is also loaded with nutrients your body will love. I remember the first time I served these at a party—my guests couldn’t stop raving about how fresh and satisfying they were!

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What are the Ingredients in Cranberry Brie Bites?

To whip up these tasty Cranberry Brie Bites, you’ll need these ingredients:

Cranberry Sauce: The tangy sweetness of the cranberry sauce perfectly balances the creamy, rich Brie cheese, creating a delightful contrast that excites the taste buds. The inclusion of orange juice and zest in the sauce introduces a hint of citrus, enhancing the complexity and depth of the flavor profile.

Orange Juice: The acidity in orange juice helps balance the rich, creamy texture of the Brie cheese, ensuring each bite is a perfect harmony of flavors.

Orange Zest: Orange zest gives a vibrant citrus burst that really boosts the flavor of these bites.

Sugar: Sugar adds sweetness that balances the tartness of the cranberries and the acidity of the orange juice. This mix creates a tasty combo, making every bite both pleasantly sweet and a bit tangy.

Cinnamon: Its sweet and slightly woody flavor rounds out the bites, adding depth and a touch of complexity. This cozy spice is a holiday favorite, bringing a sense of nostalgia and warmth to the experience.

Crescent dough: When baked, it forms a golden, crispy shell that complements the creamy Brie and vibrant cranberry filling. The dough’s neutral flavor profile allows the delicious ingredients inside to shine, while its tender and slightly sweet taste enhances the overall experience without overpowering the primary flavors.

Brie Cheese: When warmed, Brie turns delectably gooey, pairing perfectly with the crisp, flaky crescent dough. Its gentle earthiness and buttery notes make a great match for the sweet and tart cranberry sauce, creating a luxurious taste experience.

Fresh Thyme: Its subtle savory notes pair perfectly with the sweet-tart cranberry sauce and creamy Brie, giving each bite an interesting twist.

With these ingredients ready to go, you’re all set to whip up a tasty appetizer that will definitely impress your holiday guests!

How Do I Prepare Cranberry Brie Bites?

Preparing Cranberry Brie Bites is as easy as pie, and equally gratifying! Follow these simple steps to create a delightful holiday appetizer that will impress your guests.

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your crescent dough bakes evenly to a perfect golden hue.
Prepare the Crescent Dough: Unroll the crescent dough and separate it into triangles. Cut each triangle into smaller pieces that will comfortably fit into your mini muffin tin cups.
Line the Muffin Tins: Gently press each piece of dough into the cups of a mini muffin tin, shaping it to form a small cup.
Add the Brie Cheese: Cut the Brie cheese into small cubes and place one cube in each dough-lined muffin cup. The Brie will melt beautifully, creating a luscious center for your bites.
Spoon the Cranberry Sauce: Top each piece of Brie with a generous teaspoon of cranberry sauce. The sauce’s bright flavor will complement the rich cheese perfectly.
Sprinkle with Orange Zest and Cinnamon: Add a sprinkle of orange zest and a pinch of cinnamon over the cranberry sauce to enhance the festive flavors.
Bake to Perfection: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crescent dough is golden brown and the Brie has melted into creamy goodness.
Garnish with Fresh Thyme: Once out of the oven, allow the bites to cool slightly before garnishing with a sprig of fresh thyme. This adds an aromatic touch that elevates the overall flavor profile.

That’s it! Serve these Cranberry Brie Bites warm and bask in the compliments from your satisfied guests. These little gems are sure to be a hit at any holiday gathering!

Brie Appetizer Ideas

Diving into Brie appetizers can uncover some tasty combos like Brie and fig jam crostini or baked Brie with nuts and honey on top. These easy yet classy pairings really showcase the creamy, indulgent flavor of Brie while bringing a bit of sophistication to your appetizer spread.

Can I Make Cranberry Brie Bites Ahead of Time?

Cranberry Brie Bites can be prepared in advance, making your holiday preparations a breeze. To get started, assemble the bites, placing the crescent dough, Brie, and cranberry sauce in the muffin tin as directed. Instead of baking them immediately, simply cover the tray with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator.

When you’re ready to impress your guests, remove the wrap and bake them directly from the fridge—just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time to ensure they turn out perfectly golden and gooey. This make-ahead tip allows you to spend more time enjoying the festivities and less time worrying about the kitchen details. Your guests will never know you prepared these delicious bites in advance, and they’ll be none the wiser as they devour every last one!

Is Brie Cheese Healthy?

Brie cheese is a deliciously creamy treat, and when it comes to health, it’s all about balance! It’s a great source of calcium and protein, which are super important for strong bones and muscles. Although it has a high fat content, most of it comes from healthy monounsaturated fats, and a bit from saturated fats, making it a heart-healthy choice when enjoyed in moderation.

Brie also packs in some essential vitamins like B12 and riboflavin. Just remember to watch your portion sizes since it’s calorie-dense and high in sodium. Enjoying brie as part of a balanced diet—maybe with some fresh fruits or whole grain crackers—can be a tasty and nutritious snack!

Looking for Easy Healthy Appetizers?

When it comes to easy healthy appetizers, simplicity and flavor go hand in hand! Consider options like fresh veggie skewers with hummus or cucumber slices topped with smoked salmon and a dollop of Greek yogurt for a refreshing yet nutritious snack.

Cranberry Brie Bites

Yield: 24 Servings

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Our Cranberry Brie Bites are a must-try! Imagine the delicious combination of tangy cranberry sauce mixed with a hint of orange juice and zest, sugar, and a dash of cinnamon, all wrapped up in buttery crescent dough with creamy Brie cheese.

Ingredients

14 Ounces Cranberry Sauce
¼ Cup Orange Juice
1 Tablespoon Fresh Orange Zest
2-4 Tablespoons Sugar
¼ Teaspoon Cinnamon
8 Ounce Tube Crescent Dough
8 Ounce Wheel of Brie
1 Tablespoon Fresh Thyme

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Grease a 24 count mini muffin pan with cooking spray and set aside.
In a small saucepan over medium heat add the cranberry sauce, orange juice, zest, sugar and cinnamon. Bring to a boil then reduce to a simmer for 5 minutes or until the sauce has thickened.
Roll out the crescent dough onto a piece of parchment paper or floured surface. Cut the dough into 24 even pieces.
Place each piece into a muffin tin.
Cut the brie into tiny pieces and lay one in each tin. Top the brie with 1 tsp of the cranberry sauce.
Put a pinch of fresh thyme on each bite and bake for 10 minutes.
Serve immediately and enjoy!