Introduction
Looking for the perfect appetizer to impress your guests? These Cranberry Brie Bites with Orange Marmalade and Nuts are a delicious combination of creamy Brie, sweet orange marmalade, and tangy cranberry sauce. Wrapped in flaky crescent roll dough and topped with crunchy nuts, these bite-sized delights are an explosion of flavors and textures in every bite. Perfect for holiday gatherings, parties, or a special treat at home, these bites are not only beautiful but incredibly easy to make.
Why This Recipe is Perfect for You
These Cranberry Brie Bites are an elegant yet simple appetizer that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of rich, melty Brie with the sweet-tart mix of orange marmalade and cranberry sauce makes them a crowd-pleaser. Plus, the flaky crescent dough ensures each bite has a buttery, crisp finish. With minimal prep and only a few ingredients, you can whip these up in under 30 minutes, making them ideal for busy hosts or last-minute entertaining.
Ingredients
- 8 oz tube of crescent roll dough
- Flour (for rolling the dough)
- 6 oz Brie cheese, cut into small squares
- ¼ cup orange marmalade
- ¼ cup whole cranberry sauce
- ¼ cup chopped nuts (pistachios, pecans, or walnuts)
- Fresh rosemary or candied orange pieces, for garnish
Directions
1. Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a mini-muffin pan with nonstick cooking spray to ensure your bites pop out easily after baking.
2. Prepare the Brie
Cut the Brie cheese into small squares, approximately 1-inch in size. Place the Brie pieces in the refrigerator while you prepare the rest of the ingredients to keep them cool and firm.
3. Mix the Sauce
In a small bowl, stir together ¼ cup orange marmalade and ¼ cup cranberry sauce until well combined. This mixture provides a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness that complements the rich Brie.
4. Roll the Dough
Lightly flour a flat surface and roll out the crescent dough. Stretch it slightly to form an even rectangle, and pinch together any seams that may have separated. Use a knife or pizza cutter to slice the dough into 24 equal squares.
5. Assemble the Bites
Place each dough square into the mini-muffin cups, pressing down slightly to form little cups. Add a piece of Brie cheese to each dough square, followed by 1 teaspoon of the orange-cranberry sauce mixture. Sprinkle a bit of chopped nuts over each bite for a crunchy finish. Garnish with a small sprig of fresh rosemary or a piece of candied orange for an extra festive touch.
6. Bake
Bake the bites in the preheated oven for 10-13 minutes, or until the crescent dough is golden brown and fully cooked. The Brie should be melted, and the toppings lightly caramelized.
7. Serve
Once baked, allow the Cranberry Brie Bites to cool for about 5-10 minutes in the pan before serving. These bites are best enjoyed warm when the Brie is gooey and the flavors are at their peak.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Mini-muffin pan for baking
- Rolling pin and flour for rolling the dough
- Knife or pizza cutter for cutting the dough
- Small mixing bowl for the orange-cranberry sauce
Tips and Shortcuts
- Prep Ahead: You can prepare the crescent dough and cut the Brie pieces ahead of time and store them in the fridge. Assemble and bake the bites just before serving to keep them warm and fresh.
- Flour the Surface: Be sure to lightly flour your surface before rolling out the crescent dough to prevent sticking and make rolling easier.
- Custom Garnish: Feel free to switch up the garnish! Fresh thyme or a small drizzle of honey would work just as well for a different flavor profile.
Recipe Swaps and Variations
- Cheese Alternatives: If you don’t have Brie, try using Camembert or goat cheese for a similar creamy texture.
- Different Nuts: Swap the nuts for slivered almonds, hazelnuts, or pecans for different flavor and texture combinations.
- Jam Substitutions: Instead of cranberry sauce and orange marmalade, try apricot jam or raspberry preserves for a sweeter bite.
How to Store Leftovers
While these Cranberry Brie Bites are best served fresh, you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes to crisp them up again before serving.
Food and Drink Pairings
These Cranberry Brie Bites pair wonderfully with a variety of beverages. Serve them alongside a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay for a light, refreshing pairing. For a festive touch, enjoy them with a sparkling Prosecco or a sweet, fruity rosé. If you prefer non-alcoholic options, a cranberry spritzer or sparkling water with a splash of orange juice makes a perfect match.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I use puff pastry instead of crescent dough?
A: Yes! Puff pastry works beautifully for a more buttery, flaky texture. Just be sure to cut it into squares and bake as directed.
Q: Can I freeze these bites?
A: You can freeze unbaked bites for up to 1 month. Simply assemble them, freeze on a baking sheet, and transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding an extra 2-3 minutes to the baking time.
Q: Can I make these without nuts?
A: Absolutely! If you have a nut allergy or prefer them nut-free, you can omit the nuts entirely and garnish with extra herbs or a drizzle of honey instead.
Indulge in gourmet dining at home with our Filet Mignon with Shrimp and Lobster Cream Sauce recipe.
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Cranberry Brie Bites with Orange Marmalade and Nuts
- Total Time: 23 minutes
Description
Delightful Cranberry Brie Bites with orange marmalade and crunchy nuts—perfect for festive gatherings or as a tasty appetizer. A sweet and savory treat!
Ingredients
Instructions
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24 bites