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Easy Lightened Up Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe

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These Lightened Up Cranberry Brie Bites are the perfect appetizer—creamy brie, tangy goat cheese, and a honey-thyme cranberry compote in a flaky crescent cup. Ready in under 30 minutes, they’re a healthier twist on a classic party favorite.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
  • 3 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup for vegan)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped, plus more for garnish
  • 1 teaspoon orange zest
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 1 can (8 ounces) reduced-fat crescent roll dough
  • 4 ounces brie cheese, rind removed, cut into 16 small cubes
  • 2 ounces goat cheese, softened
  • 1 egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)
  • Flaky sea salt, for finishing

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray a 24-cup mini muffin tin with non-stick cooking spray.
  2. Make the cranberry topping: In a small saucepan, combine cranberries, honey, orange zest, chopped thyme, and water. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, then reduce heat to low. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cranberries pop and mixture thickens into a jammy compote. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  3. Prep the cheese: Cut cold brie into 16 small cubes (about ½-inch each). In a small bowl, mash softened goat cheese with a fork until smooth and spreadable.
  4. Prepare the crescent dough: Open the can of crescent roll dough and separate into 8 triangles. Cut each triangle in half lengthwise to make 16 smaller triangles. Press each small triangle into a cup of the prepared mini muffin tin, pressing dough up the sides.
  5. Assemble the bites: Drop a small dollop (about ½ teaspoon) of mashed goat cheese into each dough cup. Top with a cube of brie. Spoon about 1 teaspoon of cranberry compote over the cheese.
  6. Brush the edges of the crescent dough with egg wash. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt over each bite.
  7. Bake for 12-15 minutes, until crescent cups are golden brown and cheese is melted and bubbly.
  8. Let cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Carefully remove bites from the pan, transfer to a serving platter, garnish with fresh thyme leaves and a drizzle of extra honey if desired. Serve warm.

Notes

For best results, use cold brie for easier cutting. Let cranberry compote cool for at least 10 minutes before assembling to prevent soggy dough. These are best served warm; reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: cranberry brie bites, lightened up appetizer, holiday appetizer, easy appetizer, crescent roll appetizer, cranberry brie, healthy appetizer

Find it online: https://freshforkful.com/easy-lightened-up-cranberry-brie-bites-recipe/