Picture this: It’s a chilly evening, friends are gathered, the air is filled with laughter, and you bring out a tray of these delightful Cranberry Brie Bites. The combination of creamy brie, tart cranberries, and crunchy almonds is simply irresistible. They're festive, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make – perfect for any holiday gathering or cozy night in. Honestly, they've become a staple at my get-togethers – everyone always raves about them!
These little bites of joy are not just delicious; they're also incredibly versatile. You can easily adapt the recipe to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. Try using different types of crackers, swapping out the almonds for pecans, or adding a touch of spice to the cranberry sauce. I once added a tiny pinch of cayenne pepper to the cranberry sauce and it took these bites to a whole new level!
I remember one year, I was hosting a Christmas party and completely forgot to plan an appetizer. With only an hour to spare, I threw these together with what I had in the fridge. They were such a hit, that they’re now a mandatory part of my holiday menu! Trust me, these Cranberry Brie Bites are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and I know you'll love them as much as I do.
Required Equipments
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
- Small Saucepan
- Mixing Bowl
- Spoon
- Knife
Cranberry Brie Bites: A Festive Appetizer Delight: Frequently Asked Questions
Cranberry Brie Bites: A Festive Appetizer Delight
Cranberry Brie Bites combine creamy brie, tart cranberries, and crunchy almonds on a crisp cracker for an easy and festive appetizer. Perfect for holiday gatherings or any special occasion, these bites are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
⏳ Yield & Time
Yield: 24 servings
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 7 minutes
Total Time:
🍽 Ingredients
📖 Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Trust me, you DO NOT want to skip the parchment paper part unless you enjoy scrubbing melted brie off your baking sheets. One of my friends learned that the hard way…
- In a small saucepan, combine the cranberries, maple syrup, water, and orange zest. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Reduce the heat to low and cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until the cranberries have burst and the sauce has thickened slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. You’ll know it’s ready when the sauce coats the back of a spoon.
- While the cranberry sauce is simmering, slice the brie into small, bite-sized pieces that will fit nicely on your crackers. I usually aim for about 1/2-inch thick slices.
- Arrange the crackers on the prepared baking sheet. Top each cracker with a slice of brie.
- Spoon a small amount of the cranberry sauce over the brie on each cracker. Don’t overdo it – a little goes a long way!
- Sprinkle the sliced almonds over the cranberry sauce. The almonds add a nice crunch and a touch of nutty flavor.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 5-7 minutes, or until the brie is softened and slightly melted. Keep a close eye on them – you want the brie to be melty, but not completely running off the crackers.
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. These are best served warm, so don’t let them sit around for too long. Serve immediately and watch them disappear!
📝 Notes
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cranberry sauce.
- If you don't have maple syrup, honey or agave nectar can be used as a substitute.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
🍎 Nutrition
Calories: 75 kcal
Protein: 2g
Fat: 4g
Carbohydrates: 8g
Fiber: 1g
Calcium: 30mg
