Irresistibly Easy Mini Brie and Cranberry Crescent Rolls for the Perfect Holiday Bite

If you’re hunting for Mini Brie and Cranberry Crescent Rolls that actually deliver on flavor, vibes, and zero stress, congrats—you just hit the jackpot. I’ve made these more times than I can count, usually five minutes before guests arrive (classic me), and somehow they always feel fancy. That’s the magic combo of melty brie and tart cranberry wrapped in buttery crescent dough. It looks upscale, tastes indulgent, and honestly? It requires almost no effort. Who doesn’t love that?

What I really adore about these mini brie crescent rolls is how they walk the fine line between sweet and savory without being confused. The brie melts into creamy perfection, the cranberry cuts through with just enough zing, and the crescent dough does what it does best—turns golden, flaky, and irresistible. Ever wondered why people hover around the appetizer table at Christmas parties? Yeah, it’s recipes like this.

These brie cranberry crescent rolls belong in your holiday rotation whether you’re hosting a big Christmas dinner or showing up to a potluck with a “don’t judge me” store-bought plate (FYI, everyone will judge—in a good way). IMO, these count as elite Christmas appetizers because they please basically everyone. Vegetarian? Check. Cheese lover? Double check. Lazy but ambitious cook? Absolutely.

Ingredients

• 1 can refrigerated crescent roll dough
• 6 oz brie cheese, rind trimmed and cut into small cubes
• 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (whole berry works best)
• 1 tbsp fresh rosemary or thyme, finely chopped (optional)
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• Optional: chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Unroll the crescent dough and separate it into triangles.
3. Cut each triangle in half to create smaller portions—because yes, we want bites, not bricks.
4. Place a small cube of brie cheese near the wide end of each piece.
5. Add about 1 teaspoon of cranberry sauce on top of the brie.
6. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of rosemary or thyme if you want extra holiday flair.
7. Roll the dough up tightly, starting from the wide end, and place seam-side down.
8. Brush each roll with egg wash for maximum golden goodness.
9. Bake for 12–15 minutes until puffed and beautifully golden.
10. Cool for 5 minutes before serving—unless you enjoy burning your tongue :/

Why These Mini Brie and Cranberry Crescent Rolls Work Every Time

The Sweet-and-Savory Balance

The contrast hits just right. Creamy brie softens the tart cranberry, while the crescent dough adds that buttery hug around everything. This flavor balance explains why these brie cranberry appetizers disappear faster than you expect. Ever noticed how guests “just grab one” and somehow come back for four more?

Perfect for Busy Holiday Hosting

Let’s be honest—holiday hosting already demands enough energy. These easy brie appetizer recipes come together in under 30 minutes, start to finish. You don’t stress, your oven does the work, and guests think you planned this for days. Win-win.

A True Crowd-Pleaser

These crescent roll brie appetizers work for kids, adults, picky eaters, and that one guest who “doesn’t usually like cheese” (they’re lying). For large gatherings, I usually double the batch—and it still vanishes.

Variations

If you love experimenting (or just working with what’s in your fridge), these variations keep things exciting:

• Spicy Holiday Twist: Add a tiny drizzle of hot honey or a pinch of red pepper flakes for subtle heat.
• Nutty Upgrade: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts inside for crunch and extra depth.
• Sweet Swap: Replace cranberry sauce with fig jam or apricot preserves for a new vibe.

Serving & Tips

Serve these mini brie appetizers for parties warm, straight from the oven. I like arranging them on a wooden board with rosemary sprigs for instant festive vibes. Feeling extra? Dust a tiny bit of powdered sugar on the plate for that bakery look.

These rolls store well in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven at 325°F for 5–7 minutes to keep the dough crisp. Skip the microwave unless you enjoy soggy pastry—just saying.

Want stress-free hosting? Assemble them a few hours ahead and bake right before guests arrive. That fresh-from-the-oven smell is basically a holiday flex.

Why These Are a Holiday Must-Have

Among all holiday crescent roll appetizers, this one stands out because it feels elegant without acting pretentious. You don’t get complicated steps, weird ingredients, or plating anxiety. You get cheesy comfort, festive flavor, and consistent compliments.

Ever noticed how the best Christmas party appetizers rarely involve a ton of effort? That’s not an accident. These sweet and savory Christmas appetizers hit nostalgia, indulgence, and convenience all at once.

Final Thoughts

Every holiday season, I tell myself I’ll try something new—and every season, these Mini Brie and Cranberry Crescent Rolls still make the cut. They feel cozy, look impressive, and somehow make gatherings warmer. Maybe it’s the melted brie. Maybe it’s the cranberry nostalgia. Or maybe it’s just comfort food doing what it does best 🙂

If you need a reliable, elegant, zero-drama appetizer, trust me—this one belongs on your table.

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FAQs

Can I make Mini Brie and Cranberry Crescent Rolls ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble them a few hours ahead, store covered in the fridge, and bake when ready. Fresh > frozen, always.

What kind of cranberry sauce works best?

Whole berry cranberry sauce delivers the best texture and flavor. Jellied sauce works in a pinch, but IMO it lacks character.

Can I use puff pastry instead of crescent dough?

Yes, but expect a flakier, slightly heavier bite. Crescent rolls keep things lighter and more snack-friendly.

Are these vegetarian Holiday appetizers?

Yes! These vegetarian Christmas appetizers contain no meat and still satisfy even hardcore carnivores.