Get ready to bring a pop of color and a burst of flavor to your holiday table with this savory-sweet appetizer. This cranberry brie appetizer delight combines tart cranberries, creamy brie, and crunchy pecans, all nestled in flaky crescent dough. Simple to make, even easier to devour, it's the perfect start to any festive feast.
While the key ingredients of this recipe are fairly common, there are a couple that you might not readily have in your pantry. The first is whole berry cranberry sauce; make sure to get the whole berry version and not jellied. The other is crescent dough. You can typically find it in the refrigerated section of your supermarket, near other doughs and pre-made pastries. Don't forget to pick some fresh rosemary sprigs for a touch of earthiness and a festive look.
Ingredients for Cranberry Brie Appetizer Delight
Crescent dough: A pre-made dough that's buttery, flaky, and perfect for this appetizer. It provides a delightful contrast to the rich, creamy brie.
Brie: A soft, creamy cheese that melts beautifully. It adds a note of rich decadence to this appetizer.
Whole berry cranberry sauce: Offers a tangy, sweet contrast to the brie. The whole berries provide a nice texture as well.
Pecans: They add a necessary crunch and a pleasing nutty flavor to the mix.
Rosemary sprigs: These not only make the appetizers look festive, but also lend a subtle earthy flavor.
One reader, Damaris Wofford says:
This cranberry brie appetizer delight is a game-changer! The combination of creamy brie, tangy cranberry sauce, and crunchy pecans is simply divine. The rosemary adds a delightful aroma, making it a hit at any gathering. It's a must-try for anyone who loves a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors.
Key Techniques for Making Cranberry Brie Appetizer Delight
How to roll out crescent dough: Roll out the crescent dough on a lightly floured surface and pinch together the seams before cutting it into 24 squares. This will ensure that the dough is evenly distributed and will bake properly.
How to chop brie into small pieces: Use a sharp knife to cut the brie into small, bite-sized pieces. This will make it easier to distribute the brie evenly among the crescent dough squares.
How to top with a spoonful of cranberry sauce: Use a spoon to carefully place a small amount of cranberry sauce on top of the brie in each crescent dough square. This will add a burst of fruity flavor to the appetizer.
How to chop pecans: Use a sharp knife to chop the pecans into small pieces. This will add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to the appetizer.
How to place one small sprig of rosemary on top: Gently place a small sprig of rosemary on top of each appetizer before baking. This will infuse the dish with a subtle, aromatic flavor.
How To Make Cranberry Brie Appetizer
If you’re looking for a festive appetizer recipe, then look no further than crescent dough filled with soft brie, pecans, and tangy cranberry sauce.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 8ozcrescent dough,(1 tube)
- flour,for surface
- 8ozbrie,(1 wheel)
- ½cupwhole berry cranberry sauce
- ¼cuppecans,chopped
- 6sprigsrosemary,cut into 1″ pieces
Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
-
Roll out crescent dough on a lightly floured surface. Pinch together seams and cut into 24 squares. Place squares into greased mini muffin tin slots.
-
Chop brie into small pieces and place inside the crescent dough. Top with a spoonful of cranberry sauce, chopped pecans, and one small sprig of rosemary.
-
Bake for 15 minutes, or until golden.
Nutrition
- Calories: 151.06kcal
- Fat: 7.55g
- Saturated Fat: 3.65g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 2.54g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.90g
- Carbohydrates: 15.20g
- Fiber: 1.19g
- Sugar: 4.70g
- Protein: 5.93g
- Cholesterol: 18.90mg
- Sodium: 238.74mg
- Calcium: 59.42mg
- Potassium: 78.19mg
- Iron: 0.90mg
- Vitamin A: 36.83µg
- Vitamin C: 0.80mg
Expert Tip for Perfecting Cranberry Brie Appetizer Delight
When preparing the cranberry brie appetizer delight, it's important to ensure the brie is chopped into small, even pieces. This will allow it to melt evenly in the oven, creating a creamy and consistent texture throughout each bite. Additionally, when adding the cranberry sauce, be careful not to overfill the crescent dough squares. Too much sauce can cause the dough to become soggy and not cook properly. A small spoonful is just enough to give each appetizer a burst of tangy sweetness without overpowering the other flavors.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Appetizer
Prep ahead: Prepare the crescent dough and chop the brie, pecans, and rosemary in advance to save time on the day of your gathering.
Use store-bought: Consider using store-bought crescent dough and cranberry sauce to cut down on prep time.
Double batch: Make a double batch and freeze the unbaked appetizers for later use, allowing you to simply pop them in the oven when needed.
Efficient assembly: Streamline the assembly process by setting up a production line for filling the dough with brie, cranberry sauce, and pecans.
Multi-task: While the appetizers are baking, use that time to prepare other dishes or attend to other party details.
Substitute Ingredients For Cranberry Brie Appetizer Recipe
crescent dough - Substitute with puff pastry: Puff pastry can be used as a flaky and buttery alternative to crescent dough, providing a similar texture and taste to the appetizer.
brie - Substitute with camembert: Camembert has a similar creamy texture and mild flavor to brie, making it a suitable substitute for this appetizer.
whole berry cranberry sauce - Substitute with fig jam: Fig jam offers a sweet and slightly tart flavor similar to cranberry sauce, making it a delicious alternative for the appetizer.
pecans - Substitute with walnuts: Walnuts can provide a similar nutty crunch and flavor to pecans, adding a delightful texture to the appetizer.
rosemary - Substitute with thyme: Thyme can provide a similar earthy and aromatic flavor to rosemary, complementing the other ingredients in the appetizer.
Presentation Tips for a Stunning Appetizer
Elevate the flavor profile: Incorporate a touch of truffle oil to add depth and complexity to the dish. The earthy aroma and rich flavor will enhance the overall taste experience.
Create visual appeal: Arrange the cranberry brie appetizer delight on a sleek, modern serving platter to showcase the vibrant colors and elegant presentation. The contrast of the golden crescent dough, creamy brie, and crimson cranberry sauce will captivate the eyes of the diners.
Emphasize precision in plating: Carefully position each mini muffin on the platter, ensuring that the rosemary sprigs are delicately placed to add a pop of green and a hint of aromatic freshness.
Highlight the artisanal touch: Serve the appetizer on handcrafted ceramic plates to convey a sense of artistry and attention to detail, elevating the dining experience to a sophisticated level.
Incorporate a sensory experience: Accompany the dish with a crisp white wine to complement the flavors and provide a delightful contrast to the richness of the brie and the tartness of the cranberry sauce.
Essential Tools for Making This Brie and Cranberry Appetizer
Oven: The oven is used for baking, roasting, and toasting food items. It provides consistent and even heat distribution for cooking various dishes.
Mini muffin tin: A mini muffin tin is a small, shallow baking pan with multiple round cavities, used for baking mini muffins, cupcakes, and other small baked goods.
Rolling pin: A rolling pin is a cylindrical tool used to flatten and shape dough for various baked goods such as pastries, cookies, and pie crusts.
Knife: A knife is an essential kitchen tool used for cutting and chopping ingredients with precision and accuracy.
Cutting board: A cutting board provides a stable surface for cutting, slicing, and chopping ingredients, protecting the countertop and ensuring safety while preparing food.
Measuring cup: A measuring cup is used to accurately measure liquid and dry ingredients for recipes, ensuring the correct proportions for successful cooking and baking.
Mixing bowl: Mixing bowls are used for combining ingredients, mixing batters, and preparing various components of a recipe. They come in different sizes and materials to suit different cooking needs.
Baking sheet: A baking sheet, also known as a sheet pan, is a flat, rectangular metal pan used for baking cookies, pastries, and other baked goods in the oven.
Spatula: A spatula is a versatile kitchen tool used for flipping, lifting, and spreading ingredients, as well as for smoothing batters and frostings.
Pastry brush: A pastry brush is used for applying egg wash, butter, glazes, and other liquids to baked goods, ensuring a glossy finish and enhancing flavors.
Kitchen timer: A kitchen timer is used to monitor cooking and baking times, ensuring that dishes are cooked for the appropriate duration and preventing overcooking or burning.
Storage and Freezing Guidelines for Cranberry Brie Appetizer
To store leftover cranberry brie appetizer delights, allow them to cool completely to room temperature. Place the cooled appetizers in an airtight container, separating layers with wax paper or parchment paper to prevent sticking. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
For longer storage, you can freeze the cranberry brie appetizers. Arrange the cooled appetizers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, making sure they are not touching each other. Place the baking sheet in the freezer for about 2 hours, or until the appetizers are frozen solid.
Once frozen, transfer the appetizers to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. Label the container or bag with the date and contents. Frozen cranberry brie appetizers can be stored for up to 2 months.
To reheat frozen cranberry brie appetizers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the frozen appetizers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and the brie is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
Alternatively, you can reheat the frozen appetizers in the microwave. Place a few appetizers on a microwave-safe plate and microwave on high for 30-45 seconds, or until heated through. Be careful, as the filling may be hot.
Reheating Leftover Cranberry Brie Appetizer
- To reheat leftover cranberry brie appetizer delight, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the appetizers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the brie is melted and the crescent dough is crispy. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
- Another option is to use an air fryer. Set the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and place the appetizers in the basket. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the brie is gooey and the crescent dough is golden brown. This method will result in a crispier texture.
- For a quick and easy reheat, use your microwave. Place the appetizers on a microwave-safe plate and heat them in 15-second intervals until the brie is melted and the filling is warm. Be careful not to overheat, as the crescent dough may become soggy.
- If you have a toaster oven, you can reheat the appetizers at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes. This method is perfect for small batches and will result in a crispy exterior and a warm, melty center.
- For a unique twist, try reheating the appetizers on a grill pan or outdoor grill. Preheat the grill to medium heat and place the appetizers on the grates. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the brie is melted and the crescent dough is crispy. The subtle smoky flavor will add depth to the already delicious combination of cranberry, brie, and pecans.
Interesting Trivia About Cranberry Brie Appetizer Delight
Brie is a soft cow's milk cheese named after the French region from which it originated. It is a versatile cheese that pairs well with sweet and savory flavors, making it a perfect choice for the cranberry brie appetizer delight.
Budget-Friendly or Splurge: Cost Analysis of Making This Appetizer
This cranberry brie appetizer delight recipe is moderately cost-effective for a household. The ingredients, such as crescent dough, brie, and cranberry sauce, are relatively affordable and commonly found in stores. The addition of pecans and rosemary may slightly increase the cost, but they are optional. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15-$20. Overall, this delightful appetizer scores an 8/10 for its taste, presentation, and ease of preparation, making it a great choice for gatherings and parties.
Is This Appetizer Healthy or Not So Much?
This cranberry brie appetizer, while delicious, is not particularly healthy. Here's why:
- Crescent dough is high in refined carbohydrates and fat
- Brie is a high-fat cheese, contributing to the overall calorie and saturated fat content
- Cranberry sauce often contains added sugars
- Pecans, although nutritious, are calorie-dense
However, this appetizer does offer some nutritional benefits:
- Cranberries are rich in antioxidants and vitamin C
- Pecans provide healthy fats, fiber, and essential minerals
- Rosemary contains compounds with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties
To make this appetizer healthier, consider the following modifications:
- Use whole wheat or sprouted grain dough instead of traditional crescent dough
- Opt for a lower-fat cheese, such as goat cheese or part-skim mozzarella
- Make your own cranberry sauce using fresh or frozen cranberries and a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup
- Reduce the amount of cheese and pecans used to lower the overall calorie and fat content
- Incorporate more herbs, such as thyme or oregano, to boost flavor without adding calories
- Serve alongside fresh vegetables like carrot sticks or cucumber slices for added nutrients and fiber
By making these adjustments, you can create a more balanced and nutritious appetizer that still satisfies your taste buds. Remember, moderation is key when enjoying indulgent treats like this one. Savor each bite mindfully and pair it with a colorful array of fruits and vegetables to round out your snacking experience.
Our Editor's Opinion on This Cranberry and Brie Delight
This cranberry brie appetizer delight is a perfect combination of sweet and savory flavors. The creamy brie and tangy cranberry sauce pair beautifully with the buttery crescent dough, creating a delightful appetizer. The addition of pecans adds a nice crunch, while the rosemary provides a hint of earthy aroma. This recipe is simple to prepare and is sure to impress your guests with its elegant presentation and delicious taste.
Why trust this Cranberry Brie Appetizer Recipe:
This recipe offers a delightful combination of brie and cranberry sauce, creating a perfect balance of creamy and tangy flavors. The use of pecans adds a delightful crunch, while the rosemary infuses a fragrant aroma. The simplicity of the crescent dough base makes it easy to prepare, and the individual servings make it a convenient and elegant appetizer option. Trust the harmonious blend of these quality ingredients to elevate your appetizer game and impress your guests with a delightful cranberry brie appetizer.
Was this page helpful?
Have your own special recipe to share? Submit Your Recipe Today!
Related Recipes
-300x152.png)
