Psst… want to impress everyone at your next holiday bash with the easiest yet most *fancy* christmas appetizers ever? I’ve been whipping up these Mini Brie and Cranberry Crescent Rolls since my first college Christmas Party Food Appetizers potluck (yeah, I was *that* person), and they always steal the show. Seriously, who needs a plain old cheese board when you can serve bite-sized pastry pillows stuffed with gooey brie and tart cranberry jam?
Table of Contents
Mini Brie and Cranberry Crescent Rolls
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Unroll crescent dough and separate into 8 triangles on a lightly floured surface.
- Place one piece of Brie near the wide end of each triangle. Top with ½ teaspoon cranberry sauce.
- Sprinkle with sea salt and herbs, if using.
- Roll up each triangle starting from the wide end, tucking sides, and shape into crescents.
- Place rolls on prepared sheet and brush with beaten egg. Optional: add extra rosemary on top.
- Bake for 12–14 minutes until golden brown and cheese is melted.
- Let rest for 2–3 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Ingredients
Grab these simple staples—no late-night grocery runs required:
- 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 4 oz wheel of Brie cheese, rind removed
- ½ cup cranberry sauce or jam (homemade or store-bought)
- 2 tbsp chopped pecans or walnuts (optional for crunch)
- 1 tbsp honey (for drizzling)
- Fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs (for garnish)
- Flour (for dusting your surface)
Instructions
Ready to roll? These crescent rolls come together in a snap, making them perfect Holiday Appetizers Easy enough for last-minute plans.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- On a lightly floured surface, unroll crescent dough and separate into triangles.
- Cut each triangle in half lengthwise to make smaller triangles.
- Slice Brie into small pieces (about 1 tbsp each) and place one on the wide end of each dough triangle.
- Add about ½ tsp cranberry sauce on top of the Brie. Sprinkle chopped nuts if you like crunch.
- Roll each triangle from the wide end toward the point, tucking in the sides as you go.
- Arrange rolls on the baking sheet, point side down. Brush with a bit of honey.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool slightly before serving.
Variations
Want to switch things up? Here are a few twists to keep your menu fresh:
- Spicy Kick: Swap cranberry sauce for pepper jelly or mix in a dash of chili flakes.
- Savory Herb: Add a pinch of dried thyme or rosemary to the cheese before rolling.
- Sweet & Nutty: Spread a thin layer of fig jam instead of cranberry and top with slivered almonds.
Serving & Tips
These Mini Brie and Cranberry Crescent Rolls fit right in with any table spread. FYI, they pair beautifully with a warm mulled wine or a crisp sparkling cider.
Serving Ideas:
- Arrange on a wooden board next to your Christmas Charcuterie Board for contrast.
- Serve alongside other Christmas Finger Food Ideas For Parties like pigs in a blanket or mini quiches.
- Pair with pickles and olives for a true Holiday Party Appetizers experience.
Make-Ahead & Storage:
- Assemble rolls and store them uncooked in an airtight container up to 24 hours in advance.
- Refrigerate leftover bites in a sealed container for up to 3 days. Reheat at 350°F for 5 minutes to crisp them back up.
- Freeze baked rolls in a zip-top bag and reheat straight from frozen for a quick Xmas Appetizers snack.
Ever wondered why these always disappear first? IMO, it’s the combo of flaky pastry with melty cheese and that bright cranberry pop. And hey, if someone asks for the recipe, just wink and say it’s a secret family tradition. 😉
Final Thoughts
Every holiday season, I look forward to the moment when my friends spot these little crescents and their eyes light up. They’re simple, elegant, and they scream “festive” without any stress. Next time you need Christmas Dinner Appetizers that are both show-stoppers and crowd-pleasers, you know exactly what to bake. Happy rolling!
FAQs
Can I use puff pastry instead of crescent dough?
Absolutely! Puff pastry gives you extra flakiness, though it puffs up a bit more. Just cut into similar triangles and follow the same steps.
Are these suitable as Christmas Eve Appetizers?
Definitely. Their bite-size nature makes them perfect for grazing while you open gifts or chat by the tree.
Can I make these vegan or dairy-free?
Yes—swap Brie for a dairy-free cheese spread and choose a vegan crescent roll dough. The cranberry filling stays the same!
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Pop them in a 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes or microwave for 20 seconds. They’ll crisp back up in no time.
Follow me on Pinterest for more christmas appetizers recipes!