‘Tis the season for cozy, comforting bites that bring people together. Enter these Bacon-Wrapped Cranberry Brie Bites – a delightful marriage of salty, savory, and subtly sweet flavors that will have your guests swooning. With a crisp bacon exterior, a melty brie center, and a pop of tart cranberry, these festive hors d’oeuvres are sure to steal the show at your next holiday gathering.
Why You’ll Love This Bacon-Wrapped Cranberry Brie Bites for Holiday Cheer
These Bacon-Wrapped Cranberry Brie Bites are the epitome of holiday indulgence. The combination of rich, creamy brie, juicy cranberries, and smoky, crispy bacon creates a flavor profile that is both comforting and craveable. Plus, they’re effortless to make, allowing you to spend more time with loved ones and less time in the kitchen. Serve these irresistible bites as a crowd-pleasing appetizer or a decadent snack, and watch them disappear in no time.
Ingredients
This recipe calls for just a handful of simple ingredients that come together to create a flavor explosion in every bite. You’ll need brie cheese, fresh or frozen cranberries, bacon, brown sugar, and a few sprigs of fresh thyme for garnish.
- 8 oz – Brie cheese, cut into small cubes
- 1 cup – Fresh or frozen cranberries
- 12 slices – Bacon, cut in half
- 1/4 cup – Brown sugar
- 2-3 sprigs – Fresh thyme, for garnish
Ingredient Substitutions
- Fresh or Frozen Cranberries: Dried cranberries (for a chewier texture)
- Brie Cheese: Goat cheese or cream cheese (for a different flavor profile)
How to Make Bacon-Wrapped Cranberry Brie Bites for Holiday Cheer
Let’s dive into the simple steps to create these irresistible Bacon-Wrapped Cranberry Brie Bites.
Step 1: Prep Work
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. Cut the brie into small, bite-sized cubes, making sure to remove any rind. In a small bowl, toss the brie cubes with the fresh or frozen cranberries.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Next, take a slice of bacon and wrap it around each brie and cranberry cube, securing it with a toothpick. Arrange the wrapped bites on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a bit of space between each one. Sprinkle the tops with a generous amount of brown sugar, ensuring each bite is evenly coated.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Pop the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake the Bacon-Wrapped Cranberry Brie Bites until the bacon is crispy and the brie is melted, about 20-25 minutes.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Remove the bites from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Carefully remove the toothpicks, garnish with fresh thyme, and serve warm. Enjoy the cozy, comforting flavors of these festive hors d’oeuvres.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- For a Touch of Heat: Add a sprinkle of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to the brown sugar topping.
- Try Different Cheeses: Experiment with goat cheese or cream cheese instead of brie for a unique flavor twist.
- Make-Ahead Delight: Prepare the bites in advance and simply bake them off right before serving.
- Crunchy Cranberry Swap: Use dried cranberries instead of fresh or frozen for an extra burst of tart flavor and chewy texture.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: these Bacon-Wrapped Cranberry Brie Bites warm, straight from the oven, for maximum melty, gooey goodness. They make a fantastic appetizer for holiday parties, potlucks, or cozy gatherings.
Storage: Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Reheat the bites in the oven or air fryer before serving.
Make-Ahead: You can assemble the bites in advance and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake them. Just be sure to add the brown sugar topping right before popping them in the oven.
Nutrition Information
These Bacon-Wrapped Cranberry Brie Bites are a rich and indulgent treat, but a little goes a long way. Each bite-sized piece contains approximately 60 calories, 5 grams of fat, 2 grams of carbohydrates, and 3 grams of protein, making them a satisfying and flavorful addition to your holiday spread.
- Serving Size: 1 bite
- Calories: 60 kcal
- Protein: 3 g
- Carbs: 2 g
- Fat: 5 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these bites in advance?
Absolutely! You can assemble the bites in advance and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake them. Just be sure to add the brown sugar topping right before popping them in the oven.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Definitely! While brie is the traditional choice, you can experiment with other soft, creamy cheeses like goat cheese or cream cheese. Just be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly.
How can I make these bites gluten-free?
To make these Bacon-Wrapped Cranberry Brie Bites gluten-free, simply use gluten-free bacon and ensure that any other ingredients you use, such as the brown sugar, are also gluten-free.
Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Dried cranberries work wonderfully in this recipe, adding a nice chewy texture and tart flavor.
How do I know when the bites are done?
The bites are ready when the bacon is crispy and the brie is melted and gooey. Keep a close eye on them towards the end of the baking time to ensure they don’t overcook.
Try These Next
- savory cranberry brie bites for holiday gatherings
- cranberry jalapeno cheese bites for holiday gatherings
- crispy bacon wrapped herb chicken bites
Bacon-Wrapped Cranberry Brie Bites for Holiday Cheer
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: 🥨 Appetizers, Snacks & Party Bites
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These delightful Bacon-Wrapped Cranberry Brie Bites are the perfect appetizer for holiday celebrations. The sweet and savory combination of cranberry and bacon wrapped around creamy brie will impress your guests!
Ingredients
1 package (8 oz) of Brie cheese
1 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
12 slices of bacon
1 package of phyllo pastry cups
Fresh rosemary for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the Brie cheese into 12 equal pieces.
3. Place a small spoonful of cranberry sauce into each phyllo pastry cup.
4. Add a piece of Brie cheese on top of the cranberry sauce.
5. Wrap each piece of Brie with a slice of bacon, securing it with a toothpick if necessary.
6. Arrange the bacon-wrapped cups on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the bacon is crispy and the cheese is melted.
8. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.
9. Garnish with fresh rosemary if desired.
Notes
For a twist, try adding a sprinkle of chopped walnuts or pecans on top before baking for extra crunch!
These bites can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to bake.
Adjust the baking time if using larger pieces of Brie or different pastry cups.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bite
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: bacon, brie, cranberry, appetizers, holiday, party