Cranberry Brie Bombs Recipe for the Holidays

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Every holiday season, I find myself drawn to recipes that are simple to make but deliver big on flavor—and that’s exactly what these Cranberry Brie Bombs do. They’re soft, golden, buttery pillows of biscuit dough, filled with melty brie cheese and sweet-tart cranberry sauce, then brushed with a garlicky herb butter that takes them over the top. One bite, and you’ve got a creamy, tangy, savory explosion that makes you look like a holiday party genius.

I love serving these as appetizers at gatherings, but honestly, they’re just as good for a cozy night in with a glass of wine. They come together in minutes and are always the first thing to disappear. Whether you’re hosting or just contributing to a potluck, these little brie bombs are guaranteed to make you the favorite guest.

Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Brie Bombs Recipe

These bites are the perfect mix of sweet, savory, and cheesy—all wrapped in golden, buttery dough. They’re easy to prep ahead of time, incredibly versatile, and they look absolutely festive on a serving tray. Plus, the aroma of baked brie and herbs is reason enough to pop them in the oven.

What Kind of Dough Should I Use for Cranberry Brie Bombs?

I always reach for refrigerated biscuit dough because it’s convenient and creates that light, fluffy texture with zero effort. But you can also use crescent roll dough or even puff pastry if you’re feeling fancy. The important thing is to make sure it’s pliable and seals well around the cheese and cranberry.

Options for Substitutions

No cranberry sauce? Try raspberry preserves or fig jam instead for a different kind of sweetness. Not a fan of brie? Camembert works wonderfully too. You can also add crushed pecans or walnuts inside each bomb for a little crunch, or swap the herbs on top for rosemary or sage.

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Ingredients for This Cranberry Brie Bombs Recipe

Refrigerated biscuit dough – This is the foundation of the bombs. It bakes up golden and fluffy, and it’s easy to work with, making prep a breeze.

Brie cheese – Creamy and mild, brie melts beautifully inside each bite. Slice off the rind if you prefer a smoother texture, or leave it on for a bit more tang.

Cranberry sauce – The sweet-tart flavor pairs perfectly with the richness of the brie. Homemade or canned both work well.

Butter – Melted butter adds a golden finish and makes the herb topping stick.

Fresh thyme (or rosemary) – A sprinkle of herbs gives a festive, aromatic touch to every bite.

Garlic powder & salt – These enhance the flavor of the butter topping.

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Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup. This helps the bombs bake evenly without sticking.

Step 2: Cut the Brie

Cut the brie into small cubes, roughly 1-inch in size. You’ll want enough to fill each biscuit without overstuffing it. If your brie has a thick rind, trim it off for a smoother melt.

Step 3: Flatten the Dough

Separate each biscuit and flatten it slightly with your fingers or the back of a spoon. You want a flat round large enough to wrap around the cheese and cranberry.

Step 4: Add Filling

Place one cube of brie in the center of each dough round, followed by a teaspoon of cranberry sauce. Don’t overfill, or the bombs might burst open while baking.

Step 5: Seal and Shape

Bring the edges of the dough up and over the filling and pinch them tightly to seal. Roll each one gently into a ball and place seam-side down on your prepared baking sheet.

Step 6: Butter & Season

Melt the butter and stir in the garlic powder, chopped thyme (or rosemary), and a pinch of salt. Brush this mixture over each dough ball generously for extra flavor and a golden top.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake the cranberry brie bombs for 12–15 minutes or until they are golden brown and puffed. Keep an eye on them in the last few minutes so they don’t overbrown.

Step 8: Cool & Serve

Let them cool for a few minutes on the tray before serving—they’ll be hot inside! Serve warm for the best gooey cheese experience.

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How Long to Prepare the Cranberry Brie Bombs Recipe

Prep Time: Most of your time will be spent assembling the bombs, which takes around 15–20 minutes. Cutting the brie, spooning cranberry sauce, and sealing each biscuit takes a bit of focus but is easy to do.

Cook Time: Once prepped, baking takes about 12–15 minutes in a 375°F oven. Keep an eye on them near the end to avoid over-browning. Let them cool for 5 minutes before serving.

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Tips for Perfect Cranberry Brie Bombs Recipe

• Chill the brie before cutting – It’s easier to slice cleanly when cold.
• Seal tightly – Pinch the dough firmly so the cheese doesn’t leak during baking.
• Use parchment paper – It prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
• Add herbs after baking – For a fresh pop of flavor and presentation.
• Serve warm – These are best enjoyed gooey and fresh from the oven.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overfilling – Too much cranberry sauce or brie can cause the bombs to burst open.
• Undercooking – Make sure the dough is baked through before serving.
• Using too thin dough – Over-flattening can lead to tears during sealing.
• Skipping the butter topping – It’s what gives the golden, flavorful crust.
• Storing while hot – Let them cool fully before refrigerating or they’ll get soggy.

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What to Serve With Cranberry Brie Bombs?

1. Holiday Cheese Board

Serve these bombs on a festive board with grapes, nuts, and cured meats for an eye-catching appetizer spread.

2. Sparkling Wine or Champagne

The bubbly balances the richness of the brie and enhances the tart cranberry notes.

3. Creamy Tomato Soup

Great for dipping, the warm soup pairs well with the cheesy interior.

4. Roasted Vegetables

A mix of carrots, Brussels sprouts, and sweet potatoes creates a colorful and hearty side.

5. Mixed Green Salad

A light salad with vinaigrette cuts through the richness and adds freshness to your plate.

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Storage Instructions

Room Temperature: These are best served warm, but you can keep them out for up to 2 hours during a party.

Refrigerator: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 300°F for 5–7 minutes to revive the crispy exterior and melty center.

Freezer: You can freeze unbaked bombs. Assemble them fully and freeze on a tray until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

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Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving – 1 Bomb)

• Calories: ~140
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 11g
• Sugar: 3g
• Protein: 4g
• Sodium: 210mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of brie is best for this recipe?

A creamy, mild brie works best. Triple cream brie gives the richest texture, but any brie you enjoy eating will melt beautifully.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble them in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake. You can also freeze them unbaked.

Can I use a different cheese?

Yes, camembert, goat cheese, or even a soft blue cheese can work if you want to switch up the flavor.

Can I use homemade cranberry sauce?

Absolutely. Homemade adds a richer flavor, but canned is totally fine too.

What’s the best way to reheat them?

Use a low oven (300°F) to warm them through and crisp the exterior. Avoid microwaving as it can make them soggy.

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Conclusion

Cranberry Brie Bombs are a festive, foolproof appetizer that never fail to impress. With a buttery crust, gooey cheese, and tangy cranberry, they’re the ideal mix of comfort and class. Whether you’re making them for the holidays or just a cozy evening in, these little bites deliver big flavor with minimal fuss.

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