Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites are a delightful addition to any holiday gathering. I remember the first time my son, Jake, helped me make these tasty treats for Thanksgiving. He was so excited to roll up the crescent dough that we ended up with more dough on the floor than in the oven!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love It
- They’re super easy to make, perfect for a last-minute appetizer.
- The combination of sweet and savory flavors is always a hit.
- Kids love them, making them ideal for family gatherings.
Pure Comfort
These bites are the epitome of comfort food, with creamy cheese and tart cranberry wrapped in flaky dough. They bring warmth to the table, making them perfect for winter snack foods.
What You Need
- 1 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough – You can use crescent sheet dough for easier rolling.
- 1 8 oz cream cheese, softened – Neufchâtel cheese is a lighter option.
- 1 1 cup cranberry sauce – Homemade or store-bought works well.
- 1/2 1/2 tsp cinnamon – Nutmeg is a nice substitute.
- 1 1 egg, beaten – This is for egg wash; milk can be used instead.
Time to Cook
Prep: 15 minutes | Cook: 12 minutes | Total: 27 minutes | Difficulty: Easy | Make-Ahead: You can prepare the filling a day in advance.
Steps to Make It
- Preheat your oven to 375 °F. This ensures the bites cook evenly and get that lovely golden color.
- Roll out the crescent dough on a clean surface. You want it to be flat and smooth, so press the seams together if using regular rolls.
- In a bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, cranberry sauce, and cinnamon. The mixture should be creamy and well combined, with a lovely pink hue.
- Cut the dough into triangles, following the perforations. Each triangle should be about 4 inches wide at the base for easy rolling.
- Place a spoonful of the cream cheese mixture at the wide end of each triangle. Don’t skimp on the filling; it’s the star of the show!
- Roll each triangle from the wide end to the tip. Place them seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Brush the tops with the beaten egg. This will give them a shiny, golden finish as they bake.
- Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until they’re puffed and golden brown. The aroma will fill your kitchen, making it hard to resist!
- Let them cool for a few minutes before serving. They’re best enjoyed warm, but still delicious at room temperature.
Make It Perfect
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of salt to the cream cheese mixture.
- If you have leftover cranberry sauce, it makes a great dip for these bites.
Mix It Up
- Try adding chopped pecans or walnuts for a crunchy texture.
- Substitute the cranberry sauce with apple butter for a different twist.
Perfect Partners
- Serve with a side of warm apple cider.
- Pair with a light salad for a balanced meal.
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FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling and roll the bites a day in advance. Just bake them right before serving.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze these bites?
Absolutely! Freeze them before baking, and just add a few extra minutes to the baking time when you’re ready to enjoy.
What can I substitute for cream cheese?
Greek yogurt or ricotta cheese can work as lighter alternatives.
Are these bites kid-friendly?
Definitely! Kids love the sweet and creamy filling, and they’re fun to eat.
Conclusion
Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites are a fantastic addition to your Thanksgiving potluck appetizers. They're easy to make and sure to impress your family and friends. So, whether you're looking for winter snack foods or a simple dish to bring to Thanksgiving dinner, these bites are a winner!
Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites
Equipment
- Oven
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
- Mixing Bowl
- Rolling Pin
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough You can use crescent sheet dough for easier rolling.
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened Neufchâtel cheese is a lighter option.
- 1 cup cranberry sauce Homemade or store-bought works well.
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon Nutmeg is a nice substitute.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375 °F. This ensures the bites cook evenly and get that lovely golden color.
- Roll out the crescent dough on a clean surface. You want it to be flat and smooth, so press the seams together if using regular rolls.
- In a bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, cranberry sauce, and cinnamon. The mixture should be creamy and well combined, with a lovely pink hue.
- Cut the dough into triangles, following the perforations. Each triangle should be about 4 inches wide at the base for easy rolling.
- Place a spoonful of the cream cheese mixture at the wide end of each triangle. Don’t skimp on the filling; it’s the star of the show!
- Roll each triangle from the wide end to the tip. Place them seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Brush the tops with the beaten egg. This will give them a shiny, golden finish as they bake.
- Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until they’re puffed and golden brown. The aroma will fill your kitchen, making it hard to resist!
- Let them cool for a few minutes before serving. They’re best enjoyed warm, but still delicious at room temperature.