Bella's Belly Blog

These irresistible bites are the perfect appetizer for Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving, or any festive gathering. Made with a flaky gluten-free base, creamy melted Brie, and a dollop of tangy cranberry sauce, they strike the perfect balance of sweet and savory.

Quick to assemble and effortlessly elegant, these bites are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that pair beautifully with wine and holiday cheer. Whether you’re hosting or bringing a dish to share, these gluten-free delights are sure to impress your guests and disappear in minutes!

Get ready to make these easy, show-stopping bites the star of your holiday table! 

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Yields: 24 bites

Prep time: 30 minutes

Total time: 1 hour 30 minutes

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Ingredients

Dough

• 1 1/2 cups gluten-free flour
• 1 stick (1/2 cup) cold butter, cubed
• 1 egg
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1/4 cup cold water

Cranberry Sauce

• 12 oz bag of fresh cranberries
• 1 cup orange juice
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 sprig rosemary
• Orange zest

Assembly

• Brie cheese, cut into small cubes
• 1/4 cup candied pecans, chopped
• Fresh rosemary sprigs (optional garnish)

Instructions

1. Make the Dough

1. In a large bowl, combine gluten-free flour, salt, and sugar. Add cubed butter and mix until crumbly (use a fork or your fingers).
2. Add the egg and cold water, mixing until the dough comes together.
3. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

2. Prepare the Cranberry Sauce

1. In a saucepan, combine cranberries, orange juice, sugar, vanilla, rosemary, and orange zest.
2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes, until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens. Remove the rosemary sprig and let the sauce cool.

3. Assemble the Bites

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface and cut into small circles (about 2 inches in diameter). Press each circle into a mini muffin tin to form a crust.
3. Add a cube of Brie to each dough cup, then top with a spoonful of cranberry sauce. Sprinkle with chopped candied pecans.

4. Bake and Serve

1. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the Brie is melted.
2. Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs, if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!

Pro Tip: Make the cranberry sauce ahead of time to streamline assembly on the day of your event!