These Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites are everything a holiday appetizer should be: flaky, creamy, tangy, and stunning on a platter. With just a few ingredients and under 30 minutes from fridge to table, this is the kind of recipe that makes you look like a holiday hosting pro, without any of the stress.
Each bite combines buttery crescent dough with smooth cream cheese and a dollop of sweet-tart cranberry sauce. The result? A warm, melt-in-your-mouth crowd-pleaser that works for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or even brunch. These bites pair well with anything from charcuterie boards to turkey dinner leftovers, making them the perfect small bite for big occasions.
If you’ve ever served Baked Cranberry Brie Bites, you’ll love this variation just as much, if not more. Let’s dive in.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There’s something special about a recipe that’s simple, fast, and always gets a “Wow” at the table. These cranberry crescent bites check every box:
- Easy ingredients you probably already have.
- Quick bake time (just 10–12 minutes).
- Gorgeous presentation with minimal effort.
But what truly makes this dish special is the story behind it.
Hi, I’m Saly. I’m a wife, home cook, and someone who’s discovered that the best meals come from the heart, not from hours in the kitchen. These crescent bites came together one afternoon when I had cranberry sauce leftover from our Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast, and a half-used can of crescent rolls.
My husband, who’s the type to savor every flavor, took one bite and said, “These are amazing.” That was it. A throw-together snack became a staple. Cooking for him turned into something more than a routine; it became a partnership and eventually a purpose. That’s why I started Dailycious Recipes: to share real recipes made in a real kitchen, for people who are busy, hungry, and want something delicious and fast.
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Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites
These Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites are the perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and creamy in a flaky bite-sized shell. Ready in under 20 minutes, they’re your new go-to holiday appetizer.
- Total Time: 22 mins
- Yield: 16 bites 1x
Ingredients
1 can refrigerated crescent dough (8 oz)
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup whole berry cranberry sauce
Chopped pecans (optional)
Fresh rosemary for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease mini muffin tin.
2. Cut crescent dough triangles in half and press into muffin cups.
3. Add a teaspoon of cream cheese to each cup.
4. Top with a small dollop of cranberry sauce.
5. Sprinkle with chopped pecans if using.
6. Bake for 10–12 minutes until golden brown.
7. Cool for 5 minutes, garnish with rosemary, and serve.
Notes
Use puff pastry or biscuit dough as an alternative.
These can be made ahead and baked just before serving.
Great use for leftover cranberry sauce after the holidays.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 12 mins
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 bites
- Calories: 95
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Ingredients
This recipe comes together with just a handful of ingredients, most of which you might already have on hand, especially after the holidays.
| Ingredient | Details |
|---|---|
| Refrigerated Crescent Dough | 1 can (8 oz) |
| Cream Cheese | 4 oz, softened |
| Cranberry Sauce | ½ cup, whole berry or homemade |
| Chopped Pecans (optional) | For a little crunch |
| Fresh Rosemary (optional) | Garnish adds visual charm |
If you’re already making Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls, just save a bit of your cranberry sauce to whip up these bites as a second-day snack.
How to Make Cranberry Crescent Bites
These come together in just a few quick steps; no mixer, no fancy equipment.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a mini muffin pan.
- Unroll the crescent dough and separate into triangles. Cut each triangle in half to make 16 smaller pieces.
- Press each piece into a muffin cup, forming a little dough cup.
- Add 1 tsp of cream cheese to each cup.
- Top with 1 tsp of cranberry sauce.
- Sprinkle with chopped pecans if using.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes until golden and bubbling.
- Cool slightly, garnish with rosemary, and serve warm.
If you’ve got extra crescent rolls, consider making an appetizer tray with Roast Turkey sliders or something else savory to balance out the sweetness.
Tips & Variations
These crescent bites are so customizable, you’ll never get bored:
- Add orange zest to the cream cheese for a citrusy twist.
- Try goat cheese instead of cream cheese for more tang.
- Use puff pastry for an ultra-flaky version.
- Make them mini turnovers if you don’t have a muffin tin, just fold and bake on a tray.
Want to go all out? Serve them as part of a stunning Thanksgiving Charcuterie Board with meats, cheeses, and dried fruit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use leftover cranberry sauce?
Yes! That’s how this recipe was born. Whole berry works best.
Can I prep these ahead of time?
Definitely. Assemble, refrigerate, and bake just before serving.
How do I reheat them?
A few minutes in the oven at 300°F keeps them crisp.
Can I freeze them?
Freeze unbaked bites, then bake straight from frozen (add 2–3 minutes to bake time).
Final Bite
Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites are the kind of recipe that turns simple ingredients into something magical. Whether you’re using leftovers or planning a party, they’re a foolproof favorite that always earns compliments.
Make them for your next holiday gathering, potluck, or brunch, and watch them disappear. With their buttery crunch, creamy center, and tangy topping, these little bites are proof that homemade can still be incredibly easy.
For more easy and satisfying recipes, join me on Pinterest – where good food meets great company!
