Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites | Easy Fall Appetizer! 🍁🧀✨
1. Introduction
Looking for a festive and kid-friendly appetizer that is perfect for Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving, or any fall gathering? Cranberry Cheese Bites are an easy, delicious, and visually appealing addition to your holiday menu. These fall shareable foods combine the tartness of cranberries with the creamy texture of cheese, all wrapped in buttery crescent dough. Whether you’re preparing for a fall potluck or a cozy family dinner, these Thanksgiving appetizers with cranberry are guaranteed to impress guests and add a burst of flavor to your holiday spread.
2. Ingredients
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries, chopped
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 (8 oz) can refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Optional: chopped walnuts or pecans for topping
3. Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation of Cranberry Cream Cheese Filling
In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in the chopped cranberries to add a tart flavor that perfectly complements the creamy filling. This delicious, fall-inspired filling is the heart of your cranberry cheese bites.
Rolling and Filling the Crescent Dough
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Unroll the refrigerated crescent roll dough and separate into triangles. Spread a generous spoonful of the cranberry cream cheese mixture onto the wider end of each triangle.
Rolling the Crescents
Starting from the wide end, carefully roll each triangle into a tight crescent shape. Place the rolled crescents on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they are spaced apart to allow for expansion.
Applying Egg Wash & Optional Toppings
Brush each crescent with the beaten egg for a beautiful, golden finish. For an extra crunch and flavor, sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans on top before baking. This step adds a delightful texture to your Thanksgiving crockpot recipes appetizer or fall party food.
Baking
Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the crescents are golden brown and puffed up. Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly before serving. These fall dinner appetizers are perfect for sharing at your next fall potluck or holiday gathering.
4. Storage Tips
Leftover cranberry cheese bites can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven or air fryer for a few minutes to restore their crispy exterior. For make-ahead options, prepare the rolls in advance, cover tightly, and bake just before serving for the best fresh taste.
5. Serving Suggestions
Serve these Thanksgiving appetizers with cranberry alongside a cheese platter, seasonal dips, or a fresh fall salad. They make excellent kid-friendly appetizers and are a hit at fall shareable food parties. To elevate your presentation, arrange them on a festive platter topped with sprigs of fresh rosemary or cranberries — perfect for a memorable fall meal or holiday celebration.
6. Why Choose Cranberry Cheese Bites?
This recipe is versatile, visually appealing, and packed with seasonal flavor. The combination of the tangy cranberries and creamy cheese wrapped in flaky crescent dough creates a delightful contrast that appeals to both kids and adults. Plus, it’s super easy to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy holiday cooks looking for quick easy friends giving food ideas.
7. Additional Fall Recipes to Enhance Your Holiday Menu
Explore these delicious fall recipes to create a diverse and festive holiday menu that will impress your guests!
8. FAQs About Cranberry Cheese Bites
Q: How do I make these cranberry cheese bites Kid Friendly?
Use mild cream cheese and opt for a light sprinkle of sweetened cranberries to keep the flavor balanced and appealing to kids’ palates. These easy friends giving food are an excellent choice for family gatherings.
Q: Can I prepare these Cranberry Cheese Bites ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the rolls in advance and refrigerate them until ready to bake. Bake fresh just before serving for the best results, making it a convenient and stress-free option for your Thanksgiving or fall dinner party.
Q: What are some variations of this recipe?
Try adding chopped pecans or walnuts, swapping cranberry for blueberries, or using flavored cream cheese (like honey or herb-infused) to customize this appetizer to your taste. For other fall shareable foods, see our chicken gnocchi soup recipe.
9. Conclusion
In conclusion, Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites are the perfect combination of sweet, tart, creamy, and buttery flavors — ideal for enhancing your fall and holiday menus. Their simplicity and visual appeal make them a must-have for Thanksgiving, Kid Friendly Appetizers, and all your seasonal gatherings. Try this recipe today and enjoy sharing these delicious, fall shareable foods with family and friends!
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Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites | Easy Fall Appetizer!
- Total Time: 27-30 minutes
- Yield: 20-24 bites
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites are a festive, easy-to-make fall appetizer perfect for Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving, and holiday gatherings. These bite-sized treats combine tart cranberries with creamy cheese, wrapped in buttery crescent dough, creating a visually appealing and delicious seasonal snack that everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries, chopped
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 (8 oz) can refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Optional: chopped walnuts or pecans for topping
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in the chopped cranberries.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate into triangles. Spread a spoonful of cranberry cream cheese mixture onto each triangle.
- Starting from the wide end, carefully roll each triangle into a crescent shape. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spaced apart.
- Brush each crescent with beaten egg. Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans on top if desired.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown and puffed. Remove and let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in oven or air fryer for crispiness.
- Prepare the rolls ahead of time, cover tightly, and bake just before serving for best freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American