Get ready to wow your guests with the most addictive appetizer that combines the perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and crunchy in one bite-sized sensation! These Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites are about to become your secret weapon for holiday parties, game day gatherings, or any moment when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. Imagine golden, flaky crescent rolls stuffed with a luscious cream cheese and cranberry filling, topped with toasted walnuts that add just the right amount of crunch – it's a flavor explosion that will have everyone asking for your recipe!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 16 bites
Ingredients
- Crescent roll dough
- Cream cheese
- Cranberry sauce
- Walnuts
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that your Crescent Bites bake evenly and achieve a golden-brown color.
- Gather all your ingredients: Crescent roll dough, cream cheese, cranberry sauce, and walnuts. Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature for easier mixing.
- In a mixing bowl, combine 8 ounces of cream cheese with 1 cup of cranberry sauce. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and evenly blended. If you prefer a sweeter flavor, you can add a tablespoon of sugar or honey to the mixture.
- Chop 1/2 cup of walnuts into small pieces. You can toast the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes to enhance their flavor, but this step is optional.
- Unroll the Crescent roll dough onto a clean surface. Separate the dough into triangles as indicated on the packaging. You should have 16 triangles for this recipe.
- For each triangle of dough, place a generous tablespoon of the cream cheese and cranberry mixture at the wide end of the triangle. Sprinkle a few chopped walnuts on top of the mixture.
- Starting from the wide end, carefully roll the dough towards the pointed end, encasing the filling inside. Make sure to tuck in the sides as you roll to prevent the filling from spilling out during baking.
- Place the rolled Crescent Bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they are spaced apart to allow for expansion while baking.
- Optional: Brush the tops of the Crescent Bites with a little melted butter and sprinkle some extra chopped walnuts on top for added flavor and crunch.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the bites are golden brown and puffed up. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
- Once baked, remove the bites from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them to a serving platter.
- Serve warm as an appetizer or snack. Enjoy your delicious Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites!
Tips
- Room Temperature Magic: Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature for smooth, easy mixing.
- Flavor Boost: Lightly toast your walnuts before chopping to intensify their nutty flavor.
- Prevent Leaks: When rolling, tuck in the sides of the crescent dough to keep the delicious filling inside.
- Even Baking: Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure uniform golden-brown color.
- Make Ahead Friendly: You can prepare these bites in advance and refrigerate before baking, making party prep a breeze.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve warm for the most melt-in-your-mouth experience, but they're delicious at room temperature too.
- Customize: Experiment with different jellies or sauces if cranberry isn't your favorite – raspberry or apricot work wonderfully!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 110kcal
Carbohydrates: 11g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 10mg
