Cranberry Brie Knots

The holidays just got a whole lot tastier with these Cranberry Brie Knots. These golden, buttery bites combine flaky pizza dough with tart cranberry sauce and creamy Brie cheese for a flavor explosion that feels fancy but is deceptively easy to make.

Perfect as a party appetizer or as part of a festive brunch spread, these knots are a crowd-pleaser through and through. Serve them warm with a buttery cranberry dip and watch them vanish within minutes. They’re soft, cheesy, and just the right touch of sweet and savory to elevate any celebration.

Full Recipe:

2 tablespoons olive oil
28 ounces refrigerated pizza dough, at room temperature
One 4-ounce wheel Brie
All-purpose flour, for dusting
3/4 cup prepared whole berry cranberry sauce
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Directions:

Brush the bottom of a rimmed baking sheet with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Place the pizza dough on the sheet and brush the top with the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Cover lightly with plastic wrap and let it rest at room temperature until nearly doubled in size, about 1 hour.
Remove the rind from the sides of the Brie wheel and cut it into 18 equal cubes. Set aside.
Lightly flour a work surface. Shape the dough into an 18-by-4-inch rectangle. Slice into eighteen 1-inch-wide strips.
Roll each strip into a 10-inch rope and tie into a knot, tucking the ends underneath. Place on two baking sheets and let rest until puffed, about 40–45 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 425°F, positioning racks in the upper and lower thirds.
Cut a small slit in each knot with a paring knife and press a well in the center. Spoon about 1/4 teaspoon of cranberry sauce into the well and top with a cube of Brie.
Brush the tops with 4 tablespoons of the melted butter. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and black pepper.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, until golden and cheese is melted. Let cool 10 minutes.
Stir together the remaining cranberry sauce and 2 tablespoons butter in a small bowl. Serve as a dip alongside the warm knots.

Prep Time: 1 hour 10 minutes (includes dough rest) | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
Kcal: ~180 kcal per knot | Servings: 18 knots

A Festive Favorite: The Story Behind Cranberry Brie Knots

Cranberry Brie Knots have earned their place among the pantheon of irresistible holiday appetizers. These pillowy bites are more than just another savory snack—they are a beautiful marriage of flavors and textures, combining sweet-tart cranberries, creamy Brie cheese, and fluffy, golden-baked pizza dough. The result is a warm, melty, and festive treat that’s perfect for any occasion, but especially shines during the colder months and celebratory gatherings.

What makes this dish so popular is its ability to straddle the line between sophisticated and comforting. It’s elegant enough to appear on a formal holiday buffet, yet approachable enough to make with store-bought dough and just a few pantry staples. Whether you’re hosting a party or just looking for a cozy appetizer to enjoy on a chilly evening, Cranberry Brie Knots are the kind of recipe that feels like an instant classic.

The Charm of Brie and Cranberry: Why This Combo Works

Brie and cranberry have long been considered a dream team in the culinary world. Brie, with its buttery richness and creamy texture, is often used as a canvas for contrasting flavors. When paired with cranberry—especially a whole berry cranberry sauce—the sweetness and acidity balance out the decadence of the cheese.

This balance is why Cranberry Brie Knots are so satisfying. The slight tang of cranberry sauce cuts through the creamy Brie, offering a palate-cleansing brightness with every bite. At the same time, the soft and slightly chewy pizza dough acts as a warm, neutral foundation that brings it all together. The result is a complex, layered bite that feels indulgent but remains perfectly balanced.

A Crowd-Pleasing Appetizer for Every Occasion

While these knots are especially popular during the holidays—think Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s—they’re versatile enough to be served all year round. They’re bite-sized, easy to hold, and absolutely gorgeous when baked to golden perfection.

Whether it’s a potluck, cocktail party, bridal shower, or game day, these little knots fit right in. Their elegant appearance and gourmet flavor profile make them a go-to when you want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen. They’re also a fantastic make-ahead option since the dough can rise while you prep other dishes, and they reheat beautifully in the oven for that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.

Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Cranberry Brie Knots

The flavor of Cranberry Brie Knots can be elevated even further with the right pairings. If you’re creating a holiday spread, these knots are amazing alongside roasted nuts, seasonal fruits like pears or grapes, and a crisp white wine or sparkling rosé. A tangy arugula salad with a citrus vinaigrette also makes a great companion, offering freshness to contrast with the warm, buttery knots.

For drinks, lighter wines with good acidity (like Sauvignon Blanc or Prosecco) complement the richness of the Brie, while helping cleanse the palate between bites. For a non-alcoholic option, try pairing these knots with a cranberry spritzer or a hot spiced cider to enhance the festive feel.

Creative Variations to Try

One of the best things about Cranberry Brie Knots is how adaptable they are. While the traditional recipe sticks to Brie and cranberry sauce, you can experiment with other ingredients to put your own spin on it.

Try substituting the cranberry sauce with fig jam, apricot preserves, or even a balsamic onion marmalade for a savory twist. Not a fan of Brie? Camembert, goat cheese, or even a sharp white cheddar can provide a similar creamy melt with a slightly different flavor profile.

You can also dress up the dough itself. Brush it with garlic butter, sprinkle with fresh rosemary or thyme, or top with flaky sea salt just before baking. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could even stuff a tiny sliver of prosciutto into each knot for an extra savory dimension.

Tips for Success: Getting the Best Results

Working with store-bought pizza dough makes this recipe simple, but there are still a few tips to ensure your knots come out bakery-perfect every time:

Use room temperature dough: Cold dough is harder to shape and less likely to rise properly. Let it rest at room temperature for at least 30-60 minutes before you begin.
Don’t skip the second proof: Allowing the shaped knots to rise again before baking gives them a lighter, airier texture.
Cut the Brie evenly: Ensuring each knot gets the same amount of Brie helps with even melting and presentation.
Don’t overload with filling: A heaping 1/4 teaspoon of cranberry sauce is the sweet spot. Too much, and it will overflow during baking.
Bake until golden brown: The cheese should be bubbly, and the dough should have a light golden crust for best texture and flavor.

Serving Suggestions and Presentation Ideas

Presentation plays a huge role in the enjoyment of food, especially during the holidays. To make your Cranberry Brie Knots the centerpiece of your appetizer table, try serving them on a rustic wooden board lined with parchment paper, garnished with sprigs of rosemary and fresh cranberries for a pop of color.

A small ramekin of the leftover cranberry-butter sauce makes a lovely dip, adding moisture and zing to each bite. You can also drizzle a touch of honey or balsamic glaze over the finished knots just before serving for extra flair and flavor.

If you’re going buffet-style, provide cocktail picks or small plates to make it easy for guests to grab and enjoy without a mess. They’re best served warm, but still taste great at room temperature, which makes them perfect for long events.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Leftovers? Unlikely. But just in case, these knots store well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep them in an airtight container, and reheat in a 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes to revive their texture and melt the cheese.

Avoid microwaving, as it tends to make the dough rubbery and can unevenly reheat the cheese. If you’re prepping in advance for a party, you can shape and stuff the knots, refrigerate them on a tray, and let them do their second rise closer to baking time.

Nutritional Insights

Each Cranberry Brie Knot clocks in at around 180–200 calories, depending on the size of the dough pieces and amount of butter used. While they’re definitely an indulgence, they’re also portion-controlled and satisfying, making them a good option for those who want to treat themselves without going overboard.

The combination of fats from cheese and butter with the carbs from the dough makes these bites filling and flavorful. The cranberries also add a little vitamin C and antioxidants, making them more than just delicious—they bring a small nutritional bonus too.

Conclusion: The Ultimate Seasonal Appetizer

Cranberry Brie Knots are the epitome of holiday hospitality—warm, welcoming, and full of flavor. They check all the boxes: easy to make, impressive to serve, and beloved by all who try them. Whether you’re whipping them up for a formal holiday dinner or a relaxed winter movie night, these knots are guaranteed to bring smiles.

Their charm lies in the balance of flavors and textures: the tart burst of cranberry, the creamy melt of Brie, and the golden, fluffy pull of warm dough. Once you make them, they’ll quickly become a staple in your seasonal recipe rotation.

So light up your kitchen with the comforting smell of baked dough and melting cheese—because Cranberry Brie Knots aren’t just food. They’re festive joy in every bite.