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Appetizer • AmericanGerman

Holiday Pretzel Bites With Cranberry and Brie Recipe

With that perfectly brown crust and gooey center, these holiday pretzel bites with cranberry and Brie make one irresistible party snack. Serve with an orange honey-mustard sauce for an extra special touch.

5.0 from 154 votes
80 mins
Total Time
20
bites
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Holiday Pretzel Bites With Cranberry and Brie

How to Make the Best Holiday Pretzel Bites With Cranberry and Brie

These holiday pretzel bites with cranberry and brie are the ultimate festive appetizer that will impress your guests at any holiday gathering. With their crispy, golden pretzel exterior and gooey, tangy brie filling, these savory-sweet bites are an elegant twist on the classic pretzel that brings sophisticated flavors to your party spread.

The combination of tart cranberry sauce with creamy brie creates a delightful contrast that pairs beautifully with the beer-infused pretzel dough. What makes these especially special is the orange honey-mustard dipping sauce—it adds a bright, unexpected dimension that ties all the flavors together perfectly.

Making these from scratch might seem intimidating, but the process is actually quite straightforward. From the initial dough preparation through boiling and baking, you’ll end up with restaurant-quality appetizers that taste like you spent hours in the kitchen. Serve them warm straight from the oven for the best texture and flavor, and watch them disappear from your holiday table.

Holiday Pretzel Bites With Cranberry and Brie

Holiday Pretzel Bites With Cranberry and Brie

With that perfectly brown crust and gooey center, these holiday pretzel bites with cranberry and Brie make one irresistible party snack. Serve with an orange honey-mustard sauce for an extra special touch.

5.0 from 154 votes
CourseAppetizer
CuisineAmericanGerman
Keywordholiday appetizers, pretzel bites, cranberry brie appetizers, festive party snacks
Prep Time60 mins
Cook Time20 mins
Total Time80 mins
Servings20 bites
Calories202kcal
AuthorRare Ivy
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Ingredients

Pretzel Dough

Filling

Boiling Bath

Egg Wash & Toppings

Orange Honey-Mustard Sauce

Instructions

Prepare Dough

  1. In a large bowl, combine beer, water, sugar, salt, and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
  2. Stir in the flour and melted butter until a soft dough forms.
  3. Knead the dough until smooth and elastic, about 10 minutes. If dough is too sticky, add a bit more flour.
  4. Lightly oil a bowl and place dough inside. Cover and let rise for 1 hour in a warm place until doubled in size.

Shape and Fill

  1. Punch down the dough and divide into 20 equal portions.
  2. Roll each portion into a ball, then flatten slightly with your palm.
  3. Place about 1 teaspoon of cranberry sauce and one Brie cube in the center of each piece.
  4. Fold the edges up and around the filling, sealing with a pinch. Roll gently to enclose.
  5. Place filled bites on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover and let rise for 30 minutes.

Boil and Bake

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. In a large pot, bring 10 cups of water to a boil. Add baking soda (it will bubble).
  3. Carefully place 4-5 pretzel bites at a time into the boiling water. Boil for 30 seconds, then remove with a slotted spoon.
  4. Place boiled bites back on the parchment-lined baking sheet.
  5. In a small bowl, whisk together egg yolk and 1 tablespoon water. Brush over each pretzel bite and sprinkle with coarse salt.
  6. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown and crispy.

Orange Honey-Mustard Sauce

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together mustard, honey, and orange zest until smooth.
  2. Serve alongside the warm pretzel bites for dipping.

Notes

  • Brie pieces should be cut into ¾- to 1-inch cubes so they don't melt out entirely during baking.
  • These pretzel bites are best served warm while the Brie is still gooey.
  • Leftovers can be reheated in a 350°F oven for about 5 minutes to restore crispiness.
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