These Cranberry Brie Bites are the perfect combination of rich Brie cheese and tangy cranberry sauce, all wrapped in a crisp, flaky phyllo cup. The creamy Brie perfectly complements the sweet and tart cranberry topping, creating an unforgettable bite-sized treat. This dish is not only visually stunning but incredibly easy to make, making it a go-to choice for any holiday event.
Serve these elegant appetizers at your next festive gathering or casual get-together, and they’ll quickly become the star of the spread. Whether it’s a Christmas party, a Thanksgiving celebration, or a New Year’s Eve soirée, these Cranberry Brie Bites will impress your guests and leave them coming back for more.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 package of mini phyllo cups
- 1 wheel of Brie cheese
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Fresh rosemary (optional)
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the mini phyllo cups on a baking sheet.
- Cut the Brie cheese into small cubes and place one cube into each phyllo cup.
- Spoon about 1 teaspoon of cranberry sauce on top of each Brie cube.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the Brie is melted and the phyllo cups are golden brown.
- Garnish with fresh rosemary if desired, and serve warm.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 12 minutes | Total Time: 22 minutes | Kcal: 180 kcal (per serving) | Servings: 12 bites
Cranberry Brie Bites: A Perfect Holiday Appetizer
Cranberry Brie Bites are a delightful and easy-to-make appetizer that combines the rich, creamy texture of Brie cheese with the sweet and tart flavor of cranberry sauce, all nestled in a crisp and flaky phyllo shell. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering, a casual dinner, or a special event, these bite-sized treats are sure to impress your guests with their elegant presentation and mouth-watering taste.
Why You’ll Love These Cranberry Brie Bites
- Quick and Easy to Make: With only a few ingredients and minimal preparation, these Cranberry Brie Bites are perfect for those last-minute party prep moments. They take just 10 minutes to assemble and only 12 minutes to bake, making them the ideal choice for busy holiday cooks.
- Perfect Balance of Flavors: The creamy Brie cheese melts beautifully, creating a smooth base for the slightly tangy, slightly sweet cranberry sauce. This balance of flavors is what makes these bites so irresistible.
- Elegant and Eye-Catching: These tiny appetizers are a feast for the eyes as well as the taste buds. The combination of the rich, golden-brown phyllo cups and the vibrant red cranberry sauce makes them visually stunning, perfect for a holiday or festive table.
- Versatile: While these bites are perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve, they’re also great for any gathering, such as potlucks, casual family dinners, or cocktail parties. You can even switch up the ingredients—add nuts like pecans or walnuts for added texture, or swap out the cranberry sauce for a different fruit compote like fig or apricot for a unique twist.
Serving Suggestions
These Cranberry Brie Bites are best served warm, just as they come out of the oven, when the Brie cheese is still soft and melty. You can garnish them with a sprig of fresh rosemary for a pop of color and extra flavor. Pair them with a glass of crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay, or even a sparkling wine for a festive touch.
Perfect for All Occasions
Whether you’re celebrating the holidays, hosting a family reunion, or simply looking for a delicious snack to enjoy on a cozy evening, these Cranberry Brie Bites are a go-to appetizer that never fails to please. They’re simple enough for a quick weeknight snack, yet sophisticated enough for a holiday party or elegant dinner party.
How to Make Cranberry Brie Bites: Step-by-Step
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the Phyllo Cups: Arrange the mini phyllo cups on a baking sheet. These ready-to-use cups make the base of the recipe and save you time, so you can focus on the delicious fillings.
- Cut and Place the Brie: Cut the Brie cheese into small, bite-sized cubes. These cubes should fit neatly inside the phyllo cups. Place one cube of Brie in each cup, ensuring it’s centered.
- Add the Cranberry Sauce: Spoon a small amount of cranberry sauce over the Brie. Be careful not to overfill, as the sauce will spread while baking.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the filled phyllo cups in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the phyllo cups are golden and crispy.
- Garnish and Serve: After baking, garnish each bite with a fresh sprig of rosemary for added flavor and a festive touch.
Customizing the Recipe
Feel free to get creative with this recipe! Here are a few ideas for customizing your Cranberry Brie Bites:
- Add Nuts: For extra crunch, sprinkle chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds on top of the cranberry sauce before baking.
- Use Different Jam or Compote: Swap out the cranberry sauce for another fruit preserve, like fig, raspberry, or apricot. Each variation brings a unique flavor that pairs wonderfully with Brie.
- Make It a Meal: Serve these bites as part of a larger spread, or add them to a cheese board alongside cured meats, fruits, and other appetizers for an upscale grazing table.
Cranberry Brie Bites: A Delicious Holiday Appetizer
Cranberry Brie Bites are an indulgent yet simple appetizer that perfectly balances sweet, savory, and creamy flavors. The combination of melted Brie cheese and tangy cranberry sauce, served in a crisp and buttery phyllo cup, creates an irresistible bite-sized treat. Whether you’re entertaining for the holidays or looking for a unique snack to impress guests, these little bites are guaranteed to be a hit.
Why You’ll Love Cranberry Brie Bites
- Simple and Quick to Prepare
One of the best things about this recipe is how quick and easy it is to make. You only need a few basic ingredients—mini phyllo cups, Brie cheese, cranberry sauce, and optional garnishes like rosemary—and just a few minutes of prep time. It’s an ideal choice for busy hosts looking for a no-fuss appetizer that still delivers on flavor and elegance. - Perfect for Any Occasion
While these bites are often associated with festive celebrations like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve, they are just as perfect for casual get-togethers, cocktail parties, or even a quick snack. The combination of flavors and textures makes them versatile enough to be served year-round, for everything from holiday dinners to brunch or casual picnics. - An Easy Yet Elegant Appetizer
You don’t have to be a seasoned chef to make these impressive appetizers. The beautiful presentation of these tiny phyllo cups, filled with melted Brie and cranberry sauce, will wow your guests. You can make them look even more refined with a garnish of fresh rosemary or a sprinkle of chopped nuts. Whether served on a platter or individually on appetizer plates, these bites will add a sophisticated touch to your spread. - Customizable for Different Diets
Cranberry Brie Bites can be easily modified to fit dietary preferences or restrictions. To make these bites gluten-free, simply use gluten-free phyllo cups or an alternative like puff pastry. For a vegan version, you can replace the Brie with a plant-based cheese alternative and ensure that your cranberry sauce is free of animal-based ingredients. These simple swaps make it easy to cater to a wide variety of guests.
How to Make Cranberry Brie Bites: Step-by-Step Guide
Making Cranberry Brie Bites is incredibly straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the process:
- Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the phyllo cups will bake evenly and crisp up beautifully. - Prepare the Phyllo Cups
Place the mini phyllo cups on a baking sheet. You can typically find these in the freezer section of most grocery stores, making them a convenient option for quick appetizers. Lay them flat on the baking sheet, making sure each cup is standing upright. - Cut the Brie
Slice the Brie cheese into small cubes, ensuring each cube is roughly the size of the phyllo cup. The Brie will melt beautifully in the oven, creating a creamy filling that pairs perfectly with the cranberry sauce. - Add the Cranberry Sauce
Spoon a small amount (around 1 teaspoon) of cranberry sauce on top of each Brie cube. Be careful not to overfill the cups, as the sauce can spill over during baking. You can use homemade cranberry sauce or store-bought—whichever is more convenient for you. - Bake the Bites
Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes. The phyllo cups will turn golden brown, and the Brie will melt into a creamy consistency. Be sure to keep an eye on them so that they don’t burn. The result should be a crispy, golden bite with gooey melted cheese inside. - Garnish and Serve
Once they’re done baking, remove the Cranberry Brie Bites from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. You can garnish them with a sprig of fresh rosemary for an extra pop of flavor and color. Serve them warm on a serving platter for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Tips for the Perfect Cranberry Brie Bites
- Make-Ahead Option: If you want to save time, you can assemble the bites ahead of time and store them in the fridge. Just pop them in the oven when you’re ready to serve. This is a great way to get a head start on holiday entertaining.
- Don’t Overfill the Cups: When adding the cranberry sauce, less is more. If you add too much, the sauce may overflow during baking. A small spoonful is all you need.
- Use Fresh Rosemary for a Festive Touch: Fresh rosemary adds a lovely aroma and festive touch to the bites. Simply place a small sprig on top of each bite after baking.
- Experiment with Flavored Cranberry Sauce: If you want to add an extra flavor dimension, try making your own cranberry sauce with added spices like cinnamon, cloves, or orange zest. This will give your Cranberry Brie Bites a unique twist.
Variations of Cranberry Brie Bites
While the classic cranberry and Brie combination is hard to beat, there are plenty of ways to customize these bites. Here are some fun variations to consider:
- Add Nuts for Crunch: For an added texture contrast, sprinkle some chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds on top of the cranberry sauce before baking. The nuts will toast slightly in the oven and add a delightful crunch.
- Swap the Cranberries: If you’re not a fan of cranberry sauce, try using other fruit preserves. Fig, apricot, or even raspberry jam can create a sweet and savory filling that pairs wonderfully with Brie cheese.
- Make It Spicy: If you like a bit of heat, you can add a touch of chopped jalapeños or a drizzle of hot honey to each bite before baking. The heat complements the creamy Brie and the sweet cranberry sauce perfectly.
- Herb Variations: While rosemary is a great garnish, you can also experiment with other fresh herbs like thyme or basil. Each herb will give your bites a different flavor profile that complements the Brie and cranberry sauce.
Perfect Pairings
Cranberry Brie Bites are a versatile appetizer that pairs well with many drinks and dishes. Here are some ideas to create a memorable meal or event:
- Wine Pairings: A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay pairs wonderfully with the creamy Brie and sweet cranberry sauce. If you prefer red, go for a light Pinot Noir that won’t overpower the flavors. For something more festive, try a glass of sparkling wine or Prosecco.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve these bites as part of a holiday appetizer spread, alongside other finger foods like cheese platters, charcuterie boards, or vegetable crudités. They also go well with a side of mixed greens for a light lunch or dinner.
Conclusion
Cranberry Brie Bites are a simple yet elegant appetizer that balances creamy Brie, tangy cranberry sauce, and crispy phyllo cups. Perfect for holidays, casual gatherings, or anytime you need a crowd-pleasing treat.
These versatile bites can easily be customized with different fruits, nuts, or herbs to suit your tastes. Whether you’re serving them at a party or enjoying them as a snack, Cranberry Brie Bites are sure to impress.
Quick to make and packed with flavor, they’re a must-try for any occasion!