Made with creamy brie, homemade or prepared cranberry sauce, and miniature phyllo shells, these Cranberry Brie Bites are a simple, elegant, and flavorful holiday appetizer.
Holiday Appetizer Perfected
When holiday hosting calls for quick, impressive bites, these Cranberry Brie Bites deliver. With just a handful of pantry-friendly ingredients you can keep on hand, they’re easy to assemble for last-minute guests or a festive spread.
These bites combine the creamy richness of brie with bright cranberry flavor and the crisp, delicate texture of phyllo shells. They look elegant on a platter but barely take any time to prepare.
Why I Love This Recipe:
These little bites are a go-to because they’re flavorful, fast, and versatile.
- Brie and cranberry are a natural pairing—creamy and sweet-tart together make a classic combination many guests enjoy.
- They’re quick to prepare—expect about 15 minutes of active time from start to finish.
- Mini phyllo shells add a fancy, bite-sized presentation with almost no effort. They’re a handy base for savory or sweet fillings.
Ready to try them? Here’s everything you need and how to make them.
Ingredients:
Gather the following simple ingredients:
- Miniature phyllo pastry shells – usually sold in the freezer section; two packages yield about 30 shells.
- Prepared cranberry sauce – canned or homemade; about 1 cup. You can use your favorite recipe or a store-bought variety.
- Brie wheel – an 8 oz wheel works well; remove the rind and cut into pieces to fit the shells.
- Orange zest – a tablespoon adds a bright citrus note if using homemade cranberry sauce or to enhance canned sauce.
- Flake sea salt – a light sprinkle finishes the bites and balances the sweetness.
How to Make:
Follow these straightforward steps to assemble and bake the bites:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Arrange the phyllo shells on the baking sheet and bake for 5 minutes to crisp them. Remove and let cool slightly.
- Lower the oven temperature to 300°F (150°C).
- Remove the rind from the brie and cut the wheel into 30 bite-sized pieces.
- Place a piece of brie into each phyllo shell and top with about 1 teaspoon of cranberry sauce (stir in orange zest if desired).
- Bake until the brie just begins to soften and melt, about 4–6 minutes.
- Finish with a light sprinkle of flake sea salt and serve immediately.
These are best enjoyed warm so the cheese is soft. Leftovers can be refrigerated and enjoyed the next day, though they’re most impressive fresh from the oven.
How to Serve:
Arrange the bites on a pretty serving plate and garnish with sprigs of rosemary for a festive touch. They make a lovely starter for holiday parties, cocktail hours, or casual gatherings.
Recipe Variations:
Customize these bites to suit your taste or the occasion:
- Swap the brie for goat cheese if you prefer a tangier, firmer filling.
- Add texture with a sprinkle of chopped walnuts or pecans before serving.
- Drizzle honey over the finished bites for extra sweetness and shine.
- Substitute other berry sauces—blueberry, raspberry, or blackberry—outside the cranberry season.
You’re Ready to Entertain!
These Cranberry Brie Bites are a quick, crowd-pleasing appetizer that feels special without much fuss. They’re perfect for holiday menus and any time you want an elegant, bite-sized treat.
Enjoy making and sharing them—warm, savory, and bright with cranberry goodness.
Cranberry Brie Bites
Ingredients
- 2 package miniature phyllo pastry shells (about 30 shells)
- 1 cup prepared cranberry sauce (canned or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon orange zest (optional)
- 1 8 oz brie wheel
- Flake sea salt for finishing
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place phyllo shells on the baking sheet and bake 5 minutes to crisp. Allow to cool slightly.
- Reduce oven temperature to 300°F.
- Remove rind from the brie and cut into 30 pieces. Place a piece of brie in each shell and top with about 1 teaspoon cranberry sauce (stir in orange zest if using).
- Bake until the cheese begins to melt, about 4–6 minutes.
- Sprinkle with flake sea salt and serve immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 6 g |
Protein: 2 g |
Fat: 3 g