Cranberry Brie Bites are an impressive yet simple appetizer for the holidays. Pre-made mini phyllo shells are filled with creamy, buttery brie and topped with a quick cranberry compote for a bite-sized treat that looks elegant but takes only minutes to prepare.
Cranberry Brie Bites Appetizer
These bites marry visual appeal with real convenience. As a food photographer I always appreciate a beautiful plate, but as a busy parent I value speed and ease. These cranberry brie bites deliver both: they look elegant on a holiday spread and take very little hands-on time to make. They’re an ideal contribution for potlucks, parties, or any festive gathering.
Cranberry and Brie
The classic pairing of brie and cranberry is what makes this appetizer such a crowd-pleaser. Rich, creamy brie balances the bright tartness of cranberries, and the crisp, flaky phyllo shell adds a delightful texture contrast. Each bite offers a satisfying mix of sweet, tart, creamy, and crunchy.
Cranberry Brie Bites Ingredients
- 1 (15-count) package frozen mini phyllo shells
- 1 (3-ounce) package brie cheese
- 1 cup cranberries (fresh or frozen)
- ¼ cup water
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- A few sprigs of rosemary (optional)
If you prefer homemade phyllo cups, you can follow a separate recipe for mini phyllo shells, but the store-bought shells make this recipe especially quick.
Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe
This recipe focuses on simple, complementary flavors and minimal steps. Follow these instructions for easy, delicious bites.
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the phyllo shells on an ungreased baking sheet, about an inch apart, and set aside.
For the cranberry topping: in a small saucepan combine the cranberries, sugar, and water. Add a small sprig of rosemary if you like. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cook until the cranberries begin to pop—if you prefer whole berries and a bit of texture, remove from heat after the first few pops. For a jammy topping, continue cooking until the berries break down and thicken, or puree for a smooth sauce. Remove and discard the rosemary sprig.
Slice the brie into 15 even pieces and place one piece into each phyllo shell. The rind is optional—leave it on for extra flavor or remove it if your guests prefer. Keep in mind the brie will melt down by roughly half, so don’t be shy when filling the shells.
Bake in the preheated oven about 5 minutes, just until the brie is melted and smooth. Remove from the oven and top each shell with a spoonful of the sweetened cranberries—about 3–5 whole cranberries per shell, or a small spoonful if your cranberries are mashed.
Garnish each bite with a tiny sprig of rosemary for a festive touch, or scatter rosemary on the serving platter so guests can pop the bites into their mouths without removing herbs. Serve immediately while the brie is warm and soft.
Cranberry Brie Bites
Equipment
-
Small saucepan
-
Baking sheet
Ingredients
- 1 (15-count) package frozen phyllo shells
- 1 (3 oz) package brie cheese
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- ¼ cup water
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- A few sprigs of rosemary (optional)
Instructions
-
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the phyllo shells on an ungreased baking sheet about 1 inch apart.In a small saucepan, combine cranberries, water, and sugar. Add a small rosemary sprig if desired. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce heat and cook until the berries begin to pop. Remove from heat and discard the rosemary.Slice the brie into 15 pieces and place one piece into each phyllo shell.Bake for about 5 minutes, until the brie is melted and smooth.Top each baked shell with 3–5 cranberries or a small spoonful of the cranberry compote. Garnish with a small sprig of rosemary if desired and serve immediately.
Pin It and Save It for Later!
Save this recipe to your favorite boards and tag @FreshCoastEats if you share.
Did you make these cranberry brie bites? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Pin this recipe on Pinterest!
