Cranberry Brie Bites made with just three ingredients are an effortless, crowd-pleasing appetizer for holiday gatherings. Ready in about 15 minutes, these bite-sized treats combine crisp phyllo cups, creamy brie, and bright cranberry sauce for a simple yet elegant starter.
If you want a quick holiday appetizer that looks beautiful on a platter and disappears fast, these Cranberry Brie Bites are the answer. The contrast of flaky, crunchy phyllo with warm, melted brie and tangy cranberry sauce is irresistible—plan on making more than one per guest!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
This recipe relies on three main ingredients and an optional garnish. It’s flexible and easy to adapt depending on what you have on hand.
- 12 frozen mini pre-baked phyllo cups — convenient, crisp cups that hold the filling. If you find unbaked phyllo cups follow the package instructions first. You can also substitute small squares of puff pastry or cut crescent roll dough to fit a mini muffin pan.
- 6 teaspoons triple cream brie — triple cream brie is luxuriously creamy, but any brie will work. Cut or scoop small portions to fit the cups.
- 6 teaspoons cranberry sauce — homemade cranberry sauce gives the best texture and fresh flavor. Avoid jellied-style spreads for this recipe.
- Fresh rosemary (optional) — a small sprig or finely chopped rosemary adds an herbal finish.
Step By Step Instructions
With just a few simple steps you’ll have warm, melty brie bites ready to serve.
Step 1
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2
Arrange the pre-baked phyllo cups in a mini muffin pan. Place roughly 1/2 teaspoon of brie in each cup, then top with about 1/2 teaspoon of cranberry sauce. Bake for 10 minutes, or until the phyllo edges are lightly golden and the cheese is melted.
Step 3
Remove from the oven and finish with a light grind of black pepper and a small sprig or pinch of chopped fresh rosemary, if desired. Serve immediately while warm for the best texture and flavor.
Supplies Needed
- Mini muffin pan — helpful for portioning and baking the phyllo cups evenly.
- Spoon — for portioning brie and cranberry sauce into the cups.
How Long Does Brie Last?
If you have leftover brie, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and use within 2–4 days. For longer storage, wrap securely and freeze for up to 3 months; thaw in the refrigerator before using.
Recipe Tips and Tricks
- Most store-bought frozen phyllo cups are pre-baked and ready to fill. If yours are raw, bake them according to package directions before adding the brie and cranberry sauce.
- If you’re short on time, a good-quality store-bought cranberry sauce works fine; brighten it with a little orange zest and a pinch of cinnamon if desired.
- Double or triple the quantities easily to feed a larger crowd—the method remains the same.
- These bites are best served warm straight from the oven, when the brie is oozing and the phyllo is crisp.
Recipe FAQs
You can use puff pastry or crescent roll dough; cut dough into small squares that fit into mini muffin cups and bake according to the dough package instructions before adding fillings.
Yes — try blueberry, raspberry, or strawberry jam, cherry preserves, or orange marmalade in place of cranberry sauce. For texture, garnish with toasted walnuts, pistachios, or pecans instead of rosemary.
You can assemble the filled phyllo cups a few hours ahead and refrigerate. Bake just before serving so the phyllo stays crisp and the brie melts nicely.
Recipe Card
Cranberry Brie Bites
Servings: 6 | Prep time: 5 mins | Cook time: 10 mins | Total time: 15 mins
Ingredients
- 12 frozen mini pre-baked phyllo cups
- 6 teaspoons triple cream brie
- 6 teaspoons cranberry sauce (not jellied)
- Fresh rosemary and black pepper, optional for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place phyllo cups in a mini muffin pan. Add about 1/2 teaspoon brie and 1/2 teaspoon cranberry sauce to each cup.
- Bake 10 minutes until cheese is melted and edges are golden. Season with pepper and garnish with rosemary if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- If phyllo cups are unbaked, bake first according to package directions.
- Store-bought cranberry sauce works in a pinch; enhance it with orange zest and a dash of cinnamon.
- Best enjoyed warm.
Nutritional Information (approximate per bite)
Calories: 48 kcal • Carbohydrates: 6 g • Protein: 2 g • Fat: 2 g • Saturated Fat: 1 g • Sodium: 47 mg • Fiber: 1 g • Sugar: 2 g
We Love to Hear From You
If you make these Cranberry Brie Bites, please leave a review or comment to share how they turned out and any variations you tried. Enjoy serving this easy, festive appetizer at your next celebration!