The holiday season is here, and you know what that means. The calendar fills up, the to do list gets longer, and finding time to breathe feels like a challenge. Yet, we all want to create those warm, memorable moments with friends and family.
That’s where having a few go to recipes comes in handy. I’m talking about something that looks and tastes amazing but takes almost zero effort. These Cranberry Brie Bites are exactly that. They are one of the most delightful Easy Holiday Appetizers Christmas gatherings deserve.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Honestly, what’s not to love? You get a fantastic combination of flavors and textures in one tiny, adorable package. The flaky, crispy phyllo shell is the perfect vessel for what’s inside.
Inside each little cup, you’ll find creamy, melted brie cheese. It’s warm, gooey, and has that mild, buttery flavor that everyone enjoys. It’s pure comfort.
Then comes the topping. A spoonful of sweet and tangy whole berry cranberry sauce adds a bright, festive touch. It cuts through the richness of the cheese beautifully.
And for the final touch? A sprinkle of chopped, roasted pistachios. They add a lovely bit of crunch and a pop of beautiful green color. Red and green for the holidays. It’s just so festive.
These bites are incredible Christmas Appetizers Easy Finger Foods. No forks or plates are needed. Your guests can just grab one and enjoy it while they mingle. It makes hosting so much simpler.
Plus, this recipe is so fast. We’re talking about maybe ten minutes of prep time and just six minutes in the oven. You can have a tray of these ready in less time than it takes to choose a holiday movie.
They are a real crowd pleaser. Even picky eaters tend to love the simple yet delicious combination of cheese, fruit, and crunch. It’s a safe bet for any party or family get together.
It’s one of those Simple Christmas Appetizers that looks like you spent way more time on it than you actually did. That’s always a win in my book.
Ingredients
You are going to be so happy when you see this shopping list. It is incredibly short and simple. You only need four items to create these amazing little bites.
Everything should be easy to find at your local grocery store, especially during the holiday season. The mini phyllo shells are usually in the freezer aisle near the desserts and puff pastry.
- 1 (7-oz.) brie round, rind removed
- 24 frozen mini phyllo pastry shells
- 1/2 cup whole berry cranberry sauce
- 1/3 cup roasted, salted pistachios, chopped
Step-By-Step Instructions
Getting these little beauties ready is as easy as one, two, three. Or four, in this case. Let’s walk through it together. You’ll see just how simple it is.
Step 1: Get Ready
First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F. Getting the oven nice and hot is key to making sure the cheese melts quickly and the shells stay crisp.
Next, take your brie. You can leave the rind on if you like it, but for the creamiest texture, I suggest removing it. Then, cut the brie into 24 small pieces. They don’t have to be exact, just small enough to fit inside each phyllo shell.
Arrange the frozen phyllo shells on a rimmed baking sheet. Using a rimmed sheet helps prevent any accidental spills and makes it easier to transport.
Step 2: Assemble The Bites
Now for the fun part. Take one small piece of brie and place it inside each phyllo shell. It’s like a little cheese present waiting to be opened.
After the cheese is in, top each one with about one teaspoon of the whole berry cranberry sauce. You want just enough to add that sweet and tangy flavor without overwhelming the brie.
Finally, sprinkle the chopped pistachios evenly over the top of the cranberry sauce. This is where you get that satisfying crunch and beautiful color contrast.
Step 3: Bake To Bubbly Goodness
Carefully place the baking sheet into your preheated oven. You’ll bake them for about six minutes. It happens really fast, so don’t wander too far away.
You’ll know they are ready when the cheese is completely melted, bubbly, and looking absolutely glorious. The shells should be a beautiful golden brown color.
Step 4: Serve Immediately
This is important. These bites are at their best when served warm, right out of the oven. This is when the cheese is at its gooiest and most delicious.
Carefully transfer them to a serving platter and watch them disappear. They are always the first of the Holiday Snacks Appetizers to go at any party.
How To Store Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers, which is pretty rare, storing them is easy. Let the bites cool down completely to room temperature first.
Once they are cool, place them in an airtight container. You can store them in the refrigerator for up to two days. The shells might soften a bit, but we can fix that.
When you’re ready to enjoy them again, I recommend reheating them in the oven or an air fryer. A few minutes at 350°F should do the trick. This will help the phyllo shells get crispy again.
I would avoid using the microwave to reheat them. It will make the phyllo dough soft and chewy, which is not what we want for these crunchy little bites.
Tips
Want to make these even better? Or maybe you need to swap an ingredient? Here are a few simple tips to help you out. This recipe is very forgiving.
Not a fan of pistachios? No problem at all. You can easily substitute them with chopped pecans or walnuts. Candied pecans would also be a wonderful addition for extra sweetness.
You can also play around with the fruit topping. If you don’t have cranberry sauce, fig jam or even raspberry preserves would be just as tasty. They all pair so well with brie cheese.
To save a little time on party day, you can assemble these bites ahead of time. Just prepare them up to the point before baking. Cover the baking sheet with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for a few hours.
When your guests arrive, just pop the tray into the oven. You get fresh, hot appetizers with almost no last minute work. It’s a great trick for making Simple Christmas Appetizers even easier.
For a little extra flair, you could add a tiny sprig of fresh rosemary or thyme on top of each bite before serving. It adds a nice herbal aroma and looks very elegant.
Conclusion
So there you have it. A wonderfully simple, incredibly fast, and absolutely delicious appetizer that is made for the holiday season. It checks all the boxes for flavor, texture, and visual appeal.
These Cranberry Brie Bites are proof that you don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen to make something special. They are truly one of the best Easy Holiday Appetizers Christmas parties could ask for. Give them a try, I know you and your guests will love them.
FAQ
Can I Make These Ahead Of Time?
Yes, absolutely. You can assemble the bites completely, cover them, and refrigerate them for up to 4 hours before baking. This is a great way to prep your Holiday Snacks Appetizers before guests arrive.
What If I Can’t Find Mini Phyllo Shells?
If you can’t find the premade shells, you can use regular phyllo dough sheets. Cut them into small squares, press them into a mini muffin tin to form cups, and bake them for a few minutes until golden before adding the fillings.
Can I Use A Different Kind Of Cheese?
Brie is really lovely here, but you could try something else. A small cube of camembert or even a creamy goat cheese would be a tasty alternative. Just choose a cheese that melts well.
Are These Gluten Free?
No, standard phyllo dough is made with wheat flour, so this recipe is not gluten free. To adapt it, you would need to find a gluten free alternative for the pastry shells or serve the baked brie with gluten free crackers.
Cranberry Brie Bites
These Cranberry Brie Bites are the easiest holiday appetizer, combining creamy brie, sweet cranberry sauce, and crunchy pistachios in a flaky phyllo shell. Quick to prepare and a delight for any festive gathering.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Carefully remove the rind from the brie round and cut the cheese into 24 small, even pieces. Arrange the 24 frozen mini phyllo pastry shells on a rimmed baking sheet.
- Place one piece of brie into each phyllo shell. Top each with approximately one teaspoon of whole berry cranberry sauce. Evenly sprinkle the chopped pistachios over the cranberry sauce.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about six minutes, or until the brie cheese is completely melted and bubbly, and the phyllo shells are golden brown.
- Carefully transfer to a serving platter and serve immediately while the bites are warm and the cheese is gooey.
Notes
Not a fan of pistachios? You can easily substitute them with chopped pecans or walnuts. Candied pecans would also be a wonderful addition for extra sweetness.
You can also play around with the fruit topping. If you don’t have cranberry sauce, fig jam or even raspberry preserves would be just as tasty. They all pair so well with brie cheese.
To save a little time on party day, you can assemble these bites ahead of time. Just prepare them up to the point before baking. Cover the baking sheet with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for a few hours. When your guests arrive, just pop the tray into the oven.
For a little extra flair, you could add a tiny sprig of fresh rosemary or thyme on top of each bite before serving. It adds a nice herbal aroma and looks very elegant.
Nutrition
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Sugar
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