I love simple recipes that make any gathering feel special. Today, I’m sharing two of my favorite cranberry brie appetizers. They are both easy to make and always a hit with guests. If you need a quick party food idea, you’ve come to the right place.
These recipes are perfect for anyone who wants to serve something warm and comforting without spending hours in the kitchen. You can prepare them with just a few ingredients, and they look beautiful on a platter. Let’s get cooking!
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Cranberry Brie Bites: Easy Holiday Appetizer
These little bites are perfect for any party. They come together fast and taste amazing with their warm, gooey cheese and sweet cranberries.
They are a classic for a reason, offering comfort and a touch of sweetness in every small portion. You’ll find everyone reaching for more of these delightful treats.
Key Ingredients & Tips
- Puff Pastry Prep: Make sure your puff pastry is thawed in the fridge, but still cool to the touch. This helps it puff up nice and flaky in the oven.
- Brie Cutting: Cut the brie cheese into small, even pieces. This helps it melt smoothly and evenly inside each bite. Don’t worry about removing the rind completely, as it’s edible.
- Cranberry Sauce Choice: You can use store-bought cranberry sauce or homemade. A sauce with whole cranberries adds a nice texture.
What You Need
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 4 ounces brie cheese, rind removed, cut into small cubes
- 1/4 cup cranberry sauce
- Optional: a sprinkle of fresh thyme or rosemary
⏱️ Time: 20 minutes🍽️ Yields: 12 bites
How to Make It
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pastry
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Unroll the thawed puff pastry sheet onto a lightly floured surface. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the pastry sheet into 12 equal squares.
Step 2: Assemble the Bites
Gently press each pastry square into a mini muffin tin. Place a small piece of brie cheese into the center of each square. Top the brie with about a teaspoon of cranberry sauce.
Step 3: Bake and Serve
Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly. Let them cool for a few minutes in the tin before carefully removing them. Serve warm and enjoy.
📝 Final Note
These cranberry brie bites are best served warm to get that lovely gooey cheese. If you have leftovers, you can reheat them gently in a low oven for a few minutes.
Cranberry Brie Phyllo Cups: Simple Party Starter
If you like flaky pastry, you’ll love these. Pre-made phyllo shells make these super quick. They’re light, crispy, and full of great flavor.
This recipe uses frozen phyllo shells, making assembly very fast. They are a great choice when you want something impressive with minimal effort.
Key Ingredients & Tips
- Frozen Phyllo Shells: Keep the phyllo shells frozen until you’re ready to fill them. Baking them from frozen helps them stay crispy.
- Brie Portions: Since the cups are small, cut your brie into very tiny pieces so it fits well and melts perfectly.
- Garnish Options: A small sprig of fresh rosemary, a candied pecan, or a sprinkle of chopped walnuts can add a pretty finish and extra flavor.
What You Need
- 1 box (15 count) frozen mini phyllo shells
- 4 ounces brie cheese, rind removed, cut into small cubes
- 1/4 cup cranberry sauce
- Optional: chopped pecans or a sprig of fresh rosemary for garnish
⏱️ Time: 15 minutes🍽️ Yields: 15 cups
How to Make It
Step 1: Prepare the Phyllo Shells
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take the frozen phyllo shells out of the box and arrange them on a baking sheet. You do not need to thaw them first.
Step 2: Fill the Cups
Place a small piece of brie cheese into the bottom of each phyllo cup. Then, add about half a teaspoon of cranberry sauce on top of the brie.
Step 3: Bake and Garnish
Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the phyllo shells are lightly golden. Garnish with a pecan or a small sprig of rosemary if you like. Serve them warm.
📝 Final Note
These phyllo cups are very delicate, so handle them gently. They are best eaten fresh while the phyllo is still crisp from the oven.
