If you are looking for easy, beautiful appetizers, you are in the right place. I’ve put together three fantastic recipes centered around cranberries and brie, perfect for any gathering. These are simple to make and always a hit with guests.
You can choose a classic approach with puff pastry, or opt for the super quick phyllo shells. No matter which you pick, you’ll have delicious cranberry and brie treats ready in no time. Let’s get cooking!
Jump to Recipe:
- 1. Cranberry Brie Bites: Easy Holiday Appetizer
- 2. Simple Cranberry Brie Phyllo Cups Recipe
- 3. Cranberry Jalapeno Phyllo Cups: Sweet and Spicy Appetizer
Cranberry Brie Bites: Easy Holiday Appetizer
These Cranberry Brie Bites are quick to make and look so festive on any platter. You’ll love the gooey brie cheese melting with sweet cranberry sauce, all wrapped in flaky pastry.
Key Ingredients & Tips
- Puff Pastry: Use store-bought puff pastry for a super quick start. It bakes up flaky and golden around the filling.
- Brie Cheese: Cut the brie into small pieces. This helps it melt nicely inside each bite, creating a wonderful warm center.
- Cranberry Sauce: A good quality canned whole berry cranberry sauce works perfectly. You can also use homemade if you have some on hand.
What You Need
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 4 oz brie cheese, rind removed, cut into small cubes
- 1/4 cup cranberry sauce
- Optional: a sprinkle of fresh thyme or rosemary for garnish
⏱️ Time: 20 minutes🍽️ Yields: 12 bites
How to Make It
Step 1: Prep the Pastry and Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Unroll the thawed puff pastry sheet onto a lightly floured surface. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to cut the pastry into 12 equal squares. Gently press each pastry square into a standard muffin tin cup.
Step 2: Fill and Bake
Place one piece of brie cheese into each pastry cup. Top the brie with about a teaspoon of cranberry sauce. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed up, and the cheese is bubbly and melted.
📝 Final Note
Let these Cranberry Brie Bites cool for a few minutes before serving, as the cheese will be very hot. They are best enjoyed warm!
Simple Cranberry Brie Phyllo Cups Recipe
Phyllo cups make this Cranberry Brie appetizer incredibly easy and elegant. The crisp, delicate shell holds a warm, creamy cranberry and brie cheese filling that everyone will enjoy.
Key Ingredients & Tips
- Phyllo Shells: Using ready-made mini phyllo cups is a fantastic time saver. You get a perfect crisp shell without any effort.
- Brie Cheese: Small cubes of brie melt quickly and smoothly within the phyllo shells. Make sure to cut the rind off for a creamier texture.
- Cranberry Sauce: Both whole berry or jellied cranberry sauce work well here. Choose your favorite for the best flavor.
What You Need
- 1 box (15 count) frozen mini phyllo shells
- 4 oz brie cheese, rind removed, cut into small cubes
- 1/4 cup cranberry sauce
- Optional: chopped pecans or walnuts for topping
⏱️ Time: 15 minutes🍽️ Yields: 15 cups
How to Make It
Step 1: Get Ready to Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Carefully arrange the frozen phyllo shells on a baking sheet. No need to thaw them first!
Step 2: Fill and Heat
Place a small piece of brie cheese into each phyllo shell. Spoon about half a teaspoon of cranberry sauce over the brie. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the phyllo shells are lightly golden and crisp.
📝 Final Note
These phyllo cups can be made ahead of time. Reheat them gently in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5-7 minutes before serving to crisp them up.
Cranberry Jalapeno Phyllo Cups: Sweet and Spicy Appetizer
If you like a little kick with your sweet, these Cranberry Jalapeno Phyllo Cups are for you. They perfectly balance sweet cranberries with a mild, fresh warmth from the jalapeno, all in a crisp little shell.
Key Ingredients & Tips
- Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature. This will make it much easier to mix smoothly with the other ingredients.
- Jalapeno: Always remove the seeds and white membranes from the jalapeno for a milder heat. If you enjoy more spice, you can leave a few seeds in.
- Phyllo Shells: These pre-made shells are key for quick assembly. They provide a lovely, crisp texture to contrast the creamy filling.
What You Need
- 1 box (15 count) frozen mini phyllo shells
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp cranberry sauce
- 1 small jalapeno, finely diced (seeds removed for less heat)
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: fresh cilantro for garnish
⏱️ Time: 20 minutes🍽️ Yields: 15 cups
How to Make It
Step 1: Mix the Filling
In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, cranberry sauce, finely diced jalapeno, and a pinch of salt. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and smooth.
Step 2: Fill and Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spoon the cream cheese mixture evenly into each frozen phyllo shell. Place the filled shells on a baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the filling is warm and the shells are crisp.
📝 Final Note
For a nice pop of color and extra fresh flavor, you can garnish these cups with a tiny bit of fresh cilantro just before serving.