Name: Easy Cranberry Brie Bites (15-Minute Holiday Appetizer) Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 13 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 ounces Brie cheese, ½ of an 8-ounce wheel; ½ cup cranberry sauce, purchased or homemade; 1.9 ounces package frozen mini fillo shells (15 shells)

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Introduction

These Easy Cranberry Brie Bites are a delightful 15-minute holiday appetizer that combines creamy brie with tart cranberry sauce, all nestled in crispy mini fillo shells. Perfect for festive gatherings, they’re quick to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser.

A white ornate rectangular plate holds nine small tartlets arranged in three rows, each tartlet showing three distinct layers: a light golden, flaky pastry shell with ruffled edges forming the base; a creamy, pale layer of smooth cheese in the middle; topped with a bright, glossy red layer of cranberry sauce that looks slightly chunky and shiny. In the top right corner of the plate, there is a small bunch of fresh green rosemary sprigs placed as a garnish. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with a colorful fabric underneath featuring red and green stripes in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 ounces Brie cheese (½ of an 8-ounce wheel)
½ cup cranberry sauce (purchased or homemade)
1.9 ounces package frozen mini fillo shells (about 15 shells)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2: Cut the brie into ½-inch squares. You may remove the rind if you prefer, or leave it on.
Step 3: Place one square of brie inside each mini fillo shell.
Step 4: Spoon about ½ teaspoon of cranberry sauce on top of the brie in each shell.
Step 5: Arrange the filled shells on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet.
Step 6: Bake for 7 to 8 minutes, until the brie is soft and the shells are crisp. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Tips & Variations

To make ahead, fill the shells but do not bake. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months. Thaw before baking as directed.
Try substituting pepper jelly, fig preserves, honey, or your favorite jam instead of cranberry sauce for a different flavor.
Use puff pastry or crescent roll dough cut into small squares as a substitute for mini fillo shells. Press into mini muffin cups and bake a few minutes longer if needed.
The brie rind is edible, so feel free to leave it on or remove it before cutting the cheese.

Storage

Store any leftover baked bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a low oven or enjoy at room temperature. Unbaked filled shells can be frozen as noted and baked when ready to serve.

How to Serve

The image shows nine small tartlets arranged in three rows on a rectangular white plate with a decorative edge. Each tartlet has a golden, crispy, crinkled crust forming the base and sides, filled with a dollop of smooth white cheese topped with bright red chunky cranberry sauce. The tartlets are placed on a white marbled surface and there is a sprig of green rosemary on the plate near the back side. A cloth with red and green stripes is partly visible under the plate. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of cranberry sauce?

Fresh cranberries lack the sweetness and softness of cranberry sauce, so it’s best to cook them down with sugar to create a sauce before using. This ensures the right texture and flavor balance in the bites.

Do I have to use mini fillo shells?

No, you can substitute mini puff pastry or crescent dough squares pressed into mini muffin tins. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.