Ever find yourself needing a show-stopping appetizer that looks like you spent hours, but secretly comes together in minutes? That’s the magic of these Cranberry Brie Bites in Phyllo Cups. They’re the perfect blend of creamy, tangy, buttery, and sweet, and they’re an absolute lifesaver during the holiday hustle. Honestly, they’re my go-to for a reason. The best part? You can whip them up with just a handful of simple ingredients. You’ll need phyllo cups for that wonderfully flaky, crispy base. Then, a wedge of brie brings that rich, melty creaminess we all love. A can of whole-berry cranberry sauce provides that classic festive flavor and a gorgeous pop of color. A bit of orange marmalade adds a bright, citrusy note that cuts through the richness beautifully. And finally, some fresh rosemary or thyme gives it that little earthy, aromatic touch that makes everyone ask, ‘What’s in this? It’s amazing!’ (Full measurements are in the recipe card below, so you can get right to it!).
Perfect Pairings for Your Appetizers
These little bites are incredibly versatile and play well with so many other flavors on your holiday table. Here are a few of my favorite things to serve alongside them:
- A simple charcuterie board with smoked turkey, assorted nuts, and some crisp apple slices.
- A warm, spiced cocktail like apple cider or a non-alcoholic mulled punch for a cozy vibe.
- Other easy finger foods like pigs in a blanket or stuffed mushrooms to create a full spread.
- A light, arugula salad with a lemony vinaigrette to balance the richness of the brie.
Variations & Substitutions
The beauty of this recipe is how easily you can adapt it to what you have on hand or to suit different tastes. Don’t have orange marmalade? Apricot preserves work wonderfully. For a nutty crunch, sprinkle some chopped pecans or walnuts on top before baking. If you’re looking for a different flavor profile, try a fig jam instead of the cranberry for a deeper, sweeter note. And for my friends avoiding gluten, many stores carry gluten-free phyllo or pastry cups that work just as well for this recipe.
Serving Suggestions for Festive Gatherings
Presentation is half the fun with these easy holiday appetizers. For a truly stunning centerpiece, arrange your baked Cranberry Brie Bites on a large platter in the shape of a wreath. Just fill in the center with a small bowl of extra cranberry sauce for dipping and some fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish. It’s a total wow factor. They’re also perfect for a cookie sheet buffet—simply pop the whole tray right onto the table and let everyone dig in. So good.
Storage & Reheating Tips for Leftovers
While these brie cranberry bites are always best fresh from the oven, you can absolutely get a head start. You can assemble them (without baking) up to a day in advance, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and keep them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. If you somehow end up with leftovers, let them cool completely and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet in a 350°F oven for about 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is warm and gooey again. I don’t recommend freezing them, as the phyllo can get soggy.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use a different cheese instead of brie? Absolutely! Camembert is a very close substitute. If you’re not a fan of the brie rind, you can certainly trim it off, though it’s completely edible and gets deliciously soft when baked.
- My phyllo cups seem fragile. Any tips? They can be delicate right out of the box. I find that letting them come to room temperature for about 10 minutes before assembling makes them less prone to cracking. Handle with care!
- Are these Cranberry Brie Bites suitable for making ahead? They are one of the best make-ahead appetizers! As mentioned, assemble them the day before, refrigerate, and then bake right before your guests arrive for the perfect warm, melty treat.
Easy Cranberry Brie Bites in Phyllo Cups
- Total Time: 13 minutes
- Yield: 15 bites 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cranberry Brie Bites in Phyllo Cups are the perfect quick-and-easy holiday appetizer! Buttery, flaky shells filled with melty brie and sweet-tart cranberry sauce — festive, elegant, and ready in just 15 minutes.
Ingredients
15 frozen phyllo shells (Athens brand recommended)
8 oz wheel or wedge of brie cheese
7.5 tsp leftover cranberry sauce, plus more to taste
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a small baking sheet with parchment or foil and place the frozen phyllo shells on top.
2. Trim the rind from the brie (optional) and cut it into 15 1-inch cubes.
3. Place one cube of brie into each phyllo shell.
4. Bake for about 8 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the shells are warmed through.
5. While baking, warm your cranberry sauce in the microwave or on the stovetop.
6. Top each baked phyllo cup with about 1/2 teaspoon of cranberry sauce.
7. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
Notes
You can use whole-berry or smooth cranberry sauce — both work great!
Optional: Garnish with a small thyme sprig or a pinch of orange zest for extra color and flavor.
Best served fresh, but you can prep components ahead and assemble right before baking.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: Holiday
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bite
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
