I love simple appetizers that truly impress, especially when they feature creamy brie and bright cranberry. If you are planning a get-together or just want a special treat, these cranberry brie appetizers are perfect. They are easy to make and always a hit.
I’ve put together four fantastic recipes for you, each offering a slightly different way to enjoy this classic combination. From quick bites to elegant tartlets, you will find something wonderful here to share with friends and family.
Jump to Recipe:
- 1. Cranberry Brie Bites for Parties
- 2. Festive Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Stars
- 3. Easy Cranberry Brie Tartlets
- 4. Warm Cranberry Pecan Baked Brie Cups
Cranberry Brie Bites for Parties
These tiny, flavorful bites are a perfect party starter. They offer a lovely balance of sweet cranberry and creamy brie in a crisp shell.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Cranberry Brie Bites
- Store-Bought Pastry: Using pre-made puff pastry or mini phyllo shells saves a lot of time and effort.
- Sweet Cranberry Sauce: A good quality cranberry sauce, homemade or store-bought, is key to the sweet and tart flavor.
- Chilled Brie: Brie cheese that’s slightly chilled is easier to cut into neat pieces for the bites.
What You Need for Brie Bites
- 1 box (15-count) mini phyllo shells
- 4 oz Brie cheese, rind removed, cut into small cubes
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish (optional)
⏱️ Time: 20 min🍽️ Yields: 18 bites
How to Make Brie Bites
Step 1: Prep Shells & Fill
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the mini phyllo shells on a baking sheet. Place a small piece of brie cheese into the bottom of each shell, then spoon a small amount of cranberry sauce over the brie.
Step 2: Bake Until Golden
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the phyllo shells are lightly golden and crisp. Garnish with a tiny piece of fresh rosemary if you like, and serve warm.
📝 Final Note
These bites are best served warm, straight from the oven, for the most delightful gooey cheese experience.
Festive Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Stars
Make your appetizers shine with these festive puff pastry stars. They combine buttery pastry with gooey brie and bright cranberry for a visually appealing treat.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Puff Pastry Stars
- Puff Pastry: Use a good quality, thawed puff pastry sheet for easy handling and flaky results.
- Star Cutters: A small star-shaped cookie cutter makes these appetizers extra special and perfect for holidays.
- Egg Wash: Brushing the pastry with an egg wash (beaten egg) gives it a beautiful golden sheen when baked.
What You Need for Puff Pastry Stars
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 4 oz Brie cheese, rind removed, cut into small pieces
- 1/4 cup cranberry sauce
- 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- A pinch of flour for dusting
⏱️ Time: 30 min🍽️ Yields: 16 stars
How to Make Puff Pastry Stars
Step 1: Cut & Assemble Stars
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly dust your work surface with flour and unroll the puff pastry sheet. Use a star-shaped cookie cutter to cut out an even number of stars. Place half of the pastry stars on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Top each with a small piece of brie and a tiny dollop of cranberry sauce.
Step 2: Seal & Bake
Place the remaining pastry stars on top of the filled ones. Gently press the edges to seal them. Brush the tops of all stars with the beaten egg wash. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed up and golden brown. Serve warm.
📝 Final Note
You can prepare the stars ahead of time and bake them just before guests arrive for a fresh, warm treat.
Easy Cranberry Brie Tartlets
These charming tartlets offer a bigger bite of creamy brie and sweet cranberry. They are simple to prepare and look elegant on any platter.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Brie Tartlets
- Pre-made Tart Shells: Shorten your prep time significantly by using store-bought mini tart shells or pie crust dough.
- Room Temp Brie: Brie cheese at room temperature is easier to handle and melts more smoothly when baked.
- Optional Nuts: A sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts before baking adds a nice crunch and depth of flavor.
What You Need for Tartlets
- 1 box (12-count) mini tart shells, thawed if frozen
- 6 oz Brie cheese, rind removed, cut into small chunks
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce
- 2 tbsp chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- Honey for drizzling (optional)
⏱️ Time: 25 min🍽️ Yields: 12 tartlets
How to Make Brie Tartlets
Step 1: Fill Tart Shells
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the mini tart shells on a baking sheet. Add a good chunk of brie cheese to the bottom of each shell. Then, spoon a generous amount of cranberry sauce over the brie. If using, sprinkle with chopped pecans or walnuts.
Step 2: Bake & Serve
Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the pastry is lightly browned. A drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of fresh thyme after baking makes these tartlets extra special. Serve warm.
📝 Final Note
For a little extra sweetness, drizzle a tiny bit of honey over the warm tartlets just before serving.
Warm Cranberry Pecan Baked Brie Cups
These individual cups feature warm, gooey brie, sweet cranberries, and crunchy pecans. They are a hearty and satisfying appetizer for any get-together.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Baked Brie Cups
- Wonton Wrappers: Wonton wrappers make excellent, crispy cups for these baked brie appetizers and are very easy to use.
- Toasted Pecans: Lightly toasting your pecans beforehand brings out their nutty flavor even more.
- Warm Service: These cups are best enjoyed warm when the brie cheese is perfectly melted and runny.
What You Need for Baked Brie Cups
- 1 package (48-count) square wonton wrappers
- 8 oz Brie cheese, rind removed, cut into small cubes
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans
- 1 tbsp brown sugar (optional)
⏱️ Time: 28 min🍽️ Yields: 20 cups
How to Make Brie Cups
Step 1: Form Cups & Fill
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray a mini muffin tin with cooking spray. Gently press individual wonton wrappers into each muffin cup to form small cups. Place a piece of brie cheese into each wrapper. Top with about a teaspoon of cranberry sauce and a sprinkle of chopped pecans (and brown sugar if using).
Step 2: Bake Until Crisp
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the wonton wrappers are golden brown and crisp, and the brie is melted and bubbly. Carefully remove from the muffin tin. Let them cool slightly before serving as the cheese will be very hot.
📝 Final Note
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat gently in the oven for the best texture.