A secret for successful but non-stressful hosting is to make easy appetizers that only look like they took hours to make. These festive little bites look gorgeous, but only take 15 minutes in total to whip up.

They’re so easy and mess-free, that I love to bake them after my guests arrive. Everyone gathers around the kitchen while I assemble these and it makes for a great conversation starter. Cranberry brie bites are perfect for using leftover cranberry sauce, whether it’s homemade or store-bought. Add a package of frozen phyllo cups and a wheel of brie to your shopping list, and you’re ready to bake! Fun Fact: Brie has been one of the most beloved cheeses in France since the middle ages. Legend has it that when King Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette attempted to escape Paris during the French Revolution, they lost precious time when the king stopped to eat brie and drink wine.

What are Cranberry Brie Bites?

This 3 ingredient appetizer is made with creamy, earthy brie in a flaky and crispy phyllo cup. Topped with a dollop of cranberry sauce and baked, they will absolutely wow your guests. These creamy and crisp bites are a perfect combination of sweet and savory.

A Festive Appetizer in 15 Minutes

The perfect last minute vegetarian appetizer, they are ready in 15 minutes, from start to finish.This easy appetizer needs only 3 ingredients and can be baked in the oven or air fryer. Doesn’t get easier than that!These brie bites are easy to customize with different jams or preserves. Make a big batch in the oven in a variety of flavors to wow your guests!Since brie and phyllo cups are available in most large grocery stores year around, these brie bites can be made anytime of the year .

Ingredients- Notes & Substitutions

Phyllo cups: Use store-bought frozen phyllo shells. No need to thaw them - this recipe works great with frozen phyllo! You can also use puff pastry if you’d like (see instructions below).Cranberry sauce: You can use homemade cranberry sauce or store-bought. I prefer not to use the canned variety, but if it’s your favorite, you absolutely can.Brie cheese wheel or wedge: Brie should be fairly easy to locate in the specialty cheese section of your grocery store. If you can’t find it, use Camembert instead.

Step by Step Instructions for Cranberry Brie Bites

  1. Prep the phyllo cups: Remove the phyllo cups from the freezer and place them on any flat surface for assembling.
  2. Add the brie: Fill each cup with about a bite size piece of brie cheese, about 1-inch long and ¼-inch thick.
  3. Top off the bites: Top each cup with about 1 teaspoon cranberry sauce. Adjust the quantity to your liking.
  4. Bake: Depending on the quantity you’re making, bake these in the oven or air fryer. To bake in the oven, place the cups on a lined baking sheet. Bake in a pre-heated oven at 350° F for 8 mins, or until golden crisp. Air Fryer Instructions: To cook your cranberry brie bites in the air fryer, spread them in the basket. Bake at 350° F for 3 to 4 minutes. Check at the 3 minute mark to avoid burning the phyllo cups.

Variations to Try

Use other jams or preservatives, like strawberry jam, peach chutney, or plum jam.Instead of phyllo cups, use a puff pastry sheet. Cut the sheet into 3-inch squares, then gently tuck them into a cavities of a cupcake sheet.Top your cranberry brie bites with chopped walnuts or pecans for an added crunch.

Recipe Tips & Notes

You can easily multiply this recipe to feed a crowd. If you’re making a big batch, bake them in the oven instead of the air fryer.To use puff pastry sheets instead, cut the sheet into 3-inch squares, then gently tuck them into a cavities of a cupcake sheet.Make this appetizer year-round by using any seasonal or readily available jams and preserves. Brie cheese is located in the speciality cheese section of most large supermarkets. If unavailable, look for Camembert instead.

More Appetizers From My Kitchen

Spinach Artichoke Dip: This creamy and decadent Spinach Artichoke Dip is a great appetizer for any occasion. Baked Brie In Puff Pastry: Creamy brie coated in cranberry sauce, wrapped in puff pastry & baked till its golden brown on the outside, and melted and gooey on the inside. Samosa Pinwheels: Potatoes, onions, green chili, ginger and spices get wrapped in delicate puff pastry and baked till it’s golden crisp. Stuffed Mushrooms: These mouth watering Stuffed Mushrooms are a perfect vegetarian and keto-friendly appetizer and ready in under 30-minutes.Indian-Style Jalapeno Poppers: Jalapeños stuffed with samosa-style potato filling, then baked to perfection. More Appetizer recipes on the blog.

If you’re a cranberry fan like me, here’s a cocktail recipe you might enjoy- Cranberry Moscow Mule!

📖 Recipe

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