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Need an easy homemade appetizer that looks fancy? These Cranberry Brie Bites are my holiday party secret! This easy recipe needs just three ingredients and 15 minutes. The combination of melty brie and tangy cranberries in crispy shells is pure magic. My homemade version always disappears first at parties!
What You'll Need
For this easy recipe you'll need just three things: some cranberry sauce (I love using my homemade version, but store-bought works great), creamy brie cheese, and those little filo shells from the freezer section. That's it! This homemade appetizer couldn't be simpler.
Let's Make Some Magic
- Get Ready
- This homemade recipe starts with a 350°F oven. While it heats, cut your brie into tiny cubes.
- Assembly Time
- Making this easy recipe is like playing with tiny food - drop a piece of brie in each shell, top with cranberry sauce.
- Quick Bake
- Pop these homemade bites in the oven for about 8 minutes, just until that cheese gets all melty and bubbly.
- Time to Serve
- These easy appetizers are great warm or room temp - they'll be perfect either way!
My Best Tips
Want to get ahead? This easy recipe freezes beautifully - just assemble and freeze before baking. Sometimes I switch up my homemade version with different toppings - try fig jam, pepper jelly, or a drizzle of honey. Want to make your own cranberry sauce for this easy recipe? Just simmer cranberries with sugar and water until they pop!
Mix It Up
No filo shells? This homemade appetizer works great with puff pastry squares too. For this easy recipe, you can leave the rind on the brie or cut it off - totally up to you! My family loves when I make this homemade version with different cheeses too.
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Keep Them Fresh
These easy appetizers keep well in the fridge for a few days. When you want to enjoy your homemade bites again, warm them in the oven - skip the microwave or they'll get soggy. This easy recipe is best served warm and crispy!
Why Everyone Loves These
This homemade appetizer has it all - they're quick, versatile, and so delicious! The mix of textures in this easy recipe is what makes them special - crispy shells, creamy cheese, and that sweet-tart cranberry sauce. Fair warning though: this homemade version disappears fast, so you might want to make a double batch!
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make these ahead?
Yes, assemble and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw before baking.
- → Should I remove brie rind?
Optional - rind is edible and can be left on or removed based on preference.
- → Can I use different toppings?
Yes, try pepper jelly, fig preserves, honey or other jams.
- → Can I use different pastry?
Puff pastry or crescent dough work in mini muffin tins. Adjust bake time.
- → How do I reheat leftovers?
Warm in 350°F oven briefly. Avoid microwave to maintain crispness.