No-Bake Cranberry Brie Bites are the perfect quick and easy appetizer for any holiday gathering, especially Thanksgiving and Christmas! These little bites of creamy brie, tangy cranberry sauce, and crunchy crackers or phyllo cups are incredibly simple to make, yet they look elegant and festive on any table. The combination of creamy, savory brie and sweet-tart cranberries makes them irresistible, and since there’s no baking involved, you can whip them up in just a few minutes—leaving you more time to enjoy your guests and the holiday festivities.
The first time I made these No-Bake Cranberry Brie Bites, I was looking for a quick appetizer to serve at a holiday dinner. I wanted something that felt seasonal, but also something I could prepare last minute without using the oven (since it was already filled with a turkey!). These bites were a huge hit—everyone loved the rich, melty brie combined with the tart cranberry sauce. Now, I make them every year for both Thanksgiving and Christmas. They’re always the first appetizer to disappear, and no one can believe how easy they are to make!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Quick and easy: These bites take just minutes to assemble, making them perfect for last-minute appetizers.
- No oven required: You can make these entirely without an oven, which is a huge plus when your kitchen is already full of holiday dishes.
- Delicious and festive: The combination of brie and cranberry sauce is a holiday classic, and the bright colors and flavors make these bites perfect for the season.
- Elegant yet simple: Despite how easy they are to make, these bites look fancy enough to serve at any holiday party, gathering, or dinner.
- Customizable: You can swap out the crackers or phyllo cups for your favorite base, add a drizzle of honey or balsamic glaze, or even sprinkle some chopped nuts on top for extra crunch.
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 12 bites
Calories per serving: 120
Protein: 4g, Carbs: 10g, Fat: 7g
Ingredients:
- 12 mini phyllo cups or your favorite sturdy crackers (such as whole wheat or water crackers)
- 4 oz brie cheese, rind removed and cut into small cubes
- ½ cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 2 tablespoons honey (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- Fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the brie: If your brie cheese has a rind, gently remove it using a sharp knife and cut the brie into 12 small cubes, about 1-inch in size. The rind is edible, but for these bites, the creamy inside is the star.
- Assemble the bites:
- If using mini phyllo cups: Place the phyllo cups on a serving platter. Add a cube of brie into each cup, pressing it gently into the bottom.
- If using crackers: Arrange the crackers on a serving platter and place a cube of brie on top of each cracker.
- Add cranberry sauce: Spoon about 1 teaspoon of cranberry sauce on top of each piece of brie. If you prefer a bit more sweetness or tang, feel free to add a little extra cranberry sauce to each bite.
- Drizzle with honey (optional): For an extra touch of sweetness, drizzle a small amount of honey over the top of each brie bite. The honey complements the tangy cranberry sauce beautifully and adds a nice balance of flavors.
- Top with chopped nuts (optional): If you want to add some crunch, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the top of the cranberry sauce. The nuts add texture and a lovely nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the creamy brie and sweet cranberry sauce.
- Garnish (optional): For a final touch, you can add a small sprig of fresh thyme or rosemary to each bite. The herbs not only add a pop of color but also enhance the flavors with their earthy notes.
- Serve immediately: These bites are best served right away while the brie is still soft and the cranberry sauce is fresh. Set them out on a festive platter and watch them disappear!
How to Serve:
- As a holiday appetizer: These bites are perfect for any holiday gathering, whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year’s Eve. They’re a great addition to a grazing board or as part of a larger appetizer spread.
- On a charcuterie board: Add these bites to a charcuterie board with cured meats, cheeses, and fruits for an elegant appetizer platter.
- With a festive cocktail: Pair them with a holiday cocktail, like a cranberry margarita or spiced cider, to complement the cranberry flavors in the bites.
Additional Tips:
- Use a good-quality brie: Since brie is the star of this dish, opt for a good-quality brie cheese. You can find brie at most grocery stores, and both creamy and firmer varieties work well for these bites.
- Homemade or store-bought cranberry sauce: Either works! If you have leftover cranberry sauce from a holiday meal, these bites are a perfect way to use it up. If not, store-bought cranberry sauce is just as delicious and saves time.
- Make it savory: If you prefer savory bites, you can skip the honey and add a pinch of flaky sea salt or cracked black pepper for a more savory flavor profile.
- Chill before serving: If you’re making these bites ahead of time, store them in the fridge and bring them to room temperature about 15 minutes before serving. This helps the brie soften just enough for a creamy bite.
- Use sturdy crackers: If you’re using crackers instead of phyllo cups, make sure to choose sturdy, thick crackers that can support the weight of the brie and cranberry sauce without getting soggy.
Recipe Variations:
- Baked Cranberry Brie Bites: If you want a melty, warm version of these bites, you can bake them. Simply assemble the bites as directed, place them on a baking sheet, and bake at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes, or until the brie is melted and gooey.
- Maple Walnut Brie Bites: Swap out the honey for a drizzle of maple syrup and top with chopped walnuts for a slightly different flavor combination that’s perfect for fall.
- Savory Brie Bites: Add a little extra savory flavor by sprinkling each bite with a pinch of sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper. You can also add a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a tangy twist.
- Cranberry Almond Brie Bites: Top each bite with sliced almonds instead of pecans or walnuts for a lighter, crunchier topping.
Serving Suggestions:
- On a cheese board: These brie bites are the perfect addition to a holiday cheese board. Pair them with other cheeses like sharp cheddar, blue cheese, and goat cheese, along with crackers, fresh fruit, and nuts.
- With a sparkling wine: The light, effervescent bubbles of a sparkling wine or champagne pair beautifully with the rich creaminess of the brie and the sweetness of the cranberry sauce.
- Alongside holiday appetizers: Serve these bites with other holiday favorites like stuffed mushrooms, bacon-wrapped dates, or shrimp cocktail for a festive and diverse appetizer spread.
Freezing and Storage:
- Storing leftovers: If you have any leftover brie bites, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just be aware that the crackers may become a little soft over time, so they’re best served fresh.
- Freezing: While these are best served fresh, you can freeze the cranberry sauce if you have leftovers. Simply store the sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When ready to use, thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
Special Equipment:
- Mini muffin tin (for phyllo cups): If you want to make your own phyllo cups, a mini muffin tin works perfectly for shaping and baking the dough. You can also buy pre-made phyllo cups to save time.
- Small spoons: A small spoon or mini spatula works best for scooping and assembling the brie and cranberry sauce into the phyllo cups or onto the crackers.
- Serving platter: A holiday-themed platter or cheese board makes a beautiful presentation for these brie bites, especially when garnished with fresh herbs.
FAQ:
- Can I make these ahead of time? Yes! You can assemble the brie bites a few hours before serving. Just store them in the fridge and bring them to room temperature about 15 minutes before serving.
- What can I use instead of phyllo cups? If you don’t have phyllo cups, sturdy crackers, sliced baguette rounds, or even puff pastry squares work great as a base for these bites.
- Can I use a different cheese? While brie is the traditional choice, you could also use a soft goat cheese, Camembert, or a creamy blue cheese for a different flavor profile.
- What type of cranberry sauce should I use? Both homemade and store-bought cranberry sauce work well in this recipe. If you’re using store-bought, whole berry cranberry sauce tends to work better than the jellied variety.
- Can I serve these warm? Yes! If you prefer warm brie bites, simply bake the assembled bites in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, or until the brie is melted.
Conclusion
:
These No-Bake Cranberry Brie Bites are an easy, elegant appetizer that’s perfect for any holiday gathering. The combination of creamy brie, tangy cranberry sauce, and crunchy crackers or phyllo cups makes them a crowd-pleaser, and the best part is that they’re ready in just a few minutes with no baking required! Whether you’re serving them at Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a holiday cocktail party, these bites are sure to impress your guests. Don’t forget to add a drizzle of honey or sprinkle of nuts for extra flair, and enjoy watching them disappear off the plate!
No Bake Cranberry Brie Bites
- Total Time: 15 minutes
Description
The first time I made these No Bake Cranberry Brie Bites, it was one of those moments where I wasn’t quite sure how the family would react. Brie? With cranberry? In bite-sized form? But let me tell you, they were a hit from the very first bite! I had my doubts about whether my kids would take to the slightly tangy cranberry sauce paired with the creamy Brie, but the little puffs of buttery goodness were gone in minutes. My husband, who normally doesn’t rave about appetizers, was already asking if there was enough for seconds! These bites have now become a holiday staple in our home—they’re quick, elegant, and packed with flavor. Perfect for entertaining, or when you just want something fancy but stress-free. Trust me, you’ll be asked for the recipe time and time again!
Ingredients
- 24 mini phyllo cups (you can usually find these in the freezer section)
- 1 wheel of Brie (8 oz)
- 1/2 cup whole cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- Fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs for garnish (optional)
- 2 tablespoons honey (for drizzling)
- Pinch of sea salt (optional but recommended for contrast)
Instructions
- Prep the Brie: Start by cutting the Brie into small, bite-sized pieces that fit neatly into the mini phyllo cups. No need to remove the rind—Brie’s edible rind adds a lovely depth of flavor.
- Fill the Cups: Arrange the mini phyllo cups on a serving tray or platter. Place one piece of Brie in each cup.
- Add the Cranberry Sauce: Spoon about a teaspoon of cranberry sauce over the Brie in each phyllo cup. You can adjust the amount based on your preference for sweetness and tartness.
- Garnish: If you’re using rosemary or thyme, place a small sprig on top of each bite for a pop of color and added flavor.
- Finish with Honey: Drizzle honey lightly over the top of all the bites. The honey adds a delicious sweetness that complements the Brie and cranberries beautifully.
- Serve: You can serve these bites immediately, but if you’d like the Brie to soften a bit, you can pop them in the oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes. This step is optional but adds a nice gooey texture.
Notes
- Room Temperature Brie: For best results, let the Brie come to room temperature before cutting it. This helps it soften and makes cutting easier.
- Use High-Quality Cranberry Sauce: Homemade cranberry sauce works wonderfully here, but if you’re using store-bought, look for one with minimal additives and good texture.
- Honey Drizzle: Be generous with the honey drizzle—it adds an amazing contrast to the tart cranberries and rich Brie.
- Phyllo Cups Alternatives: If you can’t find mini phyllo cups, you can use crackers or slices of toasted baguette.
- Make Ahead: These bites are great for prepping ahead of time. Assemble them a few hours before your event, and simply drizzle honey and garnish before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 160
